5 Best Medical Aids under R1000 in South Africa

 

The 5 Best Medical Aids under R1000 in South Africa revealed.

We tested them side by side and verified their medical aid plans.

This is a complete guide to the best medical aid under One Thousand Rand in South Africa.

 

In this in-depth guide you’ll learn:

• 📣 What is a Medical Aid?
• 📣 How do you find affordable medical aid in South Africa?
• 📣 How to choose the best affordable medical aid for your needs?
• 📣 How to compare medical aids of under R1000 against each other
• 📣 How to sign up with your ideal medical aid?
• 📣 Why you should consider upgrading your medical aid to above R1000.
• 📣 How do you choose the best medical aid for your family?

 

So if you’re ready to go “all in” with the best medical aids under R1000 in South Africa, this guide is for you.

 

Let’s dive right in…

 

5 Best Medical Aids Under R1000 (2024)

 

🩺 Medical Aid	✔️ Plans Under R1000?	⚕️ Plan Offered	👉 Sign Up
1. Momentum Medical Aid	Yes	Ingwe Student Option	👉 Apply Now
2. FedHealth	Yes	flexiFED Savvy	👉 Apply Now
3. Discovery Health	Just Over a R1000	Discovery KeyCare Plan	👉 Apply Now
4. Bonitas	Yes, under Child Dependant	Boncap Student	👉 Apply Now
5. NetCare	Yes	NetCare Accident and Trauma Cover	👉 Apply Now

 

📌 You might consider Dischem Health Insurance from R206 per month

 

 

 

Other Affordable Medical Aid Plans to consider in South Africa:

✅ You might also consider Makoti medical Aid Scheme plan called Primary Option where the main Member can get cover from R355 per month subject to income category.

✅ You might also consider Thebemed Medical Aid Scheme plan called Universal EDO where the main Member can get cover from R574 per month subject to income category.

 

 

5 Best Medical Aids Under R1000 (2024)

 

1. Momentum Health – Overall, Best Medical Aid Under R1000 in South Africa
2. Fedhealth – Best Customer Service Medical Aid
3. Discovery Health – Top Extensive Medical Protection in South Africa
4. Bonitas – Broadest Range of Low-Cost Medical Aid Plans
5. NetCare – Best Pay-As-You-Go Private Healthcare

 

 

 

Finding affordable medical aid in South Africa

 

 

✔️ Healthcare in South Africa is surprisingly affordable, despite the common notion to the contrary. There are a plethora of options for medical aid plans under R1000 that will adequately meet your needs.

✔️ In South Africa, for instance, you may receive medical coverage based on your salary for less than R1000 per month, per main member. Most of these packages are very affordable while still providing comprehensive protection in times of crisis.

✔️ For income-based medical aid, however, the monthly premium is directly proportional to the member’s income. As a result, those in higher income levels may not be able to take advantage of the category’s more affordable medical aid options. Keep reading to get the details on medical coverage for less than R1000 in South Africa.

✔️ Compare Medical Aid with our easy to use tool.

 

How to choose affordable medical aid under R1000 in South Africa

 

 

👉 Learning how to choose affordable medical aid is a good idea before you dive into plans that cost less than R1000 per month. The procedure is straightforward, thankfully.

👉 First, you’ll need to determine exactly what you’re looking for and can afford in terms of a medical aid programme. Once you have this data in hand, selecting an option becomes much simpler.

👉 As a second step, study the details of the plan, which you will find in the flu shot. The annual flu shot, reduced costs for routine dental care, and preventative health screenings are typical perks provided by most of these policies.

👉 Free anaesthesia and sick child care are only two examples of the specialised advantages offered by different medical aid plans. However, it’s important to note that many of these medical aids do not cover the whole sum paid by dentists and anaesthetists.

👉 And to maximise your savings, your medical aid plan should permit you to visit any number of specialists. Be sure you know whether there is a waiting time and any other restrictions with your plan.

👉 The last thing to think about is exactly what your plan covers. Your monthly payment will be based on the severity of your conditions. A person who does not have any pre-existing conditions will have a lower premium than someone who has a serious, life-threatening sickness.

👉 Even though your past health is no indicator of your future health, you should take stock of your current health and that of your dependents.

👉 In particular, be sure to record any family history of chronic illness, as well as current therapies for that illness. This way, you may assess the benefits on offer in light of your particular family’s situation.

