Finding affordable medical aid in South Africa can be challenging, especially with rising healthcare costs. In 2025, open medical schemes like Discovery Health, Bonitas, Momentum, Medshield, and KeyHealth offer budget-friendly plans that provide value for money. Below, we highlight the cheapest medical aid plans for different needs – from young adults and low-income families to pensioners – including monthly premiums (2025), coverage details, pros and cons, and a comparison table for easy reference.
Affordable Medical Aid for Young Healthy Adults (Under 35)
Young, healthy individuals often seek low-cost plans focused mainly on hospital cover, since they may not need extensive day-to-day benefits. The plans below offer essential cover at budget prices:
- Momentum Ingwe Option – Premium: from R589 per month (principal member), making it the cheapest open medical aid plan in SA. This entry-level plan offers unlimited hospital cover (you choose either state hospitals, an Ingwe network of private hospitals, or any private hospital) and includes basic day-to-day care via designated clinics. Pros: Ultra-low cost, flexible choice of hospital network, covers chronic conditions and even basic dentistry/optometry for routine care. Cons: Strict network use – the cheapest rates require using state facilities or specific networks, and out-of-network treatment isn’t covered except emergencies. Limited specialist cover out of hospital (uses network GP referrals). Ideal for students and first-time earners.
- Medshield MediCurve – Premium: ~R1,701 per month (flat rate). A plan designed for young professionals, MediCurve provides unlimited private hospital cover in the Medshield Compact network and unlimited virtual GP consultations, with essential optical and dental benefits through network providers. Pros: Modern, digital-friendly benefits (virtual doctor visits) and comprehensive hospital coverage at a reasonable price point. Covers the mandatory chronic conditions (26 PMB chronic illnesses) despite being a hospital plan. Cons: Limited to network hospitals (30% co-pay if you use out-of-network hospitals), and no medical savings account (you pay out-of-pocket for any day-to-day needs beyond the provided network services). Great for tech-savvy young adults who prefer convenience over a wide provider choice.
- Discovery Health KeyCare Start/Core – Premium: from ±R1,184 per month (income-based) for the KeyCare Series (Discovery’s cheapest range). These plans cover unlimited hospital admissions at designated private hospitals in the KeyCare network and, for KeyCare Start, also unlimited GP visits at network clinics. KeyCare Core is a pure hospital plan (no day-to-day except PMBs), while KeyCare Start includes basic day-to-day benefits (GP, blood tests, X-rays, acute medicines) through a defined network. Pros: Low entry price for Discovery (plans start at ~R1.2k for low earners), with comprehensive in-hospital cover and essential chronic medicine cover (27 Chronic Disease List conditions via designated providers). Members get access to Discovery’s large provider network and can add Vitality (wellness rewards) separately. Cons: Network restrictions are significant – you must use contracted KeyCare doctors and hospitals, and higher-income members pay more (KeyCare premiums scale up to ~R3,687 at higher incomes). Not available to high-income individuals at the lowest rate. This is best for young adults on a budget who want the security of a big scheme like Discovery.
- Bonitas BonStart – Premium: R1,498 per month (principal member). BonStart is an entry-level plan from Bonitas that provides hospital coverage in a network and covers 27 chronic conditions (PMBs) with no savings account. It’s a no-frills plan targeting younger members. Pros: Affordable fixed premium, with Bonitas’ extensive provider network (Bonitas has one of the largest GP/specialist networks in SA). Includes cover for chronic meds and basic preventative care (e.g. wellness benefits) despite low cost. Cons: No day-to-day cover for non-PMB issues – you pay cash for GP visits or meds beyond the PMB list. Also, you are required to use network hospitals and doctors (out-of-network use may incur penalties or no cover). Suited for healthy young adults who mainly want hospital insurance and are comfortable using network providers.
