Medihelp Medical Aid Scheme (2026)

Starting from R804 per month on the MedMove! Student plan. Additionally, Medihelp offers 24/7 emergency support. Gap Cover is not included on any option and can be obtained separately.        

Overall, Medihelp offers 11 medical aid plans:  

• ✅ MediHelp Medprime
• ✅ MediHelp MedPrime Elect
• ✅ MediHelp MedPlus
• ✅ MediHelp MedElite
• ✅ MediHelp MedVital
• ✅ MediHelp MedVital Elect
• ✅ MediHelp MedSaver
• ✅ MediHelp MedMove Student
• ✅ MediHelp MedReach
• ✅ MediHelpMedAdd
• ✅ MediHelp MedAdd Elect

Medihelp Medical Aid Reviews from different sources

As per date of publication - June 2026

Medihelp Plans Best Suited for

Medihelp Regulation

The Council for Medical Schemes regulates the Medihelp Medical Scheme.  The Council governs South Africa's medical plan business for Medical Schemes (CMS), a regulating body set up under the Medical Schemes Act, No. 131 of 1998 (the Act).   The CMS is responsible for a range of tasks related to the oversight of medical insurance plans, such as:  

• ✅ Responsible for registering medical insurance plans and ensuring they comply with the law and other laws.
• ✅ Making sure healthcare plans have the money to pay claims.
• ✅ Examining and authorizing proposed price hikes for medical plans.
• ✅ Accepting and examining member complaints and initiating disciplinary action against medical plans that violate the Act or other applicable rules.
• ✅ Helping medical insurance plans follow the law and other laws.

Furthermore, suppose a medical scheme is found to violate the law. In that case, the CMS can issue administrative fines and penalties.      

Medihelp Plan Contributions for 2026

MedMove! Student

While you concentrate on your studies, MedMove's high-quality network provides comprehensive coverage at a reasonable cost. MedMove Student starts at only R804. Discover more about Medihelp Student plans.  

💙 Poll: 5 Best Medical Aids for Students

MedVital Elect and MedVital

MedVital is a cost-effective medical aid plan that covers minor medical expenses, private hospitalization, and emergency medical services.  

MedMove! Student

MedMove! will accompany you on your time studying by providing coverage for health essentials such as private hospitalization and emergency medical services via quality networks.  You can also access virtual and in-person doctor consultations, medication, and additional medical services.  

MedAdd Elect and MedAdd

The 15% savings account, additional insured coverage once savings are depleted, dental and vision care coverage, and pregnancy benefits make MedAdd a popular option for young families. However, Medihelp members can pay less for the network-based alternative, MedAdd Elect.  

MedSaver

  MedSaver covers private hospitalization at any hospital, while the 25% savings account covers out-of-hospital medical expenses. Furthermore, when savings are exhausted, additional out-of-hospital coverage becomes available.  

MedElect

By leveraging its extensive network, MedElect can easily provide excellent healthcare at a reasonable cost.  

MedPrime Elect and MedPrime

In addition to private hospitalization, the MedPrime plan provides excellent coverage for out-of-hospital services via a savings account, insured pooled benefits, and extensive dental and vision benefits. In addition, you can save a lot with MedPrime Elect, as a network alternative .  

MedElite

MedElite offers comprehensive coverage for private hospitalization, a savings account, and rich, insured benefits for out-of-hospital medical expenses, such as those associated with chronic medicine, to ensure that its members can rest easy.  

MedPlus

MedPlus, Medi help's premium plan, provides the most comprehensive coverage for medical emergencies, private hospitalization, and preventive care and substantial coverage for acute and chronic medicine, radiology, pathology, and other routine medical expenses.      

