5 Best Medical Aids for Students in South Africa

 

The 5 Best Medical Aids for Students in South Africa revealed.

We tested them side by side and verified their medical aid plans for students in South Africa.

This is a complete guide to the best medical aid for students in South Africa.

 

In this in-depth guide you’ll learn:

• 🧑🏾‍🎓 What is a Medical Aid?
• 🧑🏾‍🎓 Why a student must consider medical cover 
• 🧑🏾‍🎓 How do you find affordable medical aid in South Africa as a student?
• 🧑🏾‍🎓 Which medical aid is the cheapest for students in South Africa?
• 🧑🏾‍🎓 How to compare medical aid prices against each other and make an informed decision?

 

So if you’re ready to go “all in” with the best medical aid for Students in South Africa, this guide is for you.

 

Let’s dive right in…

 

 

Best Medical Aids for Students (2025)

 

🩺 Medical Aid	✔️ Offers Medical Aid Plans for Students?	⚕️ Plan Offered	👉 Sign Up
1. Bonitas	✅ Yes	Boncap Student	👉 Apply Now
2. Discovery Health	✅ Yes	Discovery KeyCare Plan	👉 Apply Now
3. Momentum Medical Aid	✅ Yes	Ingwe Student Option	👉 Apply Now
4. Fedhealth	✅ Yes	FlexiFed Savvy	👉 Apply Now
5. MediHelp Medical Aid	✅ Yes	MedMove	👉 Apply Now

 

 

5 Best Medical Aids for Students (2025)

 

1. Bonitas Medical Aid – Overall, the Best Medical Aid for Students in South Africa
2. Discovery Medical Aid – Top Extensive Medical Protection in South Africa
3. Momentum Health – Best Customer Service Medical Aid
4. Fedhealth Medical Aid – Best Pay-As-You-Go Private Healthcare
5. Medihelp Medical Aid – Broadest Range of Low-Cost Medical Aid Plans

 

 

 

 

Introduction to Medical Aids in South Africa For Students

 

 

👉 If you are too old to be on your parents’ medical aid coverage but are not yet permanently employed because you are still a full-time student, you may qualify for Medical Aid for Students. If you can provide proof of enrolment, you’ll be eligible for discounts.

 

👉 Students who are generally healthy but would like the peace of mind that comes with knowing they are financially protected in the event of a hospitalisation typically opt for a Hospital Plan that covers mostly in-hospital charges.

 

👉 Chronically ill students still have the option of enrolling in a full Medical Aid package, provided they have the necessary funds. Affordable plans that provide both hospitalisation and non-hospitalized care are also available.

 

👉 You can remain a dependant on your parents’ Medical Aid plan at the discounted child cost as long as you’re younger than age 21. Provided you are still in school full-time after turning 26, you may be eligible to continue paying the reduced child rate for some Medical Aid plans.

 

 

What students should look for in medical aid?

 

 

👉 There are only three things that truly matter while looking for student health care. What is the age requirement to join? How is the individual’s health generally, and who will be liable for paying the premiums?

 

👉 South African law states that a student under the age of 18 must enlist as a dependant of a main member and get coverage until the age of 26. However, it doesn’t have to be a parent; an uncle, aunt, grandmother, older sibling, or even a friend are all great options.

 

👉 Medical coverage for dependant students is likely to be comprehensive without substantially increasing the primary member’s payment in such plans.

 

👉 If you’re over 18 and not someone’s dependant, a hospital plan is probably your best bet, especially if you’re planning to pay for it out of pocket with a part-time job.

 

👉 Although many go this route in an effort to save money, it should be noted that the target market for these products is healthy young adults, as they only provide protection against the financially devastating effects of hospitalisation for things like accidents.

 

👉 As far as medical coverage goes, this should satisfy the majority of a student’s needs. However, in most circumstances, the costs associated with a chronic ailment, such asthma or diabetes, will only be covered during times of hospitalisation.

 

👉 The private sector has been hit just as hard by rising healthcare expenses as public facilities, and fund managers have had to come up with a variety of products that are significantly more flexible in terms of features and premiums to keep membership at affordable levels.

 

 

📢 Complete below form and receive a free, no obligation quote

 

 

 

5 of the Best-Known Medical Aids in South Africa For Students

 

 

🧑🏾‍🎓 What kind of health care coverage is available in South Africa for students?

 

🧑🏾‍🎓 The top medical aid programmes in South Africa provide a wide range of options so that they may cater to the country’s students, who have varying degrees of financial security and health care needs and preferences.

 

🧑🏾‍🎓 Students seeking medical coverage often choose for hospital plans and income-based policies because of their lower costs.