✨ Key Tip for Young Adults: If you’re just starting out, look at plans specifically marketed for young or first-time members. For example, Discovery’s new Active Smart plan in 2025 costs about R1,350 for main members, designed for young professionals with limited benefits (network hospital with an upfront deductible for non-emergency admissions, and a small “Personal Health Fund” for day-to-day). It’s touted as one of the most affordable price points at ~5% of an average young professional’s salary. Always compare these with similar options like KeyCare or Ingwe to see which benefits you value most (e.g., some cover day-to-day needs, others purely hospital).
Best Low-Income Medical Aid Plans for Families
Low-income earners or families on a tight budget need medical cover that is affordable for multiple dependants while covering basics like GP visits for kids and hospital emergencies. These plans use income-based contribution tables or network arrangements to keep premiums down:
- Bonitas BonCap – Premium: from R1,154 per month (main member), with flat low rates for adult dependents (also R1,154) and children (~R732 each). BonCap is an income-based plan (you qualify if your household income falls below certain thresholds) and provides essential day-to-day benefits and hospital coverage via a network. It covers unlimited GP visits at partner clinics, prescribed acute medications, basic dentistry, maternity benefits, and hospital care at network hospitals, all subject to certain limits and protocols.
Pros: Arguably the best value for low-income families – the premium is very low for the coverage you get. It includes family-friendly benefits like maternity cover and childhood immunizations, and covers all 27 chronic conditions (PMB) with treatment at designated providers. No savings needed as benefits are provided through capitation (the scheme pays network GPs/hospitals directly).
Cons: You must use BonCap network providers – specific hospitals, GPs, and pharmacies. There may be sub-limits on out-of-hospital benefits (e.g. a set number of GP visits or limited specialist consultations via referral). If your income rises above the entry band, you may have to move to a higher plan option. This plan is ideal for low-income families who want comprehensive basic cover at the lowest price, and are willing to use public or designated facilities for some services. - Discovery KeyCare Plus – Premium: ~R1,200 – R3,000+ per month for main member (depending on income band). KeyCare Plus is Discovery’s network family plan, covering unlimited hospital admissions in the KeyCare network and unlimited primary care through a nominated KeyCare network GP (including checkups, blood tests, antenatal visits, etc.). Children and spouses are covered at reduced rates (e.g., child dependant from around R361 in lowest band).
Pros: Broad coverage for families – you get peace of mind that GP visits and basic pediatric care are taken care of, and if anyone is hospitalized, it’s covered in full at network facilities. Full PMB chronic cover (with meds from network pharmacies or state, depending on condition) means even conditions like asthma or diabetes in the family are managed.
Cons: Like BonCap, this option has strict networks – your family will be assigned to specific clinics and hospitals. Specialist visits usually require GP referral and may have annual limits. It’s also income-rated, so it targets low-to-mid income households; if you earn above the threshold, you might not be eligible for KeyCare Plus (or you’ll pay the top-end premium ~R3.6k which is less “cheap”). Overall, an excellent low-cost plan for families who want the backing of Discovery’s network and don’t mind the trade-off of provider choice. - *Momentum Ingwe (Family) – Premium: Ultra-low for families. For example, a family of four with low income could pay about R1,776 total: main member R589 + adult partner R589 + two children (~R299 each) on the Ingwe plan’s lowest tier. Even at higher income bands, Momentum charges per beneficiary (with child rates capped at a maximum number of kids), keeping it manageable. Ingwe covers the family’s hospital needs (you choose State, Ingwe Network, or Any hospital option) and day-to-day primary care via the Ingwe Primary Care network clinics.
Pros: Extremely affordable for larger families – child rates are very low (around R299 for young children on lowest band). You have flexibility to choose a private hospital network for a bit more premium if you prefer not to use state hospitals. Chronic treatment for conditions like hypertension or HIV is included through state or network providers.
