5 Best Medical Aids for Domestic Workers in South Africa
The 5 Best Medical Aids for Domestic Workers in South Africa revealed.
We tested them side by side and verified their medical aid plans for domestic and residential workers in South Africa.
This is a complete guide to the best medical aid for domestic workers in South Africa.
In this in-depth guide you’ll learn:
- ☑️ What is a Medical Aid?
- ☑️ How do you find affordable medical aid for a domestic worker in South Africa?
- ☑️ Which medical insurance is best for domestic workers?
- ☑️ Which medical aids offer options under R500?
- ☑️ Are there medical aids for the unemployed?
- ☑️ Which medical aids are best for unemployed people?
So if you’re ready to go “all in” with the best medical aid for domestic workers in South Africa, this guide is for you.
Let’s dive right in…
Best Medical Aids for Domestic Workers in South Africa (2025)
| 🩺 Medical Aid | ✔️ Offers Plans for Domestic Workers? | ⚕️ Plan Offered | 💵 Pricing | 👉 Sign Up |
| 1. Momentum Medical Aid | Yes | Ingwe Option | R482 per member per month | 👉 Apply Now |
| 2. FedHealth | Yes | flexiFED Savvy | R945 per month per member | 👉 Apply Now |
| 3. Discovery Health | Yes | Primary Care for Household Employees | R249 per member per month | 👉 Apply Now |
| 4. Bonitas | Yes | Boncap Student Option | R780 per member per month | 👉 Apply Now |
| 5. NetCare | Yes | NetcarePlus Accident and Trauma Insurance | R240 per member per month | 👉 Apply Now |
5 Best Medical Aids for Domestic Workers (2025)
- Momentum Health – Overall, Best Medical Aid for Domestic Workers
- Fedhealth – Top Extensive Medical Protection in South Africa
- Discovery Health – Broadest Range of Low-Cost Medical Aid Plans
- Bonitas – Best Pay-As-You-Go Private Healthcare
- NetCare – Best Customer Service Medical Aid
Understanding medical aids for domestic workers in South Africa
👉 Healthcare has become increasingly unaffordable for low-income earners like domestic employees due to rising costs and strain on state resources.
👉 It’s a “Catch 22” for low-income earners since they can’t afford private medical care but also can’t afford to wait in line at a public facility for an extended period of time and lose out on income.
👉 There is a growing trend for employers to help address the healthcare gap by covering all or a portion of domestic workers’ monthly medical assistance contributions.
👉 Obviously, domestic workers need access to affordable healthcare.
👉 Many South African medical aid providers offer affordable health coverage aimed at people just starting out in their careers. In most cases, these provide assistance both while you’re hospitalised and on a day-to-day basis.
👉 In order to avoid having to pay co-payments, members must only use approved providers, such as those in the provider’s network of doctors and hospitals. As an added bonus, these choices also provide minimal security.
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Employers and medical aid for domestic workers
👉 Employers are not obligated to offer their staff members medical aid. It’s a common bonus that employers throw in to sweeten the deal on an otherwise uninspiring salary. Those who only employ one or two people may nevertheless want to help them pay for medical aid.
👉 When a private employer helps cover a portion of a domestic worker’s medical aid premium, the practice spreads from the home.
👉 Many companies hold the view that a healthy staff member is a more effective and content worker. When it comes to health and wellness, some South Africans expect their domestic worker to be on par with them because of the frequent one-on-one interactions that occur in the home.
👉 They can show their appreciation and provide additional benefits to keep a loyal employee by making a contribution to medical aid for their maid or another domestic worker.
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👉 No one can force you to pay for a maid, gardener, or other domestic worker’s medical care. This is currently up to the decision of the employer but that could change in the future.
👉 Since access to medical care is a fundamental human right, it makes sense to reward dedicated workers with benefits like these. Public health care in South Africa is unfortunately in a poor state. Hence, an employer’s support in such a time can do wonders for raising someone out of a funk.
👉 Employers in South Africa may discover that it is more cost-effective to provide their domestic workers with access to quality private health care via the protection of medical aid, as paid sick leave is a legal requirement in the country.
👉 This might mean less time spent unwell and less time spent in the long lines at the local health centre. To say nothing of the daily recurrences in state hospitals. In some cases, employers will provide medical benefits to the children of the domestic helper.
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The price of medical aid for domestic workers
👉 Domestic workers are not eligible for any sort of discounted medical aid. There is little difference in cost between the various medical aid plans because they all provide the same basic services.
