Scheme reviews
Genesis: plans, benefits and who it suits
By Naledi Mokoena · 6 min read · Updated 24 June 2026
- Administrator
- Open scheme (Genesis Medical Scheme)
- Plan types
- Hospital plan, savings, comprehensive
- Known for
- Smaller open scheme, competitive hospital cover
- Day-to-day
- Savings on higher plans
- Network option
- Check current plan rules
- How to join
- genesismedical.co.za or a broker
Genesis Medical Scheme is a smaller open medical scheme in South Africa, often noted for competitive hospital cover and a lean plan range, and it suits members who mainly want solid in-hospital cover at a competitive contribution, with simpler day-to-day arrangements rather than a long ladder of plans to weigh up.
Genesis tends to focus on a few clear plans rather than a long ladder, which keeps the choice simple. As an open scheme, anyone can apply, subject to the usual rules.
Check the current plan benefits, any network rules and the standard waiting periods on the scheme's own site before joining.
Plan range and who each suits
Genesis keeps its plan range relatively lean, which suits members who find big plan ladders confusing. Its hospital-focused plans suit healthy members who mainly want protection from large in-hospital bills, while its higher plans add a savings account and broader day-to-day cover. Confirm the current plans on genesismedical.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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hospital plan | from roughly R1,700 to R2,500 | Private hospitals | From own pocket | Check plan |
| Savings | from roughly R2,800 to R4,200 | Private hospitals | Savings account | No |
| Comprehensive | from roughly R5,000 upward | Private hospitals | Savings plus extended | No |
Benefits and chronic cover
Genesis covers the 26 PMB chronic conditions, with the depth of day-to-day and extended chronic cover depending on the plan. Because the range is lean, the differences between plans are easier to follow than on a long ladder. Read the current benefit schedule for the 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 genesismedical.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 Genesis a good medical aid?
Genesis is a smaller open scheme often noted for competitive hospital cover and a simple plan range. Whether it suits you depends on your needs and budget. It can appeal to members who mainly want strong in-hospital cover.
What plans does Genesis offer?
Genesis keeps a lean plan range, typically a few hospital and higher options rather than a long ladder. The exact plans and rates are published yearly, so check genesismedical.co.za for the current line-up.
How do I log in to Genesis?
Use the member or provider login on genesismedical.co.za with your membership details. Keep your membership number ready for claims and pre-authorisations. Providers use the dedicated provider portal.
How do I contact Genesis?
Use the contact details and member portal on genesismedical.co.za. Avoid third-party numbers in search results. If a complaint is not resolved, you can escalate to the Council for Medical Schemes.
Are there waiting periods on Genesis?
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 Genesis an open scheme?
Yes. Genesis is an open medical 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.