Cons: To get the rock-bottom pricing, the breadwinners must earn below certain thresholds (e.g. <R1500 or <R9000 per month for the lower bands). Using state hospitals will keep premiums lowest, but that may mean long queues and limited facility choice. The Ingwe Network option costs more but gives access to specific private hospitals – still, not all hospitals are included. Also, specialist care is limited under this plan; you’d typically rely on government hospitals or pay out of pocket for private specialist visits. Despite these limits, Ingwe is a top pick for budget-conscious families, including those with small children, because it covers the basics of GP visits and emergencies without breaking the bank. - Medshield MediPhila – Premium: R2,004 per month (main member); adult dependents and children cost extra (child dependant ±R852). MediPhila is tailored for families seeking first-time private cover at an affordable rate. It provides full cover for Prescribed Minimum Benefits (PMB) conditions (treated in state or network facilities) and up to R1 million per family per year for non-PMB hospital treatments in the MediPhila private hospital network. In addition, it offers some day-to-day cover for essential healthcare: limited GP visits, basic acute meds, and preventative care are included (often through a network or nominated provider).
Pros: A good middle-ground plan – cheaper than comprehensive options, but more day-to-day benefits than pure hospital plans. The inclusion of a R1 million private hospital cover for non-PMB events can be a lifesaver for unforeseen serious illnesses or accidents (many entry plans only cover PMBs in full). It also covers chronic medicines for 27 conditions (using Medshield’s protocols) and gives families peace of mind for routine doctor visits.
Cons: The R1 million cap on non-PMB hospital cover means very high-cost treatments might exhaust the benefit (for perspective, advanced cancer treatment or long ICU stays can be extremely costly – after R1m, you’d rely on state care or self-funding). As with others, you must use network hospitals and GPs – using a non-network hospital for an elective procedure could incur a 30% co-payment or no cover. Also, if your family is very healthy, you might not fully utilize the day-to-day portion (but you’re paying for that peace of mind). This plan is great for low-income families who can spend around ~R2000 and want a bit more cover for GP visits and non-PMB events than the absolute rock-bottom plans provide. - KeyHealth Essence – Premium: R2,187 per month (main member); additional adult dependent ~R1,753, child dependent R788. Essence is KeyHealth’s most affordable plan, offering unlimited in-hospital cover for emergencies and planned procedures at network private hospitals as well as state hospitals. It’s a no-savings hospital plan (no day-to-day benefit except preventive screenings and PMBs). Notably, it covers big-ticket treatments: for example, it includes cover for organ transplants, oncology, and renal dialysis – oncology up to ~R197,500 per family/year, and all Prescribed Minimum Benefit treatments are covered at 100% scheme rate in network facilities.
Pros: Truly comprehensive catastrophic cover for a budget plan – your family is protected for major events (transplants, cancer, accidents) without overall hospital limits. KeyHealth also prides itself on a “transparent” approach (no hidden savings or sublimit complexities; they even include some unique benefits like a Smart Baby programme for expecting parents on this plan). Child rates are low, and no income verification is required – anyone can join at the set premium.
Cons: No routine day-to-day cover – all GP visits, specialists out of hospital, and acute medications must be self-funded (aside from the free preventative screenings KeyHealth offers and any PMB-required care). Also, you need to use KeyHealth’s Designated Service Provider (DSP) hospitals for full cover – using a non-network private hospital results in a 30% co-payment on the hospital bill. While not the absolute cheapest plan on the market, Essence’s robust hospital cover makes it a strong value-for-money choice for families who can afford ~R2k per month and want to avoid surprise gaps in a medical crisis.
Basic Medical Aid Plans for Pensioners (Chronic Care & Hospital Cover)
For pensioners and older adults, affordability is crucial, but so is coverage for chronic medications and hospitalizations. The ideal plans offer solid hospital cover (for surgeries or emergencies) and at least the Prescribed Minimum chronic benefits – some may also include limited GP visits or extras:
- Bonitas BonEssential Select – Premium: R2,192 per month (principal member). This is a pure hospital plan from Bonitas (Select means you use a network of hospitals for a lower rate). It covers unlimited in-hospital treatment at partner private hospitals, and 27 chronic conditions are covered as per PMB (you get your chronic meds through designated pharmacies, and specialists for those conditions covered at PMB level). There is no medical savings account or day-to-day cover for minor ailments – it’s meant for hospital and chronic only.
