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What Makes Our Medical Aid Partners The Best?
We don’t just look at size when we pick which medical aid partners we work with. It’s also about their financial report card and how well they serve their members:
  • All our partners have a Global Credit Rating of A or higher
  • They’ve all been around for 32 years or longer
  • They all have over 100 hospitals in their network, and most have over 200
4 Easy Steps to Compare Medical Aid Plans.
In just a few easy steps, Hippo gives you a range of affordable medical aid plans from some of South Africa’s top providers.

1

Get started

Head to the top of this page and tell us how many people you need medical aid for.

2

Answer a few questions

We’ll ask you for some details that help us curate the best medical aid plans for you.

3

Get your quotes

Compare affordable medical aid quotes side by side. No need to spend hours on the phone.

4

Pick your plan

Choose the medical plan that suits your needs. Then, a representative from the medical aid will get in touch.

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Why Compare Medical Aid Quotes With Hippo?

Choosing the right medical aid shouldn’t cause grey hairs. Hippo simplifies the process by letting you compare trusted medical aid quotes side by side—so you can find reliable, affordable healthcare that fits your needs and your wallet.

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Compare prices, cover limits, and exclusions in just a few clicks.

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No calls, no long forms. Just simple, online comparisons that work for you.

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See your medical aid options upfront and choose a plan that fits your needs.

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Get results ranked by price and features, so you can choose with confidence.

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Save Time

Compare prices, cover limits, and exclusions in just a few clicks.

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Save Effoet

No calls, no long forms. Just simple, online comparisons that work for you.

Save Money Icon

Save Money

See your medical aid options upfront and choose a plan that fits your needs.

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Save Smart

Get results ranked by price and features, so you can choose with confidence.

What Does Medical Aid Cost?
We’ll help you find a medical aid plan that suits your needs and your pocket. Below are South Africa’s most popular medical aid providers and their monthly premium ranges:
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BestMed

*R1,736 - R12,572

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Bonitas

*R1,603 - R12,509

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CompCare

*R2,820 - R13,162

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Discovery Health

*R1,278 - R12,338

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Fedhealth

*R1,155 - R19,393

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Keyhealth

*R2,393 - R13,840

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Medihelp

*R1,500 - R8,922

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Medshield

*R1,584 - R9,489

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Momentum

*R645 - R16,469

Toyota Logo

Profmed

R2,197 - R11,883

Toyota Logo

BestMed

*R1,736 - R12,572

Toyota Logo

Bonitas

*R1,603 - R12,509

Toyota Logo

CompCare

*R2,820 - R13,162

Toyota Logo

Discovery Health

*R1,278 - R12,338

Toyota Logo

Fedhealth

*R1,155 - R19,393

Toyota Logo

Keyhealth

*R2,393 - R13,840

Toyota Logo

Medihelp

*R1,500 - R8,922

Toyota Logo

Medshield

*R1,584 - R9,489

Toyota Logo

Momentum

*R645 - R16,469

Toyota Logo

Profmed

R2,197 - R11,883

Medical aid made simple.
Hippo’s expert tips for making the most of your health cover.
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The ultimate medical aid guide.

Hippo’s complete guide to medical aid in South Africa. Find out all the information you need on medical aid plans, gap cover, hospital plans, and what they cover in this guide.

Basic types of medical aid cover explained

Medical aid in South Africa comes in a few key plan types, each offering different levels of cover and flexibility. Each type affects how much you pay and what kind of healthcare services you can access. From emergency hospital stays to day-to-day GP visits and chronic medication.

This table provides a clear overview of the key differences between major types of medical aid plans, helping you choose the right one based on your medical needs and budget.

Covers hospitalisation
Covers day-to-day medical expenses
Includes a medical savings account
Requires use of network providers
Covers chronic illnesses PMBs only (27 conditions)
Monthly premium range Lowest
Best for high medical needs Not ideal
Best for budget-conscious members
PMBs

Prescribed Minimum Benefits – a set of 27 chronic conditions that all medical aids are legally required to cover.

Network Providers

Specific GPs, hospitals, and pharmacies that you must use to access full benefits on certain plans.

Medical Savings Account (MSA)

A portion of your monthly contribution set aside for everyday medical expenses like GP visits and medication.

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Yes, your membership can be terminated if your contributions are not paid. If you are on a restricted scheme (only available to a specific group of people or employers) your membership will also be terminated if you are resign, or made redundant or retrenched.

Yes. Medical aids used to be able to reject applicants based on their age or health but it is no longer legal to do so. Cover can be excluded for a period of time e.g. a pregnancy may not be covered if you are already pregnant when you apply.

No, children under 18 must be listed as dependants. In special cases (like death of a parent), the estate may cover membership.

No, it is legislated that you may only belong to one medical aid scheme.

No, not unless it is a restricted scheme and the member is not entitled to join that particular scheme. In the event of non-disclosure, the scheme may request immediate termination of membership.