 

📌 READ more about Health Insurance for Students in South Africa

 

 

1. Bonitas Medical Aid

 

 

 

Overview

👉 Over its nearly four decades in business, Bonitas has amassed a wealth of experience and a deep grasp of the South African private healthcare market.

👉 Therefore, its team of experts is always looking for new ways to ensure that members receive reasonably priced, high-quality healthcare, whether that’s through monitoring cutting-edge technological developments, managing your care to identify lifestyle diseases before they become chronic, or negotiating better rates on your behalf.

👉 You, along with the other 700,000 people the firm serves, may stay healthy at a reduced cost by taking advantage of the company’s competitive pricing and reputable network of healthcare professionals.

👉 You and your loved ones are sure to find a plan from Bonitas’ wide variety that meets your specific needs. In addition to providing maximum benefits, the programmes are created to be as easy to use as possible. When you’re a student shopping for your first medical aid scheme, Bonitas is there to help.

👉 Financially, the corporation seems strong, with steady finances and over R6 billion in reserves.

👉 Bonitas recognises the importance of establishing strong relationships with their clientele if they want to continue being member-centric and dedicated to putting their needs first. Bonitas Medical Fund has been recognised for its outstanding levels of customer satisfaction and excellent service by three separate surveys.

👉 Bonitas was named the top South African medical aid provider in 2021–2022 Ask Afrika Orange Index for service excellence in the medical aid sector.

👉 The 2019/2020 Index and the 2017/2018 Index both ranked it as the best medical aid in South Africa.

👉 Ask Afrika Orange Index has been tracking customer happiness and loyalty in the service sector since 2001. The index looks at 31 different industries and uses 10 key service criteria to evaluate an organization’s overall performance.

👉 Those in charge at Bonitas have extensive experience in their respective professions, and the organisation is overseen by a Board of Trustees comprised of experts in medicine, law, finance, and business who are not employees.

 

💙 Read our Guide on Student plans offered by Bonitas

 

 

Best Bonitas Medical Aid Plans for Students

🧑🏾‍🎓 A number of Bonitas’ plans are well-suited to students. For students to get the most out of their benefits, the programmes must be simple to grasp and use. Below we discuss two entry level options that is suitable for learners.

 

BonCap Plans

 

 

• 🧑🏾‍🎓 The BonCap Plan is a low-cost medical aid programme that covers hospitalisation and basic medical expenses for those who qualify based on their income.

 

• 🧑🏾‍🎓 Monthly premiums start from R1154 per month.

 

 

BonStart Plan

 

 

• 🧑🏾‍🎓 The BonStart Plan is a high-quality provider network is used to bring you a wide range of hospital benefits, as well as certain value-added perks, under this plan.

 

• 🧑🏾‍🎓 Monthly premiums start from R1498 per month.

 

 

Benefits for Students under Bonitas Medical Aid

👉 The majority of the aforementioned alternatives provide at least some coverage for hospitals and some sort of savings account to use for other medical costs.

 

 

How Much Are Bonitas Medical Aid Monthly Premiums?

 

🔎 Plan	💴 Contributions Range (Main) ZAR	💵 Contributions Range (+ Adult) ZAR	💶 Contributions Range (+ Child) ZAR	💷 Medical Savings (Up to)	📌 Chronic Conditions
🥇 BonStart	1,498	1,498	1,498	None	27
🥈 BonStart Plus	1,907	1,813	840	None	27
🥉 Standard	5,439	4,715	1,596	None	45
🏅 Standard Select	4,915	4,253	1,439	None	45
🥇 Primary	3,307	2,587	1,052	None	27
🥈 Primary Select	2,946	2,304	936	None	27
🥉 BonFit Select	2,524	1,890	849	R4,536 (Main) R3,396 (+1 Adult) R1,524 (+1 Child)	27
🏅 BonSave	3,782	2,859	1,132	R11,352 (Main) R8,580 (+1 Adult) R3,396 (+1 Child)	27
🥇 BonComplete	6,040	4,838	1,639	R10,848 (Main) R8,688 (+1 Adult) R2,940 (+1 Child)	31
🥈 BonClassic	7,453	6,398	1,840	R12,636 (Main) R10,848 (+1 Adult) R3,120 (+1 Child)	47
🥉 BonComprehensive	11,321	10,676	2,306	R25,632 (Main) R24,168 (+1 Adult) R5,220 (+1 Child)	60
🏅 Hospital Standard	3,252	2,739	1,236	None	27
🥇 BonEssential	2,509	1,854	811	None	27
🥈 BonEssential Select	2,192	1,606	723	None	27
🥉 BonCap	1,154	1,154	732	None	27

 

 

What Is the Waiting Period for Bonitas Medical Aid Benefits?

 

👉 The minimum general waiting period for Bonita’s medical aid is three months for all benefits. Some plans, however, have a waiting period of 12 months, especially regarding a pre-existing condition.

