Last updated: 16 October 2026
Medical aid is expensive in South Africa, and prices go up again every January. But some options cost much less than others. This guide explains how entry-level and low-income medical aid plans work, and how to compare them safely for 2027.
Cheapest medical aid at a glance
- Regulator: Council for Medical Schemes (CMS), medicalschemes.co.za
- CMS guidance for 2027 increases: 3.8%, plus extra only where a scheme’s finances justify it
- Announced 2027 increases so far: several large open schemes announced averages of about 8% to 9%
- Cheapest types of cover: hospital plans, network plans and income-banded plans
- Key protection: Prescribed Minimum Benefits (PMBs) on every registered medical aid option
- New prices start: usually 1 January 2027, subject to CMS approval
What “cheap” medical aid really means
A cheap medical aid is usually a plan with fewer benefits. You pay less each month, but you get less cover.
Low-cost plans save money in three main ways:
- Networks: you must use certain hospitals, GPs and pharmacies.
- Fewer day-to-day benefits: GP visits, medicine and tests may be limited or not covered.
- Income bands: people who earn less pay a lower monthly amount for the same plan.
The cheapest plan is not always the best value. A plan that refuses most of your claims can cost you more in the end.
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Types of low-cost medical cover
1. Hospital plans
A hospital plan mainly pays when you are admitted to hospital. It usually does not pay for normal GP visits or pharmacy medicine. Hospital plans are often the lowest-cost medical aid options. They tend to suit young, healthy people who rarely see a doctor.
For a full comparison, read our guide on hospital plan vs medical aid.
2. Network plans
Network plans cover you only at chosen providers. These are called designated service providers (DSPs). If you go outside the network, you may pay a co-payment or the full bill. Before you join, ask for the list of network hospitals and GPs. Check that at least one is close to your home or work.
3. Income-banded plans
Some entry-level plans charge different prices based on household income. Lower earners pay less. You will usually need to prove your income, for example with a payslip. If your income goes up, your contribution may go up too.
4. Restricted (closed) schemes
Some medical schemes only accept people from a certain employer or industry. Examples include schemes for public servants or for staff of a specific company. These can be cheaper than open schemes. Ask your HR department whether you qualify for one.
5. Primary health care insurance (not medical aid)
Some insurers sell primary health care policies that cover GP visits and basic medicine. These are insurance products, not medical schemes. The CMS has allowed them to be sold under an exemption that runs until 31 March 2027. They do not give you PMB protection. They also do not count as medical scheme cover for late-joiner penalty purposes.
Example: 2027 entry-level prices
Most schemes publish their 2027 prices between September and November 2026. The table below shows one large open scheme’s published 2027 entry-level prices. We show it only to explain how pricing works. It is not a recommendation. Other schemes may be cheaper for your needs.
| Plan (Discovery Health Medical Scheme, 2027) | Main member per month | Child per month | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Active Smart | R1,450 | R1,450 | Same price for every member |
| Active Core (new option) | R1,700 | R500 | Adult dependant R1,550 |
| KeyCare Start Regional, lowest income band | R1,392 | R837 | Price rises with income band |
| KeyCare Core, lowest income band | R1,623 | R425 | Price rises with income band |
Source: Discovery Health Medical Scheme 2027 contribution table. Prices are subject to CMS approval. Always check the scheme’s latest official brochure.
This example shows two key points. Some plans charge the same for adults and children. Others charge much less for children. A family should compare the total monthly cost, not just the main member price.
Medical aid increases for 2027
In July 2026, the CMS advised schemes to anchor their 2027 increases at 3.8%. Schemes could add more only if their finances supported it.
Many schemes announced higher increases. For example, Discovery Health Medical Scheme announced an 8.2% weighted average. Bonitas announced an 8.7% average. Some entry-level options rose by less than the scheme average.
If you are already on medical aid, check your 2027 price letter. You can usually change options for the new year if you tell your scheme in time.
