5 Best Medical Aids under R300
The 5 Best Medical Aids under R300 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 Three Hundred 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?
- ✔️ Medical Aids under R1000 vs Under R300.
- ✔️ How to sign up with your ideal medical aid?
- ✔️ 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 R300, this guide is for you.
Let’s dive right in…
An in depth research was done through customer reviews to rate the best Health insurance providers under R300 on the following Metrics:
- ☑️ Monthly Premiums
- ☑️ Hospital Cover
- ☑️ GP Visits
- ☑️ Chronic Medication
- ☑️ Customer Service
Best Medical Aids under R300 (2024)
🩺 Medical Aid | ✔️ Offers Medical Aid Plan Under R200? | ⚕️ Monthly Premium | 👉 Sign Up |
1. NetCare | Yes | From R300 | 👉 Apply Now |
2. Momentum Health | Yes | From R300 | 👉 Apply Now |
3. Fedhealth | Yes | From R300 | 👉 Apply Now |
4. Discovery Health | Yes | From R300 | 👉 Apply Now |
5. Bonitas | Yes | From R300 | 👉 Apply Now |
📌 You might consider Dischem Health Insurance from R206 per month
Affordable private Day-to-Day Insurance options & Accident Cover options for you and your family.
5 Best Medical Aids under R300 Summary
- NetCare – Overall, Best Medical Aid Under R300 in South Africa
- Momentum Health – Best Pay-As-You-Go Private Healthcare
- Fedhealth – Top Extensive Medical Protection in South Africa
- Discovery Health – Best Customer Service Medical Aid
- Bonitas – Broadest Range of Low-Cost Medical Aid Plans
Overview
✔️ Despite the escalating expense of healthcare in South Africa, medical aids can still be offered at reasonable prices. Numerous low-priced medical aid schemes exist to serve your needs.
✔️ Salary-based medical aid schemes in South Africa can cost less per month for each primary member. These programmes typically offer low regular rates without restricting access to emergency treatment.
✔️ Income-based medical aid, on the other hand, charges members a fee each month that is directly related to their level of income.
✔️ This means that higher-income people may not be able to take advantage of the more affordable health care choices available within this group. Learn more about the affordable health care facilities in South Africa by reading on.
✔️ Currently, there are no medical aid schemes in South Africa for less than R200 per month. There are, however, some extremely affordable medical aid schemes available, which we will explore in this post.
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How to get the most out of your medical aid in South Africa
Consider or take use of the following elements to ensure you’re getting good value for money when finding an affordable medical aid plan:
- ✔️ Only use doctors and healthcare providers who are members of the scheme’s medical assistance network and accept medical aid payments.
- ✔️ Select generic medications, which are less expensive than brand-name medications but are still covered by a medical aid plan.
- ✔️A letter of recommendation from your primary care physician before seeing a specialist. This guarantees that your claim will not be denied.
- ✔️ Make use of the medical aid’s preferred network of service providers, such as hospitals, primary care physicians, specialists, and pharmacies. Only authorised healthcare providers or services will be covered by your medical aid plan. Furthermore, the medical aid system will have negotiated special prices with these networks, which could result in you saving money.
- ✔️Sign up for chronic care. Your doctor will need to complete documents outlining your chronic condition, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, and submit them to your medical aid provider for clearance. If you do not register, the fee will be deducted from your daily expenses rather than your medical assistance funds.
- ✔️ Work out your bill with your doctor and make a claim with medical aid. Some doctors and pharmacies will charge a transaction fee in addition to a handling fee. Your medical savings account will be debited for this amount.
- ✔️Leading a healthy lifestyle reduces your chances of being ill, particularly from preventable diseases such as colds and flu. Exercising, eating a nutritious diet, and getting those screenings, medical check-ups, and flu vaccines are all important.
- ✔️Determine the best medical aid plan for you based on your age, gender, health, individual healthcare needs, day-to-day needs, and budget.
- ✔️Discover your individual healthcare risks based on your lifestyle and family medical history.
- ✔️When selecting a medical assistance plan, reveal any pre-existing conditions. Your claim will be rejected if you do not explain the nature of your sickness.
- ✔️ Examine your medical insurance policy. Read the fine print. Learn what it includes and excludes. You should also be aware of any exclusions, limitations, or waiting periods.
- ✔️Take advantage of any loyalty programme or perks that come with your individual package. These vary depending on the medical programme, but they typically include discounts or cash-back benefits on retail purchases, travel, and other products.