 

👉 Pregnancy is considered a pre-existing condition; therefore it is excluded from all benefits for the first 12 months of scheme membership.

 

 

Bonitas Contact Details for its Members

 

Medical emergency services: this department handles all of your medical emergency services as proscribed under your specific plan benefit:

 

• ✅ Call: 0860 555 505
• ✅ Email: [email protected] or [email protected]
• ✅ WhatsApp: None
• ✅ Fax: None
• ✅ Mobile App: Bonitas Member App
• ✅ Website enquiry: https://www.bonitas.co.za/contact

 

 

Pharmacy Direct Registration: this department handles your registration with pharmacies for chronic or prescribed medications

• ✅ Call: 0860027800
• ✅ Please call me: 0836908934
• ✅ Email: [email protected]
• ✅ WhatsApp: None
• ✅ Fax: 0866114000/1/2
• ✅ Mobile App: Bonitas Member App
• ✅ Website enquiry: www.pharmacydirect.co.za

 

 

HIV/AIDS programme: all members under the HIV benefit with Bonitas can contact this department

• ✅ Call: 0860100646
• ✅ Please call me: 0834109078
• ✅ Email: [email protected]
• ✅ WhatsApp: None
• ✅ Fax: 0800600773
• ✅ Mobile App: Bonitas Member App
• ✅ Website enquiry: www.afa.co.za

 

 

Optical Benefits department: those who fall under the optometry benefit from Bonitas can contact this department

• ✅ Call: 0410650650
• ✅ Email: [email protected]
• ✅ WhatsApp: None
• ✅ Fax: None
• ✅ Mobile App: Bonitas Member App
• ✅ Website enquiry: www.ppn.co.za

 

 

International Travel Benefit: members who need assistance with international travel cover can contact this department

• ✅ Call: 0871354795
• ✅ Email: [email protected]
• ✅ WhatsApp: None
• ✅ Fax: None
• ✅ Mobile App: Bonitas Member App
• ✅ Website enquiry: None

 

 

Hip and Knee Programme (JointCare): members who fall under the benefit for jointcare can contact this department

• ✅ Call: 0115683334
• ✅ Email: None
• ✅ WhatsApp: None
• ✅ Fax: None
• ✅ Mobile App: Bonitas Member App
• ✅ Website enquiry: www.joint-care.co.za

 

 

Mental Health Programme: those requiring assistance under the mental health benefit can contact this department

• ✅ Call: 0860106155
• ✅ Email: [email protected]
• ✅ WhatsApp: None
• ✅ Fax: None
• ✅ Mobile App: Bonitas Member App
• ✅ Website enquiry: None

 

 

Hip and Knee Programme (ICPS): those with queries on accessing the ICPS programme can contact this department

• ✅ Call: 0113272599
• ✅ Email: None
• ✅ WhatsApp: None
• ✅ Fax: None
• ✅ Mobile App: Bonitas Member App
• ✅ Website enquiry: www.icpservices.co.za

 

 

Diabetes Programme: those with queries regarding Bonitas diabetes programme can contact this department

• ✅ Call: 0860002108
• ✅ Email: [email protected]
• ✅ WhatsApp: None
• ✅ Fax: None
• ✅ Mobile App: Bonitas Member App
• ✅ Website enquiry: None

 

 

Dental Programme: those with queries regarding their dental benefit can contact this department

• ✅ Call: 0860336346
• ✅ Email: [email protected]
• ✅ WhatsApp: None
• ✅ Fax: 0866770336
• ✅ Mobile App: Bonitas Member App
• ✅ Website enquiry: None

 

 

Oncology Management Programme (Cancer): those with queries regarding oncology cover can contact this department

• ✅ Call: 0860100572
• ✅ Email: [email protected]
• ✅ WhatsApp: None
• ✅ Fax: None
• ✅ Mobile App: Bonitas Member App
• ✅ Website enquiry: None

 

 

Back and Neck Programme (DBC): those with queries regarding the Back and Neck Programme can contact this department

• ✅ Call: 0860105104
• ✅ Email: None
• ✅ WhatsApp: None
• ✅ Fax: None
• ✅ Mobile App: Bonitas Member App
• ✅ Website enquiry: www.dbcsa.co.za

 

 

Babyline: for those who need assistance with infant care as part of the maternity benefit

• ✅ Call: 0860999121
• ✅ Email: None
• ✅ WhatsApp: None
• ✅ Fax: None
• ✅ Mobile App: Bonitas Member App
• ✅ Website enquiry: None

 

 

Baby bags: those who would like to enquire about baby bags under the maternity benefit

• ✅ Call: 0860999121
• ✅ Email: None
• ✅ WhatsApp: None
• ✅ Fax: None
• ✅ Mobile App: Bonitas Member App
• ✅ Website enquiry: None

