Scheme reviews
Compcare: plans, benefits and who it suits
By Naledi Mokoena · 6 min read · Updated 24 June 2026
- Administrator
- Open scheme (Compcare Wellness Medical Scheme)
- Plan types
- Network, entry, savings, comprehensive
- Known for
- Smaller open scheme, wellness focus, student options
- Day-to-day
- Savings on higher plans, network on entry plans
- Network option
- Yes - network plan versions
- How to join
- compcare.co.za or a registered broker
Compcare Wellness Medical Scheme is a smaller open medical scheme in South Africa offering a plan range from network and entry cover up to comprehensive options, and it suits members who want an open scheme with competitive entry plans and a wellness focus, including some student-oriented options for younger members.
Plans span network, savings and comprehensive cover. As an open scheme, anyone can apply, subject to the usual rules and waiting periods.
Confirm the current plan line-up, network rules and standard waiting periods on the scheme's own site before joining.
Plan range and who each suits
- Network and entry plans: lower-cost cover in a defined network, including options that suit students and young members.
- Savings plans: add a medical savings account for day-to-day flexibility. Suit families.
- Comprehensive options: broader cover and higher limits for members with ongoing needs.
Plan names are reviewed each year, so confirm the current line-up on compcare.co.za.
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 / entry | from roughly R1,300 to R2,000 | Network hospitals | Network day-to-day | Yes |
| Savings | from roughly R2,800 to R4,200 | Private hospitals | Savings account | Partly |
| Comprehensive | from roughly R5,000 upward | Private hospitals | Extended benefits | No |
Benefits and chronic cover
Compcare covers the 26 PMB chronic conditions, with extended chronic and broader day-to-day cover on the higher plans. Its wellness focus and student-oriented options aim at younger members, but check the schedule rather than the marketing. Read the current benefit schedule for limits, sub-limits and any co-payments on the plan you choose.
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 compcare.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
Is Compcare a good medical aid for students?
Compcare offers network and entry options that can suit students and young members on a budget. Whether it is right for you depends on the benefits and your needs. Compare student-oriented plans across schemes before deciding.
What plans does Compcare offer?
Compcare offers network, entry, savings and comprehensive plans. The exact line-up and rates are published yearly, so check compcare.co.za for the current plans and benefits before choosing.
How do I contact Compcare?
Use the contact details and member portal on compcare.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 is the cheapest Compcare plan?
The network and entry plans are the lowest-cost options, trading a defined network for a lower contribution. Confirm the current-year rates on compcare.co.za rather than older figures online.
Are there waiting periods on Compcare?
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.
Is Compcare an open scheme?
Yes. Compcare Wellness Medical Scheme is an open scheme, so anyone can apply, subject to the usual waiting periods and rules. It is smaller than the largest open schemes but is registered and regulated in the same way.