Pros: Low premium for a reputable scheme’s cover – you get Bonitas’s strong chronic disease management and large provider network backing you. Great for pensioners in relatively good health who mainly want to be covered if something big happens (heart attack, hip replacement, etc.).
Cons: Any day-to-day healthcare (GP consults, hearing aids, new glasses, etc.) must be paid out-of-pocket, which can be a challenge on a fixed income if not planned for. Also, you must use network hospitals for non-emergencies. If your longtime family doctor or specialist is not in the Bonitas network, you might need to switch or pay extra. However, all PMB conditions will be covered at least in a state facility or network provider, which protects chronic patients. This plan is a best buy hospital plan for seniors who can budget separately for small medical expenses and want to keep their monthly premium affordable. - Discovery KeyCare Core – Premium: around R1,331 (lowest income band) up to ~R3,652 (highest band) for main member. KeyCare Core is Discovery’s entry-level hospital-only option. It provides unlimited cover for hospitalization in the KeyCare network hospitals (private hospitals on Discovery’s list). It also guarantees coverage of the 27 PMB chronic conditions – usually, you’d get chronic medicines through state clinics or a designated service provider pharmacy, and see network doctors for those conditions. There is no cover for outpatient day-to-day expenses (except PMB requirements).
Pros: One of the lowest premiums for private hospital cover on the market (especially if you fall in a low income bracket, ~R1.3k). Even at higher brackets, ~R2k–R3k, it’s cheaper than comprehensive plans. This is an attractive option for an older person who only wants to insure against big hospital events and is okay using public sector for chronic meds (to keep costs low). Being with Discovery also gives you access to their systems and specialists network (who charge scheme rates).
Cons: No routine benefits – you pay cash for GP visits or specialist consults not related to a PMB condition. KeyCare Core also uses state facilities for certain chronic disease treatments (Discovery may require some chronic conditions to be managed in public clinics on this plan). For a pensioner who needs frequent doctor visits or checkups, this could become burdensome unless you supplement with a medical expense shortfall plan. Additionally, plan availability is income-linked; if your pension income is above the threshold, you’d pay the higher premiums or might be directed to a different plan. This plan works best for relatively healthy seniors who want inexpensive catastrophic cover and can utilize government clinics for basics. - Momentum Ingwe (Any Hospital option) – Premium: varies by income; e.g. R1,684 for main member if monthly income is R1,501–R9,000; up to R4,117 if income > R22,400. While Ingwe is often marketed to the youth, it can be used by older members as well (there’s no age limit) – particularly those with limited income. By choosing the “Any Hospital” tier, a pensioner can get treated at any private hospital in SA for emergencies or surgeries (with PMBs covered in full, non-PMB covered up to scheme rates). Chronic meds for 26 conditions are covered via Ingwe’s formulary and provider network (or state).
Pros: Even a higher-income pensioner could get private hospital cover at around R4k, which might be less than other open-scheme plans for seniors. Those with lower incomes or who choose network hospitals can pay far less (many retirees fall in lower income brackets, qualifying for sub-R2k premiums). The plan also includes Ingwe Primary Care day-to-day benefits – typically, a limited number of GP visits, basic blood tests, and perhaps flu shots at network GPs or pharmacies, which is a nice perk for older members.
Cons: The benefits are basic. There may be limits on day-to-day visits (e.g., only a certain number of GP consults covered per year). Specialist visits out-of-hospital usually aren’t covered unless it’s a PMB referral from a network GP. And while “Any Hospital” lets you go to, say, your nearest private hospital, keep in mind you still need authorization and it mainly shines for emergencies – for planned procedures you should use network specialists if possible to avoid co-payments. Another consideration: Momentum’s Ingwe is a capitated option for day-to-day (partnered with certain clinic groups like Hello Doctor or Pharmacy clinics), which might feel different if you’re used to choosing your own doctor freely. In summary, Momentum Ingwe can be an affordable safety net for a pensioner, especially one who doesn’t mind using public clinics or a set network for most routine care and just wants the ability to go to a private hospital if something major happens. - Medshield MediCore – Premium: R3,891 per month (main member). MediCore is a straightforward hospital plan: it provides unlimited cover in private hospitals (Compact network) for any admissions, with in-hospital specialists paid at 200% of Medshield’s rate (helpful if the doctor charges above 100% tariff). It covers 26 chronic conditions (the standard 27 PMBs minus one, although Medshield covers most mainstream chronic issues) with medicines via its network pharmacies. No savings account or day-to-day cover is included.