👉 Find a medical aid plan that includes pregnancy, birth, and postpartum care if you don’t have any children now but want to have a family soon.

👉 There is no way to switch plans midway through the benefit year, so if you know you’ll be expecting a child in 2024, you’ll need to select a plan that can accommodate that.

 

➡️ READ ALSO: Medical Aid Schemes that Cover Bronchitis

 

 

5 of the Best Known Medical Aids in South Africa under R1000

 

 

👉 If you want to rest easy knowing that you and your loved ones are protected from financially devastating medical bills, you need to have a medical aid plan in place that is both inexpensive and adequate.

👉 From the price of a routine check-up to the price of an emergency appendectomy, medical expenses may add up rapidly. If you or your loved ones don’t make adequate preparations, you could find yourselves in a difficult financial situation if something unexpected were to happen.

👉 We compare five of South Africa’s top medical aid plans that cost less than R1000 monthly.

 

📢 Complete form and get a no obligation free quote

 

1. Momentum Health

 

 

Overview

✅ Momentum Medical Scheme is one of the top three open medical schemes in South Africa, and its parent firm is largely regarded as a market leader.

✅ Momentum Health is committed to the plan’s sustainability and to offering exceptional value to its members.

✅ In choosing Momentum Health Solutions, you have access to a team of doctors who are devoted to providing you with affordable, high-quality care.

✅ Momentum has partnered with financially motivated physician networks to deliver for its members. In addition, users can phone Hello Doctor at any time to get answers to their medical questions from a doctor.

✅ To entice and keep healthy members, incentive and reward programmes can be priced using Momentum’s actuarial services.

✅ Momentum’s advocacy efforts empower members to make well-informed health care decisions and cut expenses by utilising a revolutionary health coaching strategy.

 

Momentum Medical Aid Plans Available at Under R1000

👉 Momentum offers a wide range of options for members’ medical coverage, including some plans that cost less than R1000 per month.

 

Ingwe Student Option

👉 Medical coverage for students can be found at a low cost with the Momentum Ingwe Student plan. With a maximum limit of R1.19 million, you have access to a maximum in-patient benefit of 100% of the medical aid scheme rate.

👉 In addition, it provides chronic coverage for twenty-six PMBs and restricted coverage for a smaller number of service providers.

👉 For this plan to be active, students must make a six-month payment in advance. But if you’d like to save yourself the hassle of renewing your plan every six months, you can pay for an entire year in advance, as the programme permits.

👉 Naturally, this plan is best suited to the requirements of students holding Visas or those seeking more affordable medical coverage during their time in school.

👉 Dental work, eye exams, unrestricted primary care physician visits, and specialist consultations are just some of the perks you may look forward to. Your policy includes reimbursement for the cost of a chest X-ray that is required to obtain a visa.

👉 The Student Ingwe Plan is available from R541.00 per month

 

Ingwe Option Plan

👉 You and your loved ones can use this plan to visit any hospital you like, as long as the total cost of care doesn’t exceed a set yearly maximum. You are restricted to using only private Ingwe-affiliated hospitals. Utilization of public health care facilities is required for the plan’s lowest premiums to apply.

👉 The Ingwe option is a type of medical aid that, in most cases, does not impose any kind of annual cap on how much money can be spent on medical care. Depending on your budget, you can choose between private hospitals in the Ingwe network or public hospitals for a lower monthly payment.

👉 Only providers in either the Ingwe Active Network or the Ingwe Primary Care Network can be consulted for both urgent care and long-term care needs like prescriptions and doctor’s appointments.

👉 In terms of medical aid, Momentum has a solid reputation. It is the third-largest medical aid scheme and the fifth-largest medical insurance provider in South Africa. There are 284 400 people who would benefit from it, which is equivalent to 3.2% of the market and 5.8% of the open sector.

➡️ The Ingwe Option Plan is available at R541.00 per month

 

How Much Are Momentum Health Monthly Premiums?

👉 Momentum monthly premiums start at R1 687 for the main member on the Evolve Option and go up to R13 573 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 (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

 

 

2. Fedhealth

 

 

Overview

✅ In 1936, the need for medical services in South Africa prompted the establishment of Fedhealth. Although much has changed throughout the years, their commitment to providing high-quality care at affordable pricing remains unchanged.

✅ Fedhealth is still a cooperative run for the good of its customers, therefore it’s continually looking into innovative ways to provide medical treatment.