 

 

Wellness Odyssey: those who would like to learn more about the Wellness Odyssey can contact this department

• ✅ Call: None
• ✅ Email: None
• ✅ WhatsApp: None
• ✅ Fax: None
• ✅ Mobile App: Bonitas Member App
• ✅ Website enquiry: www.wellnessodyssey.co.za

 

 

Audiology Benefit Management Programme: those who would like to learn more about the audiology benefit can contact this department

• ✅ Call: 010 880 6414
• ✅ Email: [email protected]
• ✅ WhatsApp: 064 760 6262
• ✅ Fax: None
• ✅ Mobile App: Bonitas Member App
• ✅ Website enquiry: www.hearconnect.co.za

 

 

2. Discovery Medical Aid Scheme

 

 

Overview

👉 Discovery Health Medical Scheme is the biggest public medical aid provider in South Africa. Anyone, including students, can join the Program as long as they follow the rules.

👉 More than twenty different health plans are available through the Discovery Health Medical Scheme, all of which are great for students thanks to limited private hospital coverage and a wide variety of other benefits.

👉 All students may rest assured that they will have access to the finest medical care available whenever they need it because of the wide range of benefits, care plans, and services made available through the plans.

👉 Discovery claims that competing South African health plans charge an average of 14.9 per cent more in premiums for the same level of coverage, making its plan more affordable for students who may not yet be making a substantial income.

👉 The Vitality wellness programme is also available to you, and it provides incentives like gym memberships and more in exchange for your commitment to a healthy lifestyle.

👉 The Scheme is managed on behalf of its members by a Board of Trustees that is separate from the participants.

👉 Discovery Health (Pty) Ltd., an independent regulated financial services company, handles the operation. Discovery Health Medical Scheme is governed by the Medical Schemes Act and the Council for Medical Schemes.

 

💙 A guide to Student Plans offered by Discovery Health

 

Discovery Medical Aid Option Plans Suitable for Students in South Africa

👉 Depending on your budget, the Discovery option can provide you with comprehensive, but pricey, private healthcare coverage, or it can provide you with more reasonable, but still comprehensive, private healthcare coverage through a smaller network of providers at a lower cost.

👉 As such, there are several different healthcare coverage alternatives for students to pick from.

👉 In this article we focus on the entry level medical aid plans that is suitable for learners.

 

 

KeyCare Series

 

🧑🏾‍🎓 The Discovery Health KeyCare Series starts from R1,184 and is a series of comprehensive medical insurance plans offered by Discovery Health. These plans provide an elevated level of coverage for in-hospital expenses, day-to-day benefits, chronic medication, and other medical expenses.

 

🧑🏾‍🎓 Gap Cover is available on the Discovery Health KeyCare Series, along with 24/7 medical emergency assistance. According to the Trust Index, Discovery Health has a trust rating of 4.8. Furthermore, the KeyCare plans are designed to provide affordable access to quality healthcare for individuals and families.

 

🧑🏾‍🎓 KeyCare plans typically cover in-hospital expenses and day-to-day benefits such as GP visits and medication.  The exact benefits and cover levels will vary between the different KeyCare plans. However, they are generally more basic and lower cost compared to the more comprehensive plans offered by Discovery Health.

 

🧑🏾‍🎓 KeyCare plans may also include a network of preferred healthcare providers and hospitals. However, you may also be able to use other providers at an additional cost.

 

KeyCare Series Monthly Contributions

 

 

 

Smart Series of Plans

 

 

👉 If you utilise providers in a certain network, the Smart Series of plans offer the most affordable in-hospital coverage, necessary chronic medicine coverage, and limited day-to-day coverage for students.

 

👉 The Active Smart Plan is a new medical aid plan that is launched in 2025. This plan is very innovative and cost effective. We would advise that you read more about what the plan has to offer. The plan start from R1350 per month.

 

Benefits for Students in South Africa under Discovery Medical Aid

👉 Essential benefits, including as hospitalisation coverage, are typically included in the aforementioned alternative plans. Some people have the option of putting money away each month to use for things like emergency care and regular bills.

 

How Much Are Discovery Smart Series Monthly Premiums?