Pros: Higher-tier hospital coverage at a lower price than comprehensive plans – the 200% rate means even if a surgeon or anesthetist charges more than scheme tariff, you’re less likely to have a shortfall. Medshield also offers some value-adds like a nurse line and emergency assistance which seniors might appreciate.
Cons: The premium (~R3.9k) is higher than the other “cheap” options listed, so this is for pensioners who have a bit more budget but want a pure hospital plan. Without any day-to-day benefits, one might ask: why not go for a plan like Essence or BonEssential for less? The difference is the provider coverage (200% rate and potentially a broader hospital network for MediCore). Also, Medshield is a slightly smaller scheme than Discovery or Bonitas, so ensure your nearest hospitals are on their network. This plan is solid for older couples who have some retirement income and prioritize rich hospital cover with minimal unexpected co-pays over outpatient benefits. - KeyHealth Essence – (Reiterating here for seniors) Premium: R2,187 (main). We discussed Essence under families, but it’s also quite suitable for pensioners.
Pros: It covers all the major risks of old age: hospitalization, chronic treatment, cancer therapy (up to a limit), etc., at a price often lower than big competitors. KeyHealth also does not charge late-joiner penalties on contributions, according to some sources (a boon if you’re joining a medical aid for the first time past age 60 – though confirm with the scheme).
Cons: The lack of any day-to-day benefits means routine check-ups or maintenance meds (if not PMB chronic) come from your pocket. Pairing this plan with a medical aid gap cover policy might be wise to protect against limits like the oncology cap or any co-payments – KeyHealth does offer a gap cover option on all its policies. Essence gives elderly members peace of mind for big health events without the high cost of comprehensive plans, but you’ll need to handle your smaller health expenses.
Comparison Table: Cheapest Medical Aid Plans 2025
Below is a quick comparison of the most affordable plans from each featured scheme, showing monthly cost and key features:
| Scheme (Plan) | 2025 Main Member Premium | Coverage Type | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Discovery KeyCare Start (Discovery Health) | From ±R1,184 (income-based) | Network hospital plan + basic GP visits | Low-income singles/families who use public clinics and want private hospital cover for emergencies. |
| Bonitas BonCap (Bonitas Medical Fund) | From R1,154 (income-based) | Network plan with day-to-day GP, meds | Low-income earners & families needing GP visits, chronic and hospital cover on a tight budget. |
| Momentum Ingwe Option (Momentum Medical Scheme) | From R589 (state hospital) up to ~R1,684 (network) (income-dependent) | Hospital plan (state or private network) + network clinic cover | Students and first-job youth; also budget-conscious individuals of any age (scales with income). |
| Medshield MediCurve (Medshield Medical Scheme) | ~R1,701 (flat rate) | Network hospital plan + virtual GP, limited dental/optical | Young adults (<35) who prefer digital services and don’t need physical GP visits for every consult. |
| KeyHealth Essence (KeyHealth Medical Scheme) | R2,187 (flat rate) | Private hospital plan (network) – no savings, comprehensive in-hospital (incl. chronic) | Older members or families wanting full hospital cover and willing to pay out-of-pocket for minor healthcare. |
Note: All the above plans cover the Prescribed Minimum Benefits (PMBs) – including 271 medical conditions and 27 chronic diseases – as required by law. This means even the cheapest options will provide treatment for life-threatening emergencies and chronic illnesses like diabetes or hypertension, though the treatment might be offered through state hospitals or designated providers. Always check each scheme’s specific PMB protocols.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the cheapest medical aid in South Africa?