Prescribed Minimum Benefits: your safety net
Every registered medical aid option must cover Prescribed Minimum Benefits (PMBs). This is true even for the cheapest plans.
PMBs include:
- Emergency medical conditions
- A defined list of serious conditions and their treatment
- A list of common chronic conditions, such as diabetes, hypertension and asthma
Schemes may require you to use their network providers and follow their treatment rules. You may also need to register a chronic condition with the scheme. The full PMB list is on medicalschemes.co.za.
How to compare cheap medical aid options
- List your real needs. Look at last year’s doctor, medicine and hospital costs.
- Decide your budget. Include your whole family, not just yourself.
- Get the official brochure. Download the 2027 benefit guide from each scheme’s own website.
- Check the network. Make sure the hospitals and GPs are near you.
- Check co-payments. Some plans charge a fixed amount for certain procedures.
- Check waiting periods. Ask what applies to you before you sign.
- Confirm registration. Make sure the scheme is registered with the CMS.
- Compare the total yearly cost. Add contributions plus likely out-of-pocket costs.
Waiting periods and late-joiner penalties
Cheap plans still apply the normal joining rules. These can surprise new members.
| Rule | What it means |
|---|---|
| General waiting period | Up to 3 months with no claims (except some PMBs) |
| Condition-specific waiting period | Up to 12 months with no cover for an existing condition |
| Late-joiner penalty | Extra 5% to 75% on part of your contribution if you join at 35 or older without enough past cover |
If you are under 35, no late-joiner penalty applies. If you already have medical aid, avoid a gap of more than three months when you switch.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Choosing on price alone. A low contribution can hide large co-payments.
- Ignoring the network. A network hospital far from home is not much use in an emergency.
- Confusing insurance with medical aid. Health insurance policies do not give PMB protection.
- Understating your income. On income-banded plans, false income details can lead to problems with claims.
- Not disclosing health conditions. Non-disclosure can lead to rejected claims or cancelled cover.
- Missing the switch deadline. Most schemes need written notice before the new year.
Scam warning
Fake “medical aid” offers are common on social media and WhatsApp. Be careful if someone:
- Promises full medical aid for a very low price
- Asks you to pay into a personal bank account
- Cannot give you a scheme name you can check with the CMS
- Pressures you to sign up today
Only pay a registered scheme or a licensed broker. You can check a broker with the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) at fsca.co.za.
Where to get help
The Council for Medical Schemes regulates medical aid in South Africa. You can contact the CMS on 0861 123 267 or at information@medicalschemes.co.za. If your scheme treats you unfairly, first complain to the scheme in writing. If it is not resolved, you can lodge a complaint with the CMS.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest medical aid in South Africa?
There is no single answer. Prices depend on the scheme, the option, your income band and your family size. Hospital plans and income-banded network plans are usually the lowest-cost options.
Can I get medical aid if I earn under R10,000 a month?
Yes. Some schemes offer income-banded plans with lower prices for lower earners. Ask schemes for their lowest income band and what proof of income they need.
Do cheap medical aids cover chronic medicine?
All registered options must cover the chronic conditions on the PMB list. You usually need to register the condition and use the scheme’s network pharmacy.
Is a hospital plan cheaper than medical aid?
Usually yes. But a hospital plan generally does not pay for normal GP visits or medicine. See our hospital plan vs medical aid guide.
When do 2027 medical aid prices start?
Most new prices start on 1 January 2027, subject to CMS approval. Some schemes use a different date, so check your scheme’s letter.
Related Guides
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- Funeral Policy for Parents and Extended Family
- How to Check Your Credit Score for Free
Conclusion
The cheapest medical aid is the one that fits your health, budget and location. Start with hospital plans, network plans and income-banded options. Then compare official 2027 brochures and total yearly costs. Check every scheme with the CMS before you pay.
Disclaimer: This article is general information only and is not financial advice. Wiz Admissions does not sell or endorse any medical scheme. Prices and benefits change, so always confirm details with the scheme and the Council for Medical Schemes.
