Scheme reviews
CAMAF: plans, benefits and who it suits
By Naledi Mokoena · 6 min read · Updated 24 June 2026
- Administrator
- Scheme rooted in the accounting profession
- Plan types
- Network, core, savings, comprehensive
- Known for
- Strong value and benefits, professional roots
- Day-to-day
- Savings or structured benefits depending on plan
- Network option
- Yes - network and core plans
- How to join
- camaf.co.za or a registered broker
CAMAF, the Chartered Accountants Medical Aid Fund, is a medical scheme with roots in the accounting and professional services sector that has historically been recognised for strong benefits and value, offering a plan range from network and core cover up to comprehensive options for members and their dependants.
CAMAF has admitted members from beyond its original profession over time, so check the current eligibility on the scheme's own site. Plans span network, savings and comprehensive cover.
Confirm your eligibility, the plan benefits and the standard waiting periods before applying.
Eligibility and plan range
CAMAF began as a scheme for chartered accountants and the wider professional services sector, and has broadened eligibility over time. Check the current rules on camaf.co.za to confirm whether you qualify. The plan range runs from core and network cover up to comprehensive options, with savings and structured day-to-day benefits on the higher plans.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Network / core | from roughly R1,500 to R2,300 | Network hospitals | Limited / network | Yes |
| Savings | from roughly R3,000 to R4,800 | Private hospitals | Savings account | Partly |
| Comprehensive | from roughly R5,800 upward | Private hospitals | Extended benefits | No |
Benefits and chronic cover
CAMAF covers the 26 PMB chronic conditions, with extended chronic and broader day-to-day cover on the higher plans. It has historically been recognised for strong value, but value depends on the plan you pick, so read the current benefit schedule for the limits, sub-limits and any co-payments before choosing.
Waiting periods, applying and your rights
Standard waiting periods can apply to new members, up to 3 months general and 12 months condition-specific, with a possible late-joiner penalty after age 35 without prior cover. Apply through camaf.co.za or a registered broker, and pre-authorise planned hospital admissions.
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
Who can join CAMAF?
CAMAF started as a scheme for chartered accountants and the professional services sector and has broadened eligibility over time. Confirm the current rules on camaf.co.za to check whether you qualify before applying.
Is CAMAF a good medical aid?
CAMAF has historically been recognised for strong benefits and value. Whether it suits you depends on your budget, eligibility and needs. Compare it like-for-like against other schemes on plan type and benefits.
How do I contact CAMAF?
Use the contact details and member portal on camaf.co.za. Avoid third-party numbers in search results. If a complaint is not resolved, you can escalate to the Council for Medical Schemes.
What plans does CAMAF offer?
CAMAF offers network, core, savings and comprehensive plans. The exact line-up and rates are published yearly, so check camaf.co.za for the current plans and benefits before choosing.
Are there waiting periods on CAMAF?
Yes. A 3-month general and up to a 12-month condition-specific waiting period can apply to new members under the Medical Schemes Act, and a late-joiner penalty may apply after age 35 without prior cover.
Does CAMAF cover chronic conditions?
Yes. CAMAF covers the 26 PMB chronic conditions across plans, with extended chronic cover on higher plans. Register your chronic condition with the scheme so medicine claims are paid from the correct benefit.