👉 The level of employer contribution to medical benefits is a matter of discretion. They, too, must cautiously broach the topic with their housekeeper to ascertain if and how much the latter is willing to contribute to the domestic helper’s medical treatment.
👉 A medical aid broker is an excellent resource for help with this kind of decision. While it is not mandatory, many companies offer to pay a portion of their employees’ monthly medical aid fees as an incentive to stay with the company.
👉 If a comprehensive medical aid package or a hospitalisation-only plan is sufficient should be discussed between the employer and the domestic worker. In terms of budgetary outlay, there is a noticeable gap between the two options.
👉 Hospital cash plans are NOT medical aids, and consumers should be aware of this fact. Far too often, customers who sign up for a hospital cash plan are disappointed to learn that their plan does not cover private hospital care.
👉 A hospital cash plan is a form of insurance in which you are compensated monetarily for every day you spend in the hospital. Private hospitals in South Africa typically do not accept these plans as a guarantee for treatment.
Finding affordable medical aid for domestic workers
👉 No matter where you live in the world, your chances of working as a domestic worker are high up there on the list of lowest-paid occupations. It’s a fact of life that there will always be a large pool of the unemployed competing for jobs that require low-skilled labour.
👉 So, domestic employees have limited financial resources, and without a sizable monthly premium contribution from their employer, medical aid may be plainly unaffordable.
👉 However, most medical aids provide cheaper plans that cover the bare essentials and are only accepted at a small network of recommended clinics and hospitals.
👉 Such standard low-cost coverage is not exclusive to any one medical aid provider. In addition to covering hospital stays and long-term medications, it may also cover emergency care and other non-emergency situations.
👉 Members of these more affordable medical aid plans should know that they are not entitled to receive care simply by showing up at any doctor’s office and demanding it.
👉 There are some private doctors who aren’t participating in these more affordable programmes, limiting the medical aid recipient’s choice of doctors, hospitals, and clinics.
👉 It’s also worth noting that less-priced plans might not provide coverage for as many treatments as more pricey medical aid packages. But, at the absolute least, it typically offers the bare minimum of necessary medical care.
👉 To this end, we have listed the best medical aid options for domestic workers that provide a number of benefits at lower rates.
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5 of the Best-Known Medical Aids in South Africa for Domestic Workers
👉 From the price of a routine check-up to the price of an emergency appendectomy, medical expenses may add up rapidly. We compare the most affordable medical aid schemes for domestic workers.
1. Momentum Health
Overview
👉 One of the top three open medical plans in South Africa is Momentum Medical Scheme, and its parent company is widely considered a market leader.
👉 Momentum Health is dedicated to the long-term viability of the plan and to providing members with outstanding value.
👉 You can choose from a group of medical professionals at Momentum Health Solutions that are committed to giving you cost-effective, high-quality care.
👉 In order to provide for its members, Momentum has worked with medical networks that are financially driven. In addition, users can contact Hello Doctor at any moment for medical advice from a professional.
👉 Momentum’s actuarial services can be used to price incentives and reward programmes to entice and retain healthy members.
👉 Momentum uses a cutting-edge health coaching approach in its advocacy work to help members make informed healthcare decisions and save money.
Momentum Medical Aid Plans Suitable for Domestic Workers
👉 Momentum has a variety of affordable, yet comprehensive medical aid plans that are suitable for domestic workers.
Ingwe Option Plan
👉 Under this plan, your domestic worker and their family can seek medical attention at any hospital they desire, up to an annual maximum. Only private Ingwe-affiliated hospitals are available to you. For the most affordable premiums, participants must use public health care services.
👉 Unlike many other forms of medical aid, the Ingwe plans do not limit annual spending on medical care. The Ingwe network includes both private and governmental hospitals, so you can select the option that best fits your monthly budget.
👉 Both short- and long-term medical care, including prescriptions and doctor’s visits, must be handled by providers in either the Ingwe Active Network or the Ingwe Primary Care Network.
👉 Momentum has an excellent reputation in the field of medical assistance. It is the country’s fifth-largest medical aid provider and the third-largest medical aid plan. There are 2.84 million persons who could use it or 3.2% of the market and 5.8% of the unrestricted sector.
- ➡️ The Ingwe Option Plan is available at R482.00 per month
How Much Are Momentum Health Monthly Premiums?
👉 Momentum monthly premiums start at R1 539 for the main member on the Evolve Option and go up to R12 345 for the main member on the Summit Option.
What Is the Waiting Period for Momentum Health’s Benefits?
👉 The general waiting period is 3 months, but since pregnancy is considered a pre-existing condition, it is excluded from all benefits for the first 12 months of scheme membership.