Medihelp Advantages over Competitors 

• 📌 Medihelp offers 11 plans, each with a range of benefits.
• 📌 The plans with Medihelp are affordable and cater to every budget in South Africa.
• 📌 There is no overall annual limit on hospitalization.
• 📌 South Africans that need international coverage for traveling.
• 📌 There are savings plans with various benefits, and any unused funds will be carried over to the next year.
• 📌 Many hospitals in every province form part of the Medihelp hospital network.
• 📌 There are over 95,540+ principal members with Medihelp.
• 📌 You can rest assured knowing that Medihelp has a reserve level that significantly exceeds the minimum required by law, giving them a rating that places them among the best in the industry regarding paying claims.
• 📌 Complete protection against 271 PMB Conditions.
• 📌 Chronic care and back treatment are just two examples of the specialized healthcare programs available today.
• 📌 Alternatives at lower costs, with access to private healthcare systems.
• 📌 Several plans include insurance for maternity and childcare costs.
• 📌 Medihelp interacts with its customers and provides service via various channels, such as mobile apps, self-service websites, live chat, and telephone support.
• 📌 Medihelp, as one of the largest medical aids in the country and with more than 120 years of experience in the field, knows exactly what its members need in terms of medical coverage and care.

Medihelp Medical Savings Account

Medihelp offers Medical Savings on the following plans:  

• ☑️ MedAdd Elect and MedAdd
• ☑️ MedSave
• ☑️ MedPrime Elect and MedPrime
• ☑️ MedElite

📢 Compare different medical aid quotes

Medihelp Hospital Networks Explained

Several Medihelp options use provider networks to reduce monthly contributions.

Network plans can represent good value, but they require more planning. Before choosing an Elect or other network-based option, check whether suitable hospitals are available near your home and workplace.

This matters in practice. Living near a Netcare, Mediclinic or Life Healthcare facility does not automatically mean that particular hospital participates in your Medihelp option's network. Check Medihelp's current provider directory for the exact option before joining or scheduling planned treatment.

The 2026 Member Guide confirms that hospital and day-procedure networks apply to specific options and procedures.

How to apply for Medical Aid with Medihelp

Medical Aid Quote Medihelp Medical Scheme process explained   You can apply for Medical Aid with Medihelp by:  

• ✅ Completing the Online Application
• ✅ Speaking to an Advisor
• ✅ Getting a Quote Online
• ✅ Also take note of the late joiner fee

Get a Medihelp Medical Aid quote from our Dedicated Medical Aid Specialists Broker.  

⚠️ Read more in this guide about the MediHelp Application process.

How to Submit a Claim with Medihelp

In most cases, doctors and other healthcare providers will submit claims to Medihelp on your behalf. However, some providers may require you to pay their bills fully before issuing a refund.   Members of Medihelp can submit claims through any of the following channels:  

• ✅ Medihelp App
• ✅ Member Zone
• ✅ Email

💙 You might consider reading more about Medical Aid Tax Credit

How to Submit a Compliment or Complaint with Medihelp

When submitting a compliment, members, and non-members can do so directly via email, live chat, online call requests, or telephonically.   The Steps to follow to log a complaint with Medihelp works as follows:  

• ☑️ Go to Medihelp website
• ☑️ Go to Memberzone.
• ☑️ Log in as a member and complain as a member.

  For more details on the complaint procedure click on the link below:  

⚠️ A guide to submitting a complaint via MediHelp channels.

How to Switch My Medical Aid to Medihelp

Before switching to Medihelp, you should inform your current medical aid provider of your intention to cancel coverage. After notifying your current medical assistance provider of your intent to cancel coverage, you can apply for Medihelp online or by phone.    

Prescribed Minimum Benefits

Does Medihelp Cover PMBs?

Yes. As a registered medical scheme, Medihelp must provide Prescribed Minimum Benefits in accordance with the Medical Schemes Act and applicable regulations.

Medihelp's 2026 guide states that its core benefits include cover for 271 PMB conditions and 26 chronic conditions on the Chronic Disease List.

That does not mean members can automatically obtain treatment from any provider without restrictions. Depending on the option and clinical circumstances, Medihelp may apply-

• Designated Service Providers, 
• medicine formularies,
• treatment protocols,
• pre-authorisation
• and other scheme rules.