- ✔️Get medical attention while you are young. Don’t be a late joiner, which is someone beyond the age of 35 who has never participated in any form of medical assistance programme. Members who enrol later will pay higher monthly premiums than those who enroll early.
- ✔️Lower the cost of your plan. If you are unable to pay your monthly expenses, consider reducing your medical aid plan rather than cancelling it completely, as this may leave you vulnerable if you require healthcare services.
- ✔️Seek professional aid. If you have any questions regarding your medical aid plan, contact your service provider and speak with a consultant who can help you understand the procedure, plan, or specifics.
⚠️ READ more about the 3 Best Hospital Plans Under R1000
1. NetCare
Overview
☝🏾 Netcare Limited is a holding corporation with approximately 29,000 direct and indirect employees.
☝🏾 Healthcare systems in the countries where the Netcare Group operates benefit from the company’s investments in human capital, research and development, and partnerships with the public sector.
☝🏾 Netcare’s commitment to its patients, together with its high standards for professional competence and patient satisfaction, has made it a leader among healthcare providers.
☝🏾 Thanks to NetCare’s innovative products and extensive network of providers, you may now get high-quality, privately-funded medical care on an as-needed basis and pay only for what you use.
☝🏾 You and your loved ones can benefit from NetCare’s new solutions, and you can even share some of them with others in need.
☝🏾 Their prepaid services can ease the burden of routine medical care and provide financial security in the event of an unexpected injury or illness.
☝🏾 Netcare is South Africa’s premier provider of private hospital care, primary medical care, emergency medical services, and renal care.
☝🏾 In addition to its renowned hospital services, the Group also offers Medicross primary care, subacute care, day surgery, occupational health, and employee wellness; Netcare 911 emergency medical services; National Renal Care renal dialysis; and Akeso psychological and behavioural health care.
☝🏾 Netcare is also the most prominent private educator of emergency medical and nursing personnel in the nation.
Affordable NetCare Medical Aid Plans
NetCare offers a wide range of options for members’ medical coverage, including some plans that are affordable for many South Africans.
NetCare Accident and Trauma Cover
☑️ In the event of an accident or trauma, Netcare Plus Accident and Trauma Cover gives you access to a wide range of private hospitals and contractual facilities.
☑️ In the case of a physical impact injury (such as one experienced in a car accident, an assault, or a fall), those who otherwise wouldn’t be able to acquire the care they need can rest easy knowing their medical needs would be fulfilled.
- 📣 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 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]
Pros and Cons
✅ Pros | ❌ Cons |
Affordable Premiums | Limited Coverage |
Offers budget-friendly options under R300, making it accessible to more people. | Lower-cost plans may offer limited coverage, including fewer benefits and restricted access to certain services. |
Access to Basic Healthcare Services | Restricted Network |
Provides access to essential healthcare services like general practitioner visits and basic hospital care. | Plans may restrict you to specific clinics or hospitals, with limited access to specialist care. |
Preventive Care Included | No Comprehensive Specialist Cover |
Some plans include preventive care and wellness check-ups. | Specialist consultations and treatments may not be covered or may require additional out-of-pocket expenses. |
Emergency Services | Lower Coverage Limits |
Basic emergency services are typically included, ensuring care in urgent situations. | Lower coverage limits mean you may need to cover more of the costs for extensive treatments. |
Suitable for Young and Healthy Individuals | Higher Out-of-Pocket Expenses |
Ideal for those who need minimal healthcare and are primarily looking for a safety net. | You may face higher out-of-pocket expenses for services not covered under the plan. |
Simple Claim Process for Basic Services | No Coverage for Chronic Conditions |
Easier claim process for routine care and basic services. | Chronic condition management may not be included in lower-tier plans. |
NetCare Medical Scheme Contact Details
76 Maude Street,
Corner West Street,
Sandton,
2196
Phone: 0860 638 2273
Email: [email protected]
2. Momentum Health
Overview
☑️ The parent company of Momentum Medical plan is widely considered as a market leader, and the plan itself is one of the three largest open medical schemes in South Africa.
☑️ Momentum Health is dedicated to the long-term success of the plan and to the complete happiness of its members.
☑️ Momentum Health Solutions is staffed by medical professionals that are committed to providing you with high-quality care without breaking your pocket.
☑️ Momentum has teamed up with financially motivated physician networks to provide better care for its members. Hello Doctor also offers 24/7 access to actual doctors who can answer any health-related inquiries its users may have.
