Scheme reviews
Hosmed: what happened to it and where members are now
By Naledi Mokoena · 6 min read · Updated 24 June 2026
- Status
- Merged into Sizwe Hosmed
- Plan types
- Network, value, hospital plan, savings, comprehensive
- Known for
- Long-standing scheme, affordability focus
- Day-to-day
- Network or savings depending on plan
- Network option
- Yes - network plan versions
- How to join
- sizwehosmed.co.za or a registered broker
Hosmed was a long-standing open medical scheme in South Africa that has since merged with Sizwe to form Sizwe Hosmed, so if you are searching for Hosmed today, the practical home for new cover is the merged Sizwe Hosmed scheme, which carries the membership forward on an affordability-focused range of network and savings plans. Mergers like this are a normal part of the scheme landscape.
This page explains the merger context and points you to the right place, while keeping the same core guidance: check plan benefits, network rules and waiting periods before joining.
For the current plan line-up, contributions and contact details, use the Sizwe Hosmed channels.
What happened to Hosmed
Hosmed merged with Sizwe to form Sizwe Hosmed. Mergers are a normal part of the medical scheme landscape, usually aimed at strengthening the combined scheme's membership and reserves. For you, the practical effect is that new cover and current plans live under the Sizwe Hosmed brand. If you held Hosmed cover, your membership moved into the merged scheme.
Plan range today and indicative 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. Plans now sit under Sizwe Hosmed.
| Plan type | Entry contribution (indicative, per adult) | Hospital cover | Day-to-day | Network restriction |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Network / value | from roughly R1,300 to R2,000 | Network hospitals | Network day-to-day | Yes |
| Hospital plan | from roughly R1,800 to R2,600 | 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 | No |
Benefits and chronic cover today
Under Sizwe Hosmed, the merged scheme covers the 26 PMB chronic conditions, with extended chronic and broader day-to-day cover on the higher plans. Benefit schedules were consolidated during the merger, so read the current schedule for the limits and any co-payments, and confirm your hospital is in network on network plans.
Waiting periods, joining and your rights
Standard waiting periods can apply to new members of the merged scheme, up to 3 months general and 12 months condition-specific, with a possible late-joiner penalty after age 35 without prior cover. Join through sizwehosmed.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
Does Hosmed still exist?
Hosmed merged with Sizwe to form Sizwe Hosmed. For new cover and current plans, use the Sizwe Hosmed scheme. If you held Hosmed cover, your membership moved into the merged scheme. Confirm details on sizwehosmed.co.za.
What happened to my Hosmed membership?
Existing Hosmed memberships moved into the merged Sizwe Hosmed scheme. Your cover continued under the combined scheme. Check your current plan, benefits and contributions through the Sizwe Hosmed channels.
How do I contact Hosmed now?
Use the Sizwe Hosmed contact details and member portal on sizwehosmed.co.za, since Hosmed merged into that scheme. Avoid old third-party numbers in search results, which may be out of date.
Is Sizwe Hosmed the same as Hosmed?
Sizwe Hosmed is the merged scheme that includes the former Hosmed. It is the current home for cover. The Hosmed name on its own now points to that merged scheme for practical purposes.
Are there waiting periods on Sizwe Hosmed?
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.
Where do I complain about Sizwe Hosmed?
Registered medical scheme complaints that the scheme does not resolve can be escalated to the Council for Medical Schemes at medicalschemes.co.za, the statutory regulator for all registered schemes.