With cancer rates on the rise in South Africa, early detection through regular screenings has never been more vital. Catching disease in its early stages can make all the difference in treatment success and even prevention. That’s why many medical aids promote preventative healthcare by covering routine check-ups like pap smears, mammograms, blood pressure monitoring, and bone density scans. Most medical aid plans offer these benefits without dipping into your day-to-day savings, making proactive care more accessible. If you’re looking to prioritise prevention without overspending, exploring affordable medical aid options with strong screening benefits is a smart move.

Many parents of tweens and teens know just how costly orthodontic care, like braces, can be. While most medical aid plans do offer some level of orthodontic cover, the benefits can vary quite a bit between providers. Some schemes may cover the full cost of treatment, while others only offer partial funding or require pre-authorisation and specific clinical motivation. That’s why it’s a smart move to request medical aid quotes upfront, so you can see exactly what’s included and avoid unexpected out-of-pocket expenses later on.

Laser eye surgery can be a game-changer for people who rely on glasses or contact lenses every day. The procedure is quick, generally low-risk, and can offer long-term freedom from corrective eyewear. But it does come with a hefty price tag. Fortunately, many medical aid plans in South Africa include some level of cover for laser eye surgery, though the extent of that cover can vary widely. Some options may foot the full bill, while others might only pay a portion or require a co-payment from your side. If this kind of procedure is on your radar, it’s worth exploring affordable medical aid options that include vision-related benefits.

Are psychologist visits covered by medical aid? And what are your options if you're not on one? In South Africa, most medical aid plans include some form of mental health support, such as therapy sessions with a registered psychologist. However, the scope of cover can vary. Some plans may limit the number of sessions per year, while others may only reimburse part of the consultation fee or require a referral from a GP. That’s why it’s important to compare medical aid plans carefully if mental health care is a priority for you or your family. If you're uninsured, there are also free or low-cost services available through public clinics, NGOs, and community health programmes.

Many medical aid plans do cover therapy services, such as sessions with psychologists, physiotherapists, and occupational therapists. But, the level of coverage varies between plans. Some medical aids may include a set number of therapy sessions per year, while others may reimburse a portion of the cost. If mental health is a priority, it’s important to check whether your medical aid plan offers sufficient coverage for therapy, as some plans may require a referral or specific conditions to be met. To ensure you have the right therapy coverage, it’s advisable to compare medical aid plans to see which ones offer the best benefits for your needs.

In order for a membership to be terminated, the member needs to provide the scheme with written notice. It is important for the member to find out exactly what the schemes notice period is. Most schemes require one calendar month's notice, while some require up to 3 months.

Speak to a broker to assess your child’s needs, then compare quotes using Hippo.co.za for the best value.

Medical aid plans work on the principle of shared risk, where all members contribute a monthly premium into a collective pool. This pooled fund is then used to pay for members’ medical expenses according to the specific benefits and limits of the plan they’re on. Depending on the type of cover you choose, you may also have access to a personal medical savings account for everyday expenses. Or you may need to pay some costs out of pocket once your limits are reached.

Claims must be submitted to the scheme within 4 months of the treatment date.

This process varies depending on the scheme that the member is applying to(It is best to discuss this information with our Medical aid specialists).

The cost of medical aid in South Africa varies widely depending on the level of cover you need and the benefits included. If you're looking for comprehensive protection with day-to-day and hospital cover, you'll likely pay a higher premium. More affordable plans, such as hospital-only or network-based options, are available for those on tighter budgets, with monthly costs ranging anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand Rand.

The cost of medical aid varies significantly depending on the level of coverage you choose. For basic plans, you can expect to pay a few hundred Rand per month, while more comprehensive medical aid plans can range from several thousand Rand monthly. Factors like your age, health history, and the specific medical aid plan you opt for will also influence the price. It’s important to carefully assess your healthcare needs and budget when selecting a plan. To get a clearer idea of what fits your requirements, you can compare medical aid plans from different providers to find a balance between affordability and coverage.

Cancelling your medical aid plan can be a straightforward process, but there are important steps to follow. First, you’ll need to review your contract terms, as some plans may require a notice period before cancellation. Contact your medical aid provider and submit a written request, clearly stating your intention to cancel. Be sure to settle any outstanding payments, as some plans may have cancellation fees or require payment up to the end of the month. If you’re switching to another provider, make sure there’s no gap in coverage. Before making any decisions, it’s also a good idea to request medical aid quotes from other providers to compare your options and find a plan that better suits your current needs.

1. Evaluate you and your dependants' state of health. Your medical needs should be considered first. Also look at your family's medical history.

2. Decide what you can afford.

3. Keep in mind that you will have the opportunity to change your option at the end of every year as your needs change.

The National Health Insurance (NHI) aims to provide universal healthcare access to all South Africans, but it's still being rolled out in phases and much remains unclear. What we do know is that once fully implemented, the NHI could limit the role of private medical aids to covering only services not provided by the state. But, this transition won’t happen overnight, and medical aid schemes remain essential for accessing private healthcare, avoiding long queues, and getting faster treatment. For now, it’s still important to compare medical aid plans to ensure you’re getting value for money and coverage that meets your health needs. Especially while the NHI system continues to take shape.
Tips and guides to finding the right medical aid for you.
Explore our medical aid resources, filled with essential information, useful guides and expert tips. Everything you need to find the right cover for your health and your budget.

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