A: For 2025, the Momentum Ingwe Option stands out as the cheapest open medical aid plan. Its starting premium is around R589 per month for a main member (if you choose state hospital cover and are in the lowest income band). This makes it the most affordable plan for basic hospital and primary care cover. Other very cheap options include Bonitas BonCap (from R1,154) and Discovery KeyCare Start (±R1,184), which have slightly higher premiums but offer network private hospital cover and some day-to-day benefits. Remember that “cheapest” isn’t just about price – consider what coverage you’re getting. Ingwe at R589 is extremely cheap, but that price is for using public hospitals. If you need private hospital access, you might opt for a network plan like KeyCare or BonCap at a bit higher cost. Always compare the value offered against the premium.
Q: Which medical aid is best for low-income earners?
A: Bonitas BonCap and Discovery KeyCare are top choices for low-income earners. BonCap is specifically income-tiered and offers broad coverage (GP visits, maternity, chronic meds, hospital) within an affordable network package. For example, a single low-income individual on BonCap pays just ~R1.1k and gets essential day-to-day care plus hospitalization. Discovery’s KeyCare plans are also aimed at lower earners – KeyCare Start/Plus provide private hospital access and clinic-based primary care at entry-level rates (with KeyCare Start being very accessible if you’re willing to use designated clinics). Momentum Ingwe is another excellent option – if your income is modest, you can get coverage for under R1k (or even under R600) by using state or network providers. In summary, the best scheme for low earners is one that offers an income-rated premium and a provider network: this keeps costs down while covering the basics. Bonitas, Discovery, and Momentum all excel here. It’s wise to get quotes for all three and see which network of doctors/hospitals you’re most comfortable with, and which premium fits your exact income level.
Q: What is the most affordable hospital plan?
A: The answer depends on whether you’re okay with public hospitals or need private hospitals:
- The most affordable hospital cover overall is via Momentum Ingwe (State Hospital option) – at ~R589, it covers you for hospital treatment in public (government) hospitals. This is the absolute cheapest hospital plan, but it means you’d be treated at state facilities for non-emergencies (emergencies can go to any ER and will be stabilized as PMB).
- If we talk about private hospital plans, Discovery’s KeyCare Core is among the cheapest. Discovery’s plans start at R1,331 for a main member in 2025, corresponding to KeyCare Core (network private hospitals, no day-to-day). Similarly, Bonitas BonEssential Select at ~R2,192 is a very affordable pure hospital plan covering private networks. Medshield MediCurve (±R1,701) is also a strong contender as an affordable hospital plan, with the twist of including virtual GP services.
- For pensioners or those over 60, some schemes like KeyHealth Essence (R2,187) and Fedhealth’s EntrySaver (not discussed above, but another hospital plan) are worth looking at as well, balancing cost and benefits.
In short, Momentum Ingwe wins for the lowest-cost hospital-only cover (especially for younger members or those comfortable with state hospitals). For private hospital access at a low price, look at network hospital plans such as KeyCare Core, BonEssential Select, or Medshield’s MediCore/MediCurve. Always verify what each plan covers in-hospital – e.g., some have co-payments for certain surgeries or limited cancer cover – and ensure your preferred hospitals are on the network.
Final Advice: When choosing a cheap medical aid, consider your health needs and life stage. Young and healthy? A hospital plan with maybe a few GP visits could suffice. Raising a family on a budget? A network plan with comprehensive primary care benefits will save you money and headaches. Retired with chronic conditions? Ensure your plan covers your medications and specialist visits, even if it has no frills.
All the listed schemes are open to the public and regulated by the Council for Medical Schemes, so benefits like PMBs are guaranteed. The key is to pick a plan that covers your must-haves (be it chronic meds, unlimited GP, or full hospital choice) at a price you can afford. With options ranging from a few hundred rand to a couple of thousand, there is a medical aid for every budget in 2025 – just make sure to use the plan correctly (stay in network, follow referral rules) to get the maximum value from these affordable medical aids. Stay safe and covered!