☑️ Momentum’s actuarial services make it possible to incentivize and reward members who maintain a healthy lifestyle without breaking the bank.
☑️ The lobbying efforts of Momentum’s health coaches have improved the members’ ability to make wise choices regarding their healthcare budgets.
Affordable Momentum Medical Aid Plans
Momentum offers a wide range of options for members’ medical coverage, including some plans that are affordable for many South Africans.
Ingwe Student Option
👉🏾 Momentum Ingwe Student is a low-cost health insurance plan for students. In-patient benefits can total up to R1.19 million, or the full cost of the medical insurance policy.
👉🏾 Chronic coverage is available to twenty-six PMBs, while restricted coverage is available to a smaller pool of service providers.
👉🏾 Payment in full, six months in advance is required to activate this plan for students. Prepaying for a complete year through the initiative eliminates the need to renew your plan every six months.
👉🏾 Students who need a Visa or who want to save money on medical care while abroad would benefit greatly from this package.
👉🏾 You may get free check-ups and cleanings at the dentist and eye doctor, as well as unlimited visits to your primary care physician and referrals to specialists. Your plan should pay for the cost of a chest X-ray that is required to obtain a visa.
- The Student Ingwe Plan is available from R407.00 per month
Ingwe Option Plan
👉🏾You and your family can go to whatever hospital you like, up to the plan’s annual maximum. You can only go to private, Ingwe-affiliated hospitals. To be eligible for the plan’s lowest premiums, you must make use of publicly funded health care services.
👉🏾 The Ingwe option is a kind of health insurance that does not cap how much can be spent on healthcare in a given year. You have the option of either private hospitals in the Ingwe network or less expensive state hospitals, depending on your budget.
👉🏾 Only doctors in the Ingwe Active Network or the Ingwe Primary treatment Network can be contacted in an emergency, and only those doctors can be relied on for follow-up care including prescriptions and office visits.
👉🏾 Momentum has an established track record of excellence in the delivery of quality healthcare. It’s the country’s fifth-largest health insurer and the third-largest medical aid programme. The total number of persons who would benefit from this is 284 400, which is 3.2% of the market and 5.8% of the open 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 for 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, include 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
👉🏾 READ more out Hospital Plans
3. Fedhealth
Overview
✔️ Fedhealth was founded in 1936 in response to the urgent need for medical services in South Africa. Although much has changed over the years, their commitment to offering high-quality service at affordable pricing remains unchanged.
✔️ Since Fedhealth is still a cooperative, it serves the interests of its members and seeks new ways to meet the medical requirements of its customers.
✔️ Because of Fedhealth’s focus on customization, each member can tailor their healthcare coverage to meet their specific needs. Since it is well aware of its members’ needs, Fedhealth is committed to offering only the highest quality service to its subscribers.
✔️ The Scheme’s robust reserve of more than the legally necessary 25% for the benefit of participants is a major factor in why it has kept its AA- Global Credit Rating for the past 14 years.
✔️ Fedhealth’s innovative Risk-based awards are praised for increasing the value of the regular benefits offered to members.
✔️ You can see an in-network doctor as often as you like without incurring additional costs, and you can seek a free upgrade to a more expensive plan once per year (within 30 days of a big life event).
Affordable Fedhealth Medical Aid Plans
✔️ Fedhealth offers a wide range of options for members’ medical coverage, including some plans that are affordable for many South Africans.
flexiFED Savvy
✔️ You’re a cool twentysomething professional who makes good use of fitness and technology. You won’t need a new hip or knee anytime soon.
✔️ As one of the most affordable hospital plans and a supercharged savings plan or supercharged flexible savings plan, flexiFED Savvy is an appealing option for individuals and organisations looking to provide high-quality, low-cost medical coverage for their employees.
✔️ It’s an alternative for your standard medical insurance that may be customised to meet your needs and your 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 main member. The maxima PLUS extensive medical cover will cost from 13 122 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
👉🏾 Read more about Best Medical Aids Cover Pre-Existing Pregnancy
4. Discovery Health
Overview
✅ According to the Council 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, making it the largest open medical scheme in South Africa.
✅ Discovery operates under the Medical Schemes Act 131 of 1998, as modified and is regulated by the non-profit Council for Medical Schemes. The System is a government-run healthcare service, therefore anyone who fits the requirements can sign up to use it.
✅ Since the primary goal of the Scheme is to benefit its members, those members’ interests are taken into account whenever possible. Discovery employs shared objectives to reconcile personal preferences with those of the Scheme as a whole.