✅ Fedhealth places a premium on customization, giving you, the member, a say in developing your unique approach to medical treatment. Fedhealth is dedicated to meeting the requirements of its members, which is why it provides excellent customer service.

✅ For the benefit of its participants, the Scheme has a reserve of more than the legally required 25%, and its solid financial standing has allowed it to keep its AA- Global Credit Rating for the past 14 years.

✅ In addition to its standard benefits, Fedhealth is well-known for its unique Risk-based awards, which increase the value of the benefits to members.

✅ There are no limits on visits to in-network doctors, and if your health care needs change drastically, you can get a free plan upgrade at any point during the year (within 30 days of a major life event).

 

Fedhealth Medical Aid Plans Available at Under R1000

👉 Fedhealth offers a wide range of options for members’ medical coverage, including some plans that cost less than R1000 per month.

 

flexiFED Savvy

👉 You are a young, hip professional, perhaps in your early twenties, who is physically active and technologically savvy. You won’t need surgery on your hips or knees anytime soon.

👉 flexiFED Savvy is one of the most cost-effective hospital plans available, and it is also a supercharged savings plan or a supercharged flexible savings plan, making it an attractive option for individuals and businesses that want to provide their employees with high-quality, low-cost medical coverage.

👉 It’s a daily alternative to your regular hospital plan that’s tailored to your specific requirements and financial situation.

➡️ flexiFED Savvy is available at R965.00 per month

 

How Much Are Fedhealth Medical Scheme Monthly Premiums?

👉 The monthly premiums for the salary-banded myFED option is from R 1 590 per month for the main member. The maxima PLUS extensive medical cover will cost from R14,289 per month per main member.

 

What Is the Waiting Period for Fedhealth Benefits?

👉 The general waiting period for Fedhealth benefits are usually three months, depending on the medical aid scheme you join. The waiting period for pre-existing conditions is 12 months.

 

How to Claim for 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

 

 

3. Discovery Health

Overview

✅ With 2,808,106 members as of December 31, 2019, Discovery Health Medical Plan (DHMS) is the largest open medical scheme in South Africa, according the Council for Medical Schemes Quarterly Report for the quarter ending 30 June 2019.

✅ Discovery is governed by the Medical Schemes Act 131 of 1998, as modified, and the non-profit Council for Medical Schemes. The System is a public healthcare system, meaning that anyone who fits the conditions can enrol.

✅ The Scheme’s main purpose is to aid its members, and this fact informs every choice that is made. Discovery makes use of shared values to strike a harmony between individual members’ needs and those of the Scheme as a whole.

✅ Medical costs for Discovery Health Medical Scheme (DHMS or the Scheme) participants in South Africa are paid for through a pooled fund managed with a focus on social solidarity rather than financial gain.

 

Discovery Medical Aid Plans Available at Under R1000

👉 Discovery offers a wide range of options for members’ medical coverage, including some plans that cost less than R1000 per month.

 

Discovery KeyCare Plan

👉 The hospital networks affiliated with KeyCare provide extensive medical protection. Hospitalization costs are reimbursed in full, without exception, for specialists in the KeyCare network, and up to 100% of the Discovery Health Rate for all other doctors and hospitals (DHR).

👉 Expectant mothers and new-borns receive attention both throughout and after pregnancy.

👉 KeyCare Plus and KeyCare Start both provide unlimited primary care visits, as well as coverage for lab work, X-rays, and prescriptions within the KeyCare network.

👉 KeyCare offers full coverage for all diseases on the KeyCare Chronic Disease List when you see a doctor who is a participating provider (DSP). Your level of protection depends on the policy you purchase.

➡️ Discovery KeyCare Start is available at R1,102 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 goes 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

✅ In South Africa, Bonitas assisted 649,032 young people in 2014 alone. This includes employees of large firms such as Nestlé, BHP Billiton, and Eskom. Bonitas has a 30.7% solvency ratio and an AA- international credit rating.

✅ The magnitude of annual contribution increases is smaller because the average age of a Bonitas member is under 30, and the average age of a Bonitas beneficiary is under 30.

✅ Bonitas provides a range of low-cost medical aid plans that include hospitalisation, long-term care, and pharmaceutical coverage. This organisation is perfect for both young employees and families when it comes to health insurance.

✅ Bonitas was created in 1982, but its rapid expansion has allowed it to overtake the former market leader and become South Africa’s largest health insurer.

✅ The Bonitas network of 4,500 doctors is dedicated to providing exceptional care at specified rates to their patients.