The official guide specifically warns that limits, co-payments, formularies, lists of codes and DSPs may apply.

Members receiving chronic treatment should therefore check both whether their condition qualifies for PMB/CDL cover and how Medihelp requires that treatment to be accessed.

Medihelp Customer Support

You can contact Medihelp's customer support in several ways, such as:  

• ✔️ Phone: You can call their customer support hotline and speak with a representative directly.
• ✔️ Email: You can email their customer support email address, and they will respond as soon as possible.
• ✔️ Online chat: The Medihelp website can chat with a customer support representative in real time.
• ✔️ Social media: Medihelp has a customer support account on various social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc. You can reach out to them through a direct message.
• ✔️ Postal mail: You can also contact Medihelp's customer support by sending a letter to their mailing address.

⚠️ Guide to MediHelp Contact details to various departments.

Medical Aid Comparisons: Medihelp vs Momentum vs Bonitas - A Comparison

You might also compare MediHelp Medical Aid Scheme with other providers:  

• 🆚 Medihelp vs. Medshield
• 🆚 Medihelp vs. Momentum Medical Scheme
• 🆚 Medihelp vs. Medimed
• 🆚 Medihelp vs. Fedhealth
• 🆚 Medihelp vs. Sizwe Medical Fund
• 🆚 Medihelp vs. Bonitas
• 🆚 Medihelp vs. BestMed Medical Scheme
• 🆚 Medihelp vs. KeyHealth
• 🆚 Medihelp vs. Discovery Health

Medihelp Member Reviews

Highly Recommend.

As a recent member of Medihelp, I wholeheartedly recommend their services to anyone in need of medical aid or hospital coverage. My daughter, who has been diagnosed with asthma for eight years, recently began experiencing severe asthma attacks. Despite this difficult time, Medihelp has been exemplary in its support and care. They assisted my daughter during her hospital admissions, and I have no complaint to lodge against them. Therefore, I strongly encourage anyone seeking medical aid or hospital coverage to consider Medihelp seriously. I am confident that you will not regret your decision. - Olivia Branch     

Great Support.

I have been a member of Medihelp Medical Aid since 2016, and throughout my tenure as a member, I have had numerous interactions with their call center for various reasons. On each occasion, I have been treated with the utmost respect and provided with the necessary information and assistance. Recently, following the passing of my father, I was faced with the task of settling numerous medical bills from doctors and hospitals. Medihelp provided unwavering support throughout this difficult time, settling all bills as promised and without fail. I am deeply grateful for their friendly and professional handling of this sensitive situation. I would highly recommend their services to others. - Lana Perez    

Impressive.

As a member of Medihelp for just under a year, I have been consistently impressed with the level of service they have provided. Recently, during the COVID-19 pandemic, I reached out to Medihelp for assistance in finding an appropriate testing facility. The process was seamless - they guided me to the appropriate location, and the expenses incurred were promptly and efficiently reimbursed. I am pleased with the level of care and attention I have received from Medihelp and would recommend their services to others. - Jac Zamora       

Medihelp Pros and Cons

⚠️ It is advisable to take out Gap Cover with your MediHelp plan:

💙5 Best Gap Cover Options for Under R1500

💙5 Best Gap Cover Options for Under R1 000

Medihelp - Our Verdict

Medihelp is one of the best medical schemes in South Africa, with over a century of experience in the field. As a result, the Global Credit Rating Company has assigned an AA rating to the company.  According to Deloitte, it is the seventh-best medium-sized employer in South Africa.   Unsurprisingly, the medical scheme consistently receives positive feedback.  This includes employees, customers, and other stakeholders to whom they are connected. Medihelp is truly assisting South Africans by providing one of the best medical schemes in the country.  