 

🔎 Smart Series Plan	👤 Main Member	👥 +1 Adult Dependent	💙 +1 Child Dependent
1️⃣ Classic Smart	R2,822	R2,227	R1,127
2️⃣ Essential Smart	R2,021	R2,021	R2,021
3️⃣ Essential Dynamic Smart	R1,681	R1,681	R1,681
4️⃣Active Smart	R1,350	R1,350	R1,350

 

 

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 Customer Support Contact Details

 

💙 Customer Support can be contacted from 7 am to 8 pm Monday to Friday and 8 am to 1 pm on Saturdays using the following communication channels:

• ✅ Call their customer service center at 0860 99 88 77.
• ✅ Email them at [email protected]
• ✅ Contact them through their website by filling out the online form at https://www.discovery.co.za/contact-us.
• ✅ Visit a Discovery Health Medical Scheme branch in person. You can find the location of a branch near you by using the branch locator tool on their website at https://www.discovery.co.za/branch-locator.
• ✅ Contact Discovery Health via WhatsApp or reach out to them through one of the social platforms on which the scheme is active.
• ✅ Discovery Health Medical Scheme contact number for Emergency or emergency transport is 0860 999 911

 

 

3. Momentum Health

 

Overview

👉 The Momentum open medical plan is offered by one of South Africa’s largest and most reputable healthcare solution providers, making it a top choice for those in need of quality medical coverage. The parent firm, Momentum Metropolitan Life Limited, owns all of Momentum Health Solutions.

👉 A non-profit open medical scheme, Momentum Medical Scheme is regulated under the Medical Schemes Act 131 of 1998, as amended.

👉 The organization’s Board of Trustees is made up of a diverse group of professionals with extensive backgrounds in medicine, finance, and the law, and new members are elected each year at the Annual General Meeting.

 

 

Momentum Health Options Plans Suitable for Students in South Africa

👉 Momentum Medical Aid offers a comprehensive selection of healthcare coverage options for students in South Africa across five different medical aid plans.

 

👉 In this below section we cover two possible plans for students based on their affordability and cover.

 

 

Ingwe Student Plan

 

👉 The Ingwe Student Plan is South Africa’s most reasonably priced medical aid option. If you are a student with no money but require a Visa and medical aid, this is your best option.

 

👉 You will also receive a complimentary chest x-ray to satisfy visa regulations.

 

👉 Unlimited general medical, dental, optical, and speciality care services are all available for as little as R589 per month.

 

 

Evolve Option

 

👉 Coverage for private hospital stays at any facility in the Evolve Network is included without any annual caps with this plan.

 

👉 Two telehealth visits per year with a licenced physician are included in the Evolve option plan for young adults, and HealthSaver+ applies to any additional daily benefits.

 

👉 Monty premiums start from R1847 per member

 

 

Benefits for Students in South Africa under Momentum Health

👉 In terms of essential benefits like hospital coverage, the Momentum Health plans that are available as choices are nearly ideal. Some plans let participants set aside money in tax-deferred accounts, which can later be used for things like emergency care or general living expenditures.

 

How Much Are Momentum Health Monthly Premiums?

 

🔎 Plan	💴 Contributions Range (Main)	💵 Contributions Range (2x Adult)	💶 Contributions Range (1 Adult + 1 Child)	💷 Contributions Range (2 Adults + 1 Child)	💴 Contributions Range (2 Adults + 2 Children)	💵 Contributions Range (2 Adult + 3 Children)	💶 Medical Savings (% of contribution or ZAR)
1️⃣ Ingwe	589 – 4,134 ZAR	1,178 – 8,268 ZAR	1,178 – 5,333 ZAR	1,767 – 9,467 ZAR	2,356 – 10,666 ZAR	2,945 – 11,865 ZAR	None
2️⃣ Evolve	1,847 ZAR	3,694 ZAR	3,694 ZAR	5,541 ZAR	7,388 ZAR	9,235 ZAR	None
3️⃣ Custom	2,353 – 4,047 ZAR	4,133 – 7,295 ZAR	3,187 – 5,491 ZAR	4,967– 8,739 ZAR	5,801 – 10,183 ZAR	6,635 – 11,627 ZAR	None
4️⃣ Incentive	3,060 – 5,457 ZAR	5,474 – 9,891 ZAR	4,234 – 7,585 ZAR	6,648 – 12,019 ZAR	7,822 – 14,147 ZAR	8,996 – 16,275 ZAR	Fixed at 10% of total contribution
5️⃣ Extender	7,215 – 10,381 ZAR	12,687 – 18,742 ZAR	9,336 – 13,358 ZAR	14,808 – 21,719 ZAR	16,929 - 24,696 ZAR	19,050 – 27,673 ZAR	Fixed at 25% of Total contribution
6️⃣ Summit	14,903 ZAR	26,822 ZAR	18,327 ZAR	30,246 ZAR	33,670 ZAR	37,094 ZAR	Not applicable. You can add the HealthSaver+

 

 

What Is the Waiting Period for Momentum Health 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.

👉New Members 35 years or older may be subject to late-joiner penalties on Momentum Medical Aid Plans.

 

 

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 Medical Scheme Customer Support

Momentum Medical Scheme provides multiple channels of communication with its customer service team.