✅ Bonitas provides its customers with two distinct solutions to help them manage and control rising healthcare costs: oncology management and hospital and medicine management.

✅ Several Bonitas plans offer coverage for dental and vision care services, including Lasik eye surgery. Unused funds earn interest the following year and are carried over by each member from year to year.

 

Bonitas Medical Aid Plans Available at Under R1000

👉 Bonitas offers a wide range of options for members’ medical coverage, including some plans that cost less than R1000 per month.

 

Boncap Student

👉 This plan includes low-cost, income-based medical assistance for students. The Bonitas Boncap Student option allows full-time students’ dependants to pay child membership prices until the age of 24.

👉 It 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 R673.00 – R1,310 per month

 

How Much Are Bonitas Medical Aid Monthly Premiums?

👉 Bonitas monthly contributions start at R 2 287 for a Principal Member, R 1 690 for a spouse/adult dependant and      R 739 per child (max 3) on the BonEssential Hospital Plan and go up to R 9 853 for a main member, R 9 292 for additional adult, and R 2 006 for a child for the BonComprehensive plan that offers abundant savings, an above threshold benefit and extensive hospital cover.

 

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, amount charged and 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 an investment holding company with roughly 29 000 employees that works through a number of subsidiaries.

☑️ To support the effectiveness of the national healthcare systems in which they operate, the Netcare Group invests in increasing and continuously improving their capabilities and capacities, as well as cooperating with the public sector.

☑️ Netcare is a premier healthcare provider because of their ongoing investment in cutting-edge medical technologies, high-level professional competence, and dedication to patient care.

☑️ You may now pay-as-you-go for superb private healthcare when you need it most, thanks to NetCare’s unique product solutions and wide network partners.

☑️ NetCare’s new solutions are intended to help you and your family better fulfil your healthcare needs, and some of their items can be shared to others in need.

☑️ Their prepaid services are designed to help you manage your day-to-day healthcare demands while also protecting you against accident and trauma medical bills.

☑️ Netcare provides the largest private hospital, primary healthcare, emergency medical services, and renal care networks in South Africa.

☑️ Aside from world-class hospital services, the Group provides primary healthcare, subacute care, day surgery, occupational health and employee wellness services through Medicross, emergency medical services through Netcare 911, renal dialysis through National Renal Care, and mental health and psychiatric services through Akeso.

☑️ Netcare also holds the distinction of being the country’s leading private trainer of emergency medical and nursing workers.

 

NetCare Medical Aid Plans Available at Under R1000

👉 NetCare offers a wide range of options for members’ medical coverage, including some plans that cost less than R1000 per month.

 

NetCare Accident and Trauma Cover

👉 NetcarePlus Accident and Trauma Cover covers for emergency medical treatment at an extensive network of private hospitals and contractual facilities in the event of an accident or trauma.

👉 This medical aid covers physical impact injuries (such as motor vehicle accidents, physical assault, and falls) and provides peace of mind to people who do not have access to medical care.

➡️ NetCare Accident and Trauma Cover is available from R280.00 per month

 

How Much Are Netcare Medical Scheme’s Monthly Premiums?

👉 NetCare Accident and Trauma Cover is 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 for 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

Are there medical aids under R1000 per month?

✅ Yes, medical aids for less than R1000 per month are available, providing more cheap options for healthcare coverage.

 

What kind of coverage can I expect from medical aids under R1000?

✅ Under R1000 medical assistance often give minimal day-to-day healthcare benefits such as general practitioner visits, limited prescribed medication, basic dental care, and optometrist services. Some medical aids in South Africa also provides hospitalization benefit for less than R1000.

 

Are hospitalization expenses covered by medical aids under R1000?

✅ In medical aids under R1000, hospitalization bills may have limited coverage or require additional out-of-pocket expenses. Higher-tier plans typically include comprehensive hospitalization coverage.

 

Do medical aids under R1000 cover chronic conditions?

✅ In medical aids under R1000, coverage for chronic diseases may be limited or subject to specified restrictions and waiting periods. Higher-tier plans typically provide more comprehensive chronic disease coverage.

 

What should I consider when choosing a medical aid under R1000?

✅ Consider aspects such as the exact benefits and coverage provided, the network of providers, waiting periods, limitations on treatments or services, and the affordability of premiums within your budget when selecting a medical assistance under R1000. Examine the plan’s specifics to ensure that it meets your healthcare requirements.

 

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