You might also like to read more articles about:

• 📌 Best Medical Aid for Unemployed in South Africa
• 📌 Best Medical Aids for Domestic Workers
• 📌 Read more about the Medihelp Hospital network 

Medihelp Frequently Asked Questions 

Is Medihelp a good medical aid?

Yes, Medihelp is one of the largest and oldest medical schemes in South Africa, with a solid reputation for providing quality healthcare coverage and customer service. Medihelp has consistently been awarded high ratings and accolades by independent rating agencies and has a broad range of benefit options to suit different healthcare needs and budgets.  

Does Medihelp have a waiting period?

Medihelp may apply a general waiting period of up to three months and/or a condition-specific waiting period of up to 12 months, depending on factors such as previous medical scheme membership and breaks in cover. PMB access during waiting periods depends on the circumstances and applicable Medical Schemes Act requirements. 

Read more about the Medihelp Waiting Period  

Is there a Medihelp app for Android and iOS?

Medihelp has an app for Android and iOS.  

Where can I find the Medihelp Medical Aid contact number?

You can find Medihelp’s contact number on the official website.  

How many Medihelp plans are there for 2026?

There are currently 11 plans available from Medihelp.  

Is there an electronic Medihelp membership card?

✅ Yes, Medihelp offers an electronic membership card on the official site and member’s area.  

How do I get Authorization from Medihelp?

Log in to the Member Zone of Medihelp and select "pre-auths." Then, send all necessary information to [email protected]. Members can also contact the pre-authorization consultants of Medihelp at 086 0200 678. Discover more about the Authorization process from Medihelp  

How do I Downgrade my Plan with Medihelp?

Medihelp does not currently indicate whether members can downgrade their plan.  

How do I add a Beneficiary to Medihelp?

If you want to add a child or adult dependent, you can log into your Medihelp profile, Navigate to the Medihelp website, and click on “Connect.” Hover over “Members” and click on “Medihelp forms.”  Click on “Registration of Dependents 2026,” print the form, and complete the applicable sections.  

How do I pay Medihelp?

Your monthly contribution should be debited automatically from the bank account you indicated. However, you can settle any outstanding balances straight into Medihelp’s bank account at an ABSA branch or by Internet transfer.  

Does Medihelp cover MRI scans?

Your physician may request a CT or MRI scan to confirm a diagnosis. Medihelp’s plans cover scans IN and out of hospital, but note that sub-limits do apply.  

Does Medihelp pay for blood tests?

✅ Yes, Medihelp medical aid covers blood tests, but the extent of coverage depends on your specific medical aid plan benefits. Most Medihelp plans include some level of coverage for blood tests, either as part of routine checkups or as diagnostic tests for specific conditions  

Does Medihelp cover dental implants?

✅ Yes, Dental implants are covered on certain Medihelp options, but there are some important things to take notice of like Pre-authorization requirements. Some plans may have higher co-payments or deductibles for implants than others. Certain types of implants or procedures may not be covered by your plan. You can find more information on the Medihelp website.

⚠️ Read more about The Medihelp Dental Network

Does Medihelp offer Gap Cover?

❌ No, Medihelp does not offer gap cover directly. Medihelp has partnered with gap cover providers, MedGap and Cura, to offer discounted gap cover options to their members. But you may opt for a Gap Cover of your choice.  

What kind of electronic health records does Medihelp offer?

Medihelp offers a comprehensive electronic health records (EHR) system that allows healthcare providers to manage patient records, track patient progress, and communicate with other providers. The EHR system is designed to be user-friendly and customizable. Therefore, providers can tailor it to their specific needs.  

Does Medihelp support Telemedicine?

✅ Yes, Medihelp supports telemedicine by providing a secure platform for virtual visits between patients and providers. The platform includes video conferencing, secure messaging, and other features to facilitate remote care.  

How does Medihelp engage patients?

Medihelp offers a patient engagement platform that allows patients to access their health records, communicate with their providers, and manage their health. The platform includes appointment scheduling, medication reminders, and educational resources to help patients stay informed and engaged in their care.