How to Claim Momentum Health Benefits
👉 You can submit a claim in several ways:
- ➡️ Use the Momentum App
- ➡️ Use the web chat facility in the bottom left corner.
- ➡️ Send an email to [email protected] or send normal mail to PO Box 2338, Durban, 4000
👉 To make sure your claim is processed quickly and accurately, including the following information:
- ➡️ Membership number.
- ➡️ Principal member’s surname, initials, and first name.
- ➡️ Patient’s surname, initials, and first name.
- ➡️ Date of treatment.
- ➡️ Amount charged.
- ➡️ ICD–10 code (code to indicate what condition you’ve been diagnosed with), tariff code (product-specific code for procedures and claims), and NAPPI code (a unique identifier for a given ethical, surgical, or consumable product).
- ➡️ Service provider’s name and practice number.
- ➡️ Proof of payment if you’ve paid the claim out of your own pocket.
Momentum Health Contact Details
201 Umhlanga Ridge Blvd
Cornubia
Blackburn
PO Box 2338
Durban
Compare and Review Momentum Medical Aid with other Medical Aid Schemes in South Africa
- ✅ Momentum Medical Scheme vs. Discovery Health
- ✅ Momentum Medical Scheme vs. KeyHealth
- ✅ Momentum Medical Scheme vs. BestMed Medical Scheme
- ✅ Sizwe Hosmed Medical Fund vs Momentum Medical Scheme
- ✅ Bonitas vs. Momentum Medical Scheme
- ✅ Fedhealth vs. Momentum Medical Scheme
- ✅ Medihelp vs. Momentum Medical Scheme
- ✅ Medimed vs Momentum Medical Scheme
2. Fedhealth
Overview
👉 The necessity for medical care in South Africa led to the founding of Fedhealth in 1936. While much has changed throughout the years, their dedication to offering excellent service at reasonable rates has not.
👉 As a cooperative that operates for the benefit of its members, Fedhealth is always on the lookout for better ways to deliver healthcare to its members.
👉 Fedhealth puts an emphasis on individualization, so you can have input into crafting a healthcare plan that’s tailored to your needs. Exceptional customer service is just one-way Fedhealth goes above and beyond to fulfil its members’ needs.
👉 As a result of the Scheme’s strong financial status, it has maintained its AA- Global Credit Rating for the past 14 years and has a reserve for its participants that is greater than the legally mandated 25%.
👉 Fedhealth is well-known not only for its conventional benefits, but also for its novel Risk-based awards, which boost the value of the benefits for members.
👉 There are no restrictions on seeing doctors within the plan’s network, and you can acquire a free plan upgrade at any time during the year if your medical needs change significantly (within 30 days of a major life event).
Fedhealth Medical Aid Plans Suitable for Domestic Workers
👉 As a community-orientated medical aid scheme, Fedhealth provides a good selection of medical aid plans that are well-suited to domestic workers.
flexiFED Savvy
👉 flexiFED Savvy is an intriguing alternative for people and businesses seeking to give their employees high-quality, low-cost medical coverage since it is both one of the most cost-effective hospital plans available and a supercharged savings plan or supercharged flexible savings plan.
👉 It’s a daily replacement for your standard medical aid, according to your needs and budget.
- ➡️ flexiFED Savvy is available at R945.00 per month
How Much Are Fedhealth Medical Scheme Monthly Premiums?
👉 The monthly premiums for the salary-banded myFED option is from R 1 275 per month for the primary member. The maxima PLUS extensive medical cover will cost 13 122 per month per primary member.
What Is the Waiting Period for Fedhealth Benefits?
👉 The general waiting period for Fedhealth benefits is usually three months, depending on the medical aid scheme you join. The waiting period for pre-existing conditions is 12 months.
How to Claim Benefits from Fedhealth Medical Scheme
👉 Members can submit claims using one of the following:
- ➡️ On the Fedhealth Family Room,
- ➡️ Through a WhatsApp service
- ➡️ On the Fedhealth Member Phone App
- ➡️ You may also email, fax or post the claims to email: [email protected], fax: (011) 671 3842 or post to Private Bag X3045, Randburg, 2125.
Fedhealth Medical Scheme Contact Details
Flora Centre Shop 21 and 22
Corner Conrad street and Ontdekkers Rd
Florida Glen
Johannesburg
Phone: 0861 116 016
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3. Discovery Health
Overview
👉 According to the Commission for Medical Schemes Quarterly Report for the quarter ended 30 June 2019, Discovery Health Medical Plan (DHMS) had 2,808,106 members as of December 31, 2019.