 

• ➡️ Call +27 (0)11 350 0000 to reach the Momentum Medical Scheme help desk.
• ➡️ Momentum Medical Scheme’s email address for contacting customer service is [email protected].
• ➡️ You can reach the customer service team of the Momentum Medical Scheme via their website’s online contact form.
• ➡️ Contacting Momentum Medical Scheme is also possible via various social media channels.
• ➡️ Stop by a branch: Momentum Medical Scheme has locations across the country where you can get help.
• ➡️ Momentum medical aid contact details Call or WhatsApp 0860 11 78 59

 

Remember that the customer service hours and availability may change based on the method of contact and the nature of the issue at hand.

 

 

4. Fedhealth Medical Aid

 

 

Overview

 

💙 Overall, the Fedhealth FlexiFED Savvy Medical Aid Plan is a trustworthy and comprehensive medical aid plan that offers 24/7 medical emergency assistance and cost-effective cover for chronic benefits for a student. The Fedhealth FlexiFED Savvy Medical Aid Plan starts from R1,055 ZAR.

 

💙 The plan also covers chronic conditions, day-to-day medical expenses, and emergency medical treatment.  The drawbacks of this plan include the possibility of higher out-of-pocket expenses, limited cover for certain medical procedures and treatments, and a waiting period for some benefits.

 

 

Fedhealth Medical Aid Option Plans Suitable for Students in South Africa

👉 FlexFED Savvy is a suitable option for a student.

👉 Students who can afford the slightly higher monthly premiums for a Fedhealth MyFED Plan appreciate the extra benefits it provides.

 

 

Benefits for Students in South Africa under Fedhealth FlexiFED Savvy Medical Aid

 

📉 Overall Annual Limit (OAL)	Only available in Fedhealth network hospitals. An R9,050 co-payment will be charged for the voluntary usage of non-network hospitals.
1️⃣ Healthcare Professional Tariff in-hospital (HPT)	Covered at Fedhealth Rate
2️⃣ Fedhealth Network GPs and Specialists	Unlimited cover.
3️⃣ Non-network GPs	Covered up to the Fedhealth Rate. Limited to R2,500 per family/year.
4️⃣ Non-Network Specialists	Covered up to the Fedhealth Rate.
➡️ PMBs treatment	You must use Fedhealth Network Doctors and specialists to receive complete coverage for PMB conditions. If you choose not to use network providers, the Scheme will only reimburse you for treatment up to the Fedhealth Rate for non-network GPs and specialists. If the healthcare practitioner charges extra, you will have a shortfall.
💶 Hospitalization Costs	The unlimited cover is according to the negotiated tariff. Only network hospitals can be used.
☑️ Additional medical services	Paid from day to day unless it is a PMB.
🟦 Hospitalization Alternatives	-
👩‍⚕️ Nursing services Private nurse practitioners Nursing agencies	Unlimited according to PMB level of care.
💙 Sub-acute facilities Physical Rehabilitation facilities	Unlimited according to PMB level of care.
🚑 Ambulance Services	Unlimited cover using Europ Assistance
🩺 Appliances, external accessories, and orthotics	Unlimited according to PMB level of care.
🩸 Blood, Blood Equivalents, and Blood Products	Unlimited cover.
🅰️ Immune Deficiency relating to HIV	Unlimited according to PMB level of care.
🅱️ Maternity	Unlimited at cost at PMB level of care. R9,050 co-payment for elective non-PMB C-Sections
🚩 Fedhealth Network GPs and Specialists	Unlimited and fully covered.
📌 Non-network GPs and Specialists	Covered up to the Fedhealth Rate. Limited to R2,500 per family/year.
📍 Other healthcare professionals	Covered up to the Fedhealth Rate.
🦷 Dentistry	-
🥰 Maxillo-Facial Surgery	Unlimited cover. Subject to approval.
🔴 Oncology	Unlimited at cost at PMB level of care at designated service provider * and paid at Essential protocol. 25% co-payment applies where a DSP provider is not used. Chemotherapy, as well as medicine and consumables directly associated with the treatment of cancer, should be obtained from the Oncology Pharmacy Network and in accordance to the oncology Preferred Product List (PPL) – non-use of these will result in a 25% co-payment.
❤️ Organ Transplants	Unlimited according to PMB level of care.
📈 Pathology and Radiology (Basic)	Unlimited up to the Fedhealth Rate for non-DSP or DSP-negotiated rates.
🦾 Physiotherapy	Unlimited up to the Fedhealth Rate for non-DSP or DSP-negotiated rates.
🧠 Psychiatric Services Accommodation in a general ward Procedures ECT Materials and more.	Unlimited according to PMB level of care.
🧬 Renal Dialysis Consultations Visits All services, materials, and medicine associated with the cost of renal dialysis	Unlimited PMB care at Designated Service Provider (DSP).
⚕️ Specialized Radiology	Unlimited according to PMB level of care.
✅ Spinal Surgery	No benefit unless it is according to PMB level of care.
💖 Terminal Care Benefit	No benefit unless it is according to PMB level of care.

