Scheme reviews
Fedhealth: plans, benefits and who it suits
By Naledi Mokoena · 6 min read · Updated 24 June 2026
- Administrator
- Administered for Fedhealth (open scheme)
- Plan types
- Network, hospital plan, savings, comprehensive
- Known for
- flexiFED and maxima ranges, flexible day-to-day
- Day-to-day
- Savings and structured day-to-day benefits
- Network option
- Yes - network plan versions
- How to join
- fedhealth.co.za or a registered broker
Fedhealth is an open medical scheme in South Africa with a plan range across the flexiFED and maxima families, spanning network, savings and comprehensive cover, and it suits members who want flexibility in how their cover is structured. A design that lets day-to-day and hospital cover work together, plus the option to upgrade mid-year in defined circumstances, sets it apart.
Plans such as flexiFED let members combine hospital cover with day-to-day, while the maxima range offers richer comprehensive options. Network versions reduce the contribution by limiting hospital choice.
Check the network rules, savings structure and the usual waiting periods on the plan you are considering.
Plan range and who each suits
- flexiFED entry / network: lower-cost plans with hospital cover and some day-to-day, often in a network. Suit younger members and families on a budget.
- flexiFED mid-tier: add more day-to-day and savings. Suit families with regular medical use.
- maxima range: broader comprehensive cover with higher limits. Suits members with significant ongoing needs.
Fedhealth's design lets some plans blend hospital and day-to-day benefits, which can suit members who want both without jumping to a top plan.
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 R1,500 to R2,200 | Network hospitals | Limited | Yes |
| Hospital plus | from roughly R2,200 to R3,200 | Private hospitals | Some day-to-day | Sometimes |
| Savings | from roughly R3,200 to R4,800 | Private hospitals | Savings account | No |
| Comprehensive (maxima) | from roughly R5,500 upward | Private hospitals | Extended benefits | No |
Benefits and chronic cover
Fedhealth covers the 26 PMB chronic conditions, with extended chronic and broader day-to-day cover on higher plans. Some plans offer unlimited hospital cover at the scheme rate and flexible day-to-day structures. Read the current benefit guide for the limits and co-payments that apply to your chosen plan.
Waiting periods and penalties
A 3-month general waiting period and up to a 12-month condition-specific waiting period can apply, plus a possible late-joiner penalty after age 35 without prior cover. These are standard under the Medical Schemes Act.
How to join and claim
Apply through fedhealth.co.za, the Fedhealth app or a registered broker. Pre-authorise planned hospital admissions, use network providers where required, and submit other claims via the app or 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 plans does Fedhealth offer?
Fedhealth offers the flexiFED and maxima families, spanning network, hospital-plus, savings and comprehensive cover. flexiFED plans can blend hospital and day-to-day benefits. See fedhealth.co.za for the current plan list and rates.
How do I log in to Fedhealth?
Use the member login on fedhealth.co.za or the Fedhealth app with your membership details. For provider access, use the dedicated provider portal. Keep your membership number handy for claims and authorisations.
Can I upgrade my Fedhealth plan mid-year?
Fedhealth has historically allowed certain mid-year plan changes in defined circumstances, such as a life event, which is unusual among schemes. Confirm the current rules and conditions directly with Fedhealth before relying on this.
What is the cheapest Fedhealth plan?
The entry flexiFED and network options are the lowest cost, trading a defined hospital network for a lower contribution. Confirm the current-year rates on fedhealth.co.za rather than older figures online.
How do I contact Fedhealth?
Use the contact details and member portal on fedhealth.co.za, or the app. Avoid third-party numbers in search results. Unresolved complaints can be escalated to the Council for Medical Schemes.
Are there waiting periods on Fedhealth?
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 Fedhealth cover chronic conditions?
Yes. Fedhealth 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.