👉 The non-profit Council for Medical Schemes and the Medical Schemes Act 131 of 1998 control Discovery. Anyone who meets the requirements can sign up for the System because it is a public healthcare system.
👉 Every decision made by the Scheme is driven by a desire to help its participants. With a common set of beliefs, Discovery is able to balance the wants of its members with the needs of the Scheme as a whole.
👉 South African citizens who are members of the Discovery Health Medical Scheme (DHMS or the Scheme) have their medical expenses covered by a centralised fund that is administered with a commitment to social solidarity rather than financial gain.
Discovery Health Medical Aid Plans Suitable for Domestic Workers
👉 Discovery Health is the only medical aid scheme in South Africa to date that has created a plan specifically designed for domestic workers.
Primary Care for Household Employees
👉 Discovery now offers affordable private healthcare to all domestic workers.
👉 This plan is offered under Discovery’s Primary Care for Household Employees programme, which provides primary private healthcare benefits to household employees and their dependents beginning at R249 per month.
👉 With Discovery’s Primary Care for Household Workers, you have access to a variety of advantages, such as the WHO Global Outbreak Benefit, which pays for Covid -19 positive tests.
👉 Household employers can supplement Discovery Primary Care for their staff with emergency hospital coverage if they so want. Discovery Primary Care is not a medical aid and does not include hospital protection.
👉 Trauma coverage of R300,000 costs an extra R63 per month, while R1 million costs an extra R88.
👉 Benefit recipients can get treatment for a variety of traumas at any private hospital’s emergency room. As a bonus, Discovery will also throw in a funeral cover to the tune of R5,000.
- ➡️ The Primary Care for Household Employees Plan is available at R249.00 per month
How Much Are Discovery Medical Aid Monthly Premiums?
👉 Monthly premiums start from R1,102 per member for the KeyCare Series with medical cover for both in-hospital and out-of-hospital treatment by providers in a specified network and go up to R10,303 per member for the Executive Plan with extensive cover for in-hospital and day-to-day benefits, extended chronic medicine cover, and unlimited Above Threshold Benefit.
What Is the Waiting Period for Discovery Medical Aid’s Benefits?
👉 Discovery Health Medical Scheme’s general waiting period is 3 consecutive months and the condition-specific waiting period is 12 consecutive months.
How to Claim for Discovery Medical Aid Benefits
👉 You can submit a claim fast and easily in the following ways:
- ➡️ Scan and upload your claims on the website.
- ➡️ Scan and email your claims to [email protected].
- ➡️ Use the Discovery app on your smartphone. If the claim has a QR code, scan the QR code or alternatively take a photo of the claim from within the app.
- ➡️ You can also submit your claims by post.
Discovery Medical Aid Contact Details
PO Box 784262,
Sandton,
2146
Phone: 0860 99 88 77
4. Bonitas
Overview
👉 Bonitas helped 649,032 young people in South Africa in 2014. Workers at major corporations such as Nestlé, BHP Billiton, and Eskom are included. Bonitas has an AA- international credit rating with a solvency ratio of 30.7%.
👉 The average age of a Bonitas member is under 30, and the average age of a Bonitas beneficiary is under 30, resulting in lesser annual contribution increases.
👉 Hospitalization, long-term care and prescription medication coverage are all part of Bonitas’ affordable medical aid packages. When it comes to health benefits, this company is ideal for both young workers and those with children.
👉 Established in 1982, Bonitas has quickly grown to become the largest medical aid scheme in South Africa, surpassing the previous market leader.
👉 The 4,500 medical professionals who make up the Bonitas network are committed to providing their patients with high-quality care at affordable prices.
👉 Bonitas offers its clients two unique services—oncology management and hospital and medicine management—to combat the ever-increasing cost of healthcare.
👉 Several of Bonitas plans to provide Lasik eye surgery in addition to other vision and dental services. Each participant can carry over their unused balance into the following year and earn interest on it.
Bonitas Medical Aid Plans Suitable for Domestic Workers
👉 There are affordable medical aid plans available from Bonitas that are suitable for domestic workers.
Boncap Student
👉 This plan includes low-cost, income-based medical assistance for students, who may be working a supplementary position as a domestic worker. The Bonitas Boncap Student option allows full-time students’ dependants to pay child membership prices until the age of 24.
👉 This plan includes unlimited hospital coverage at 100% of the Bonitas cost and unlimited GP consultations, provided network providers are used. Out-of-network and specialty consultations are likewise limited.
