Scheme reviews
Bonitas Medical Fund: plans, benefits and who it suits
By Naledi Mokoena · 6 min read · Updated 24 June 2026
- Administrator
- Administered for Bonitas Medical Fund (open scheme)
- Plan types
- Income-based, network, hospital plan, savings, comprehensive
- Known for
- Large open scheme, BonCap income-based plan, GP visits from risk on some plans
- Day-to-day
- Savings on some plans, risk-funded GP visits on others
- Network option
- Yes - several network plan versions
- How to join
- bonitas.co.za or a registered broker
Bonitas Medical Fund is one of the largest open medical schemes in South Africa, known for a broad plan range that starts with the income-based BonCap option and runs up to comprehensive cover. It suits members who want recognisable plans, a large network and a strong day-to-day offering, including some plans that pay GP visits from risk rather than savings.
Plan families include BonCap (income-based), BonStart, BonEssential, Standard, BonSave (savings), BonComplete, Primary and Hospital Standard, plus comprehensive options. Network versions of several plans trade a wider hospital choice for a lower contribution.
As with any scheme, watch the waiting periods, the network rules on the cheaper plans, and whether your regular doctor and hospital are in network.
Plan range and who each suits
- BonCap (income-based): contribution scales with income, includes a network and day-to-day. Suits lower and middle earners.
- BonStart / BonEssential: entry plans for younger or healthier members who want hospital cover plus some basics.
- BonSave and Standard: add a savings account for day-to-day flexibility. Suits families.
- Primary and Hospital plans: focus on in-hospital cover with limited day-to-day. Suits members who mainly want protection from big bills.
- Comprehensive options: broader cover and higher limits for members with ongoing medical needs.
Indicative contribution bands
Contributions below are indicative bands to show where a plan type usually sits. They are not quotes. Always confirm the current year's rates on the scheme's own site before you decide.
| Plan type | Entry contribution (indicative, per adult) | Hospital cover | Day-to-day | Network restriction |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Income-based (BonCap) | scales with income, often from R1,100 | Network hospitals | GP and basics in network | Yes |
| Network / entry | from roughly R1,400 to R2,100 | Network hospitals | Limited | Yes |
| Hospital plan | from roughly R1,900 to R2,700 | Wider private hospitals | From own pocket | Sometimes |
| Savings | from roughly R2,800 to R4,200 | Private hospitals | Savings account | No |
| Comprehensive | from roughly R5,000 upward | Private hospitals | Savings plus extended benefits | No |
Benefits and chronic cover
Bonitas covers the 26 PMB chronic conditions across its plans, with higher plans adding an extended chronic list and richer day-to-day cover. A notable feature on some plans is GP consultations paid from risk rather than from your savings, which protects your savings for other costs. Maternity and preventive screening benefits vary by plan, so check the plan guide for the year you are joining.
Waiting periods and penalties
Expect a possible 3-month general waiting period and up to a 12-month condition-specific waiting period on pre-existing conditions. A late-joiner penalty can apply if you first take out medical scheme cover after age 35 without continuous prior membership. These are standard across registered schemes under the Medical Schemes Act, not unique to Bonitas.
How to join and claim
Apply through bonitas.co.za, the Bonitas member app or a registered broker. Use network providers where your plan requires it, and pre-authorise planned hospital admissions to avoid a co-payment. Submit out-of-pocket claims through the app or member portal.
If a scheme does not resolve a complaint, you can escalate to the Council for Medical Schemes (CMS) at medicalschemes.co.za, the statutory regulator for all registered medical schemes in South Africa.
Frequently asked questions
What is the cheapest Bonitas plan?
BonCap is income-based, so the contribution scales with what you earn and can be the lowest entry point for qualifying members. BonStart is another low-cost entry plan. Confirm current rates and income bands on bonitas.co.za.
Does Bonitas pay GP visits from savings?
On several plans Bonitas pays a set number of GP consultations from risk rather than your medical savings account. This protects your savings for other costs. The number of visits depends on the plan.
How do I contact Bonitas?
Use the contact number and member portal listed on bonitas.co.za. Avoid third-party numbers found in search results. For complaints not resolved by the scheme, contact the Council for Medical Schemes.
Is BonCap a hospital plan?
No. BonCap is an income-based plan that includes a hospital network plus day-to-day cover such as GP visits and basic dentistry within a network. It is more than a pure hospital plan.
Does Bonitas have a network restriction?
On BonCap and several network plans, yes. You use defined network hospitals and doctors in exchange for a lower contribution. Higher savings and comprehensive plans remove most network restrictions.
Are there waiting periods on Bonitas?
Yes. A 3-month general waiting period and up to a 12-month condition-specific waiting period can apply to new members, as allowed by the Medical Schemes Act. PMB emergencies are still covered subject to scheme rules.
Can pensioners join Bonitas?
Yes, pensioners can join, but a late-joiner penalty may apply if they first take out medical scheme cover after age 35 without continuous prior membership. Compare plan benefits against the contribution carefully.