 

 

How Much Are Fedhealth FlexiFED Savvy Medical Aid Monthly Premiums?

 

🔎 Plan Option	👤 Main Member	👥 +1 Dependent	🍼 +1 Child Dependent
1️⃣ Supercharged Hospital Plan	R1,055	R1,055	R775
2️⃣ Supercharged Savings Plan - Hospital Plan with Day-to-day Savings Back-up Plan	The amount member uses will be divided by 12 and added to their hospital plan contribution.
3️⃣ Supercharged Flexible Savings Plan	R1,055 + R421	R1,055 + R421	R775 + R421

 

 

5. Medihelp Medical Aid

 

 

Overview

👉 When it comes to covering the costs of medical care for students, Medihelp is a dependable and constant organisation.

👉 Even from its inception over a century ago, Medihelp has prioritised the health and well-being of its members. The ability to respond quickly to customer feedback and implement innovative solutions has kept Medihelp as one of the top five medical aid providers in the market.

👉 When it comes to the health of its members, Medihelp’s primary focus is on providing for their individual requirements.

👉 Members control the Medihelp medical aid scheme and handle all administrative duties such as submitting and paying claims, securing necessary pre-authorization and communicating with other members. For this reason, students can have faith that Medihelp staff will provide them with excellent care.

 

 

Medihelp Medical Aid Option Plans Suitable for Students in South Africa

👉 Medihelp offers the following option plans that are ideally suited to students:

 

MedMove!  Student Plan

 

📌 Download the Medmove! student Plan for 2025

📌 Monthly premiums start from R750 per student

 

 

MedMove! Medical Aid Plan

👉 Through reliable partnerships, the MedMove! plan is able to offer basic health coverage, including private hospitalisation and emergency medical services. Members have access to a range of medical resources, including virtual and in-person doctor consultations, prescription medication, and more.

 

👉 MedMove! monthly premiums start form R1638 per month.

 

 

Benefits under Medihelp Medical Aid’s Option Plans for Young Adults in South Africa

👉 MedMove! is the perfect programme for students in South Africa to receive Medihelp’s services.

👉 Health necessities like private hospitalisation and emergency medical care are covered by MedMove Student Plan with monthly charges starting at R750.

👉 Members can get prescription medication, see doctors online or in person, and use a variety of other medical services.

 

 

How Much Are Medihelp Medical Aid Monthly Premiums?

 

🔎 Plan	💴 Contributions (Main)	💵 Contributions (+ Adult)	💶 Contributions (+ Child)	💷 Medical Savings (Up to, per annum)	💴 Day-to-Day Benefit	💵 Overall Annual Limit - Hospitalization	💶 Chronic Conditions
1️⃣ MedMove Student	R750  ZAR	R750  ZAR	R750  ZAR	None	-	Unlimited	26
2️⃣ MedMove	R1638 ZAR	R1638 ZAR	R1638 ZAR	None	Member pays the first R130	Unlimited	26
3️⃣ MedVital Elect	R2,244 ZAR	R1,632 ZAR	R942 ZAR	None	-	Unlimited	26
4️⃣ MedVital	R2,880 ZAR	R2,214 ZAR	R990 ZAR	None	M = R1 500 per year M+ = R2 900 per year	Unlimited	26
➡️ MedAdd Elect	R2,970 ZAR	R2,328 ZAR	R1,032 ZAR	· 5,328 ZAR (Member) · 4,176 ZAR (+1 Adult) · 1,872 ZAR (+1 Child)	-	Unlimited	26
6️⃣ MedAdd	R3,720 ZAR	R3,138 ZAR	R1,260 ZAR	· 6,696 ZAR (Member) · 5,616 ZAR (+1 Adult) · 2,304 ZAR (+1 Child)	M = R2 000 per year M+ = R4 000 per year	Unlimited	26
7️⃣ MedSaver	R3,900 ZAR	R3,204 ZAR	R1,200 ZAR	· 11,664 ZAR (Member) · 9,576 ZAR (+1 Adult) · 3,600 ZAR (+1 Child)	R2,500 per family	Unlimited	26
8️⃣ MedElect	R3,126 ZAR	R2,448 ZAR	R1,014 ZAR	None	M = R6 400 per year M+1 = R9 500 per year M+2 = R11 600 per year M+3 = R12 700 per year	Unlimited	26
9️⃣ MedPrime Elect	R4,344 ZAR	R3,666 ZAR	R1,266 ZAR	· 5,184ZAR (Member) · 4,392 ZAR (+1 Adult) · 1,512 ZAR (+1 Child)	Savings	Unlimited	26
🔟 MedPrime	R5,304 ZAR	R4,482 ZAR	R1,548 ZAR	· 6,336 ZAR (Member) · 5,400 ZAR (+1 Adult) · 1,872 ZAR (+1 Child)	M = R7 200 per year M+ = R13 300 per year	Unlimited	26
➡️ MedElite	R8,172 ZAR	R7,650 ZAR	R2,214 ZAR	· 9,792 ZAR (Member) · 9,216 ZAR (+1 Adult) · 2,664 ZAR (+1 Child)	M = R14 500 per year M+1 = R16 900 per year M+2 = R19 300 per year M+3+ = R21 700 per year	Unlimited	26
➡️ MedPlus	R14,184 ZAR	R14,184 ZAR	R3,540 ZAR	None	R4 500 per beneficiary	Unlimited	26