✅ Medical bills for people enrolled in the South African Discovery Health Medical Scheme (DHMS or the Scheme) are reimbursed from a central fund that puts charity before profit.
Affordable Discovery Health Medical Aid Plans
Discovery offers a wide range of options for members’ medical coverage, including some plans that are affordable for many South Africans.
Discovery KeyCare Plan
✅ KeyCare’s comprehensive hospital networks ensure that its members have access to high-quality medical care. Inpatient hospitalisation costs are covered in full by KeyCare network providers and up to 100% by the Discovery Health Rate (DHR) for all other providers.
✅ Pregnant women and their infants receive special treatment throughout their lives.
✅ KeyCare Plus and KeyCare Start members receive unlimited coverage for doctor’s visits, lab work, X-rays, and prescription drugs.
✅ When you see a DSP who is a KeyCare participating provider, you will receive 100% coverage for all chronic diseases on the KeyCare Chronic Disease List. The degree of your protection depends on the insurance you purchase.
- Discovery KeyCare Start is available at R968.00 per month
How Much Are Discovery Medical Aid Monthly Premiums?
Monthly premiums start from R930 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 R8 298 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 easy 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
5. Bonitas
Overview
👉🏾 Bonitas assisted 649,000 South African youth in need throughout 2014. Workers from large corporations including Nestlé, BHP Billiton, and Eskom are included. Bonitas has a solvency ratio of 30.7% and an international credit rating of AA-.
👉🏾 Bonitas members and beneficiaries are, on average, under the age of 30, which reduces the severity of annual contribution increases.
👉🏾 Bonitas provides low-cost medical assistance plans that include hospitalisation, long-term care, and prescription drug coverage. This organisation provides low-cost medical coverage options for individuals and families.
👉🏾 Established in 1982, Bonitas has grown so rapidly in recent years that it has surpassed the previous market leader to become South Africa’s largest health insurance provider.
👉🏾 Each of Bonitas’s 4,500 participating physicians has committed to providing patients with the highest quality care at uniform rates.
👉🏾 To assist its customers in coping with the rising cost of healthcare, Bonitas offers two separate services: oncology management and hospital and medicine management.
👉🏾 Some Bonitas plans pay for Lasik eye surgery in addition to regular dental checkups and glasses. Any remaining funds at the end of the year are invested and carried over to the following year for each participant.
Affordable Bonitas Medical Aid Plans
Bonitas offers a wide range of options for members’ medical coverage, including some plans that are affordable for many South Africans.
Boncap Student
✅ Under this plan, students can obtain medical aid cover at a reasonable cost. Full-time students can get a discount on Bonitas Boncap student memberships for their dependent children, up to age 24, if they pick the Student option.
✅ As long as in-network providers are used, there are no limits on the number of times you can visit the doctor or how long you can stay in the hospital. There are limits on access to specialists and non-participating doctors.
- The BonCap Student Plan is available from R780.00 per month
How Much Are Bonitas Medical Aid Monthly Premiums?
Bonitas monthly contributions start at R 2 033 for a Principal Member, R 1 555 for a spouse/adult dependant and R 596 per child (max 3) on the BonEssential Hospital Plan and go up to R 8 217 for a main member, R7 749 for additional adult, and R 1 672 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]
✅ Read more about the 5 Affordable Gap Cover Plans under R200 per month
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there medical aid for less than R300 in South Africa?
Currently there is no medical aid scheme for less than R200 in South Africa. There are, however, many affordable medical aid options available to most South Africans.
Which medical aid scheme is the best?
All medical aid schemes in South Africa have shown an increase in customer satisfaction.
What is the most popular medical aid plan in South Africa?
The most popular medical aid scheme in South Africa is the Discovery Health Medical Scheme. With Discovery Health Medical Scheme, you can rest easy knowing that your medical needs will be met at every turn. You can pick from one of 25 different health plans to find the one that best fits your health and budget requirements.
What size is important to a medical aid scheme?
It is crucial to learn the demographics and scale of the medical aid scheme, bearing in mind that size matters. Claims tend to be more predictable when there are more people in the risk pool. The average age of the organisation also increases the financial concerns.
How can I save on a medical aid in South Africa?
Reduce the amount of people who rely on you by putting them on separate medical aid plans. Make the switch to a cheaper network plan when you use the medical scheme’s affiliated providers. Consider enrolling in a plan with a premium that varies with your income. Take into account the possibility of co-pay schemes.
✅ Read more about the Best Health Insurance for Travel in South Africa revealed.