- ➡️ The BonCap Student Plan is available from R780.00 per month
What Is the Waiting Period for Bonitas Medical Aid Benefits?
👉 The minimum general waiting period for Bonitas medical aid is three months for all benefits. Some plans, however, have a waiting period of 12 months, especially regarding a pre-existing condition.
How to Claim for Breast Reduction Benefits from Bonitas
👉 You can send in your claim in the following ways:
- ➡️ Email your claims to [email protected].
- ➡️ Post your claims to Bonitas Claims Department, PO Box 74, Vereeniging, 1930.
- ➡️ Submit your claims in person at one of the walk-in centres.
👉 Follow these simple steps to get your claims paid quickly:
- ➡️ Ensure your banking details are correct for refunds by electronic transfer (EFT) into your bank account
- ➡️ Make sure that your account and receipt show your name and initials, membership number, treatment date, the name of the patient as shown on your membership card, the amount charged and the ICD-10 code.
Bonitas Contact Details
34 Melrose Blvd, Birnam
Johannesburg
2196
Phone for General Queries: 0860002108
Email: [email protected]
Email: [email protected]
5. NetCare
Overview
👉 Netcare Limited is a holding business that operates through a network of other companies, employing around 29,000 people in total.
👉 The Netcare Group invests in expanding and perfecting its capacity, and they work with the public sector to enhance the efficacy of the national healthcare systems in which they operate.
👉 Netcare’s commitment to its patients, along with its high standards of professional competence, and the quality of care they deliver, make them a leader among healthcare providers.
👉 NetCare’s innovative product solutions and extensive network of providers make it possible to obtain high-quality, privately-provided medical care on a pay-as-you-go basis when it’s most needed.
👉 Some of the new products available from NetCare can be donated to those in need, while others are designed to help you and your loved ones meet your own healthcare needs.
👉 Their prepaid services are made to aid in the management of routine healthcare needs and provide safety nets in the event of an unexpected injury or illness.
👉 Whether you’re looking for a private hospital, primary care, emergency medical services, or kidney treatment in South Africa, go no further than Netcare.
👉 The Group also offers emergency medical treatment through Netcare 911, renal dialysis through National Renal Care, mental health and psychiatric therapies through Akeso, and primary healthcare, subacute care, day surgery, occupational health, and employee wellness services through Medicross.
👉 Netcare is also the best private institution for training emergency medical and nursing personnel in the country.
NetCare Medical Aid Plans Suitable for Domestic Workers
👉 Domestic Workers can find affordable healthcare coverage at NetCare for medical emergencies.
NetCare Accident and Trauma Cover
👉 In the event of an accident or trauma, NetcarePlus Accident and Trauma Insurance will pay for necessary medical care at any of a large number of private hospitals and contracted institutions.
👉 Accidents, assaults, and falls are only some of the physical impacts that are covered by this medical aid, giving those without insurance piece of mind.
- ➡️ NetCare Accident and Trauma Cover is available from R240.00 per month
How Much Are Netcare Medical Scheme’s Monthly Premiums?
👉 NetCare Accident and Trauma Cover are available from R240.00 per month.
What Is the Waiting Period for NetCare Benefits?
👉 Depending on the medical aid scheme you join, the average waiting period for NetCare benefits is three months. Pre-existing conditions have a 12-month waiting period.
How to Claim Benefits from NetCare Medical Scheme
👉 Members can submit claims using one of the following:
- ➡️ Select a product you would like to submit a claim for
- ➡️ Email NetCare at [email protected]
NetCare Medical Scheme Contact Details
76 Maude Street,
Corner West Street,
Sandton,
2196
Phone: 0860 638 2273
Email: [email protected]
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a medical aid plan specifically for domestic workers in South Africa?
At this time the only available medical aid plan for domestic workers is the Primary Care for Household Employees plan from Discovery Health.
Must employers provide a medical aid plan for their domestic workers?
No, employers are not required to provide medical benefits to their domestic workers.
What should domestic workers look for in a medical aid?
The employer and the domestic worker should decide if a comprehensive medical aid package or a hospitalization-only plan is adequate. There is a significant difference in budgetary outlay between the two solutions.
Where can employers get advice when looking for a medical aid plan for their domestic workers?
A medical aid broker is a great resource for assistance with this type of decision. While it is not required, many employers offer to cover a percentage of their employees’ monthly medical insurance premiums as an incentive to keep them on board.
Are there medical aid plans for domestic workers available at less than R1000 in South Africa?
Yes, there are several Medical Aid plans available at less than R1000 in South Africa. ✅ Medical Aid Plans below R1000 per month