 

 

What Is the Waiting Period for Medihelp Medical Aid’s Benefits?

👉 Medihelp may apply a general waiting period or a condition-specific waiting period.

👉 A general waiting period of up to three months applies from the date that a member joined. During this period, a person is not entitled to any benefits except prescribed minimum benefits (PMB). Claims submitted during this waiting period, will not be paid by the scheme.

👉 During a condition-specific waiting period of up to 12 months a member will not be entitled to benefits for a particular condition for which the person receives medical advice, a diagnosis, care or treatment (excluding PMB).

👉 Upon joining Medihelp, members receive a document with the conditions under which they are enrolled as beneficiaries, indicating any waiting periods and/or late-joiner penalties.

 

 

How to Claim Benefits from Medihelp Medical Aid

 

👉 To submit a medical aid claim with Medihelp, a member can use one of the following options:

• ➡️ Use Medihelp’s member app to upload the account and proof of payment and submit.
• ➡️ Email the account and proof of payment to [email protected].
• ➡️ Submit your claim by logging in to Medihelp’s Member Zone and clicking on “Claims” – “Submit a claim”.

 

👉 To guarantee that your claim is valid according to the Medical Schemes Act and Medi help’s Rules, ensure that you have provided the following details:

• ➡️ Your membership number
• ➡️ The member’s name and surname
• ➡️ The name, surname and date of birth of the patient
• ➡️ Medihelp Medical Scheme – not “Private” (this has tax implications)
• ➡️ The healthcare practitioner’s name and practice code number
• ➡️ The amount charged per item
• ➡️ The amount you have paid
• ➡️ Your proof of payment (attached)
• ➡️ The relevant codes such as ICD-10, NAPPI and item code(s)
• ➡️ The date on which the service/procedure was rendered/performed

 

👉 The account should not be modified by hand in any way, as this will cause your claim to be invalid.

 

👉 Your claims must reach Medihelp on or before the last workday of the fourth calendar month after the month in which the service was rendered.

 

 

Medihelp Medical Aid Contact Details

Medihelp Head Office

Postal address

PO Box 26004

Arcadia, 0007

Street address

189 Clark street,

Brooklyn, 0181

Customer care

General enquiries – 086 0100 678

International – +27 12 336 9000

Email: [email protected]

Claims submission: [email protected]

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Can a student in South Africa have a medical aid?

✅ Yes. If you are too old to be on your parents’ medical aid coverage but are not yet permanently employed because you are still a full-time student, you may qualify for Medical Aid for students. If you can provide proof of enrolment, you’ll be eligible for discounts.

 

📌 Read more about the:

5 Best Student Medical Aids for Foreigners

5 Best Hospital Plans for Students and Young Adults

 

 

What factors are important when looking for medical aid for students in South Africa?

In general, students may want to consider medical aid plans that offer comprehensive benefits at affordable rates, with a network of healthcare providers that is convenient and accessible. They may also want to look for plans that offer additional benefits and services that meet their specific healthcare needs.

 

Why should students apply for medical aid if they are healthy and young?

Students who are generally healthy but would like the peace of mind that comes with knowing they are financially protected in the event of a hospitalization typically opt for a Hospital Plan that covers mostly in-hospital charges.

 

Can you apply for student medical aid if you are younger than 18 years of age?

South African law states that a student under the age of 18 must enlist as a dependent of a main member and get coverage until the age of 26. However, it doesn’t have to be a parent; an uncle, aunt, grandmother, older sibling, or even a friend are all great options.

 

What is the best type of medical aid plan for students over 18 years of age?

If you’re over 18 and not someone’s dependent, a hospital plan is probably your best bet, especially if you’re planning to pay for it out of pocket with a part-time job.

👆🏾 You might like to add GAP cover to your plan. Read more about Cura Administrators Gap Student

 

Table of Contents