Costs & contributions
How much does medical aid cost?
By Naledi Mokoena · 7 min read · Updated 24 June 2026
Medical aid in South Africa costs anywhere from roughly R1,000 a month for an entry network or income-based plan to R6,000 or more per adult for comprehensive cover, with the price set by the plan type, the scheme, how many dependants you add and whether a late-joiner penalty applies. There is no single number that fits everyone.
Because contributions change every year and vary by income band, treat any figure as indicative until you get a current quote. We do not publish exact prices that go stale.
This guide shows the realistic ranges and what drives them.
Indicative cost ranges by plan type
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 | Indicative cost per adult | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Income-based | from ~R1,000 (scales with salary) | Network cover, PMBs, basic day-to-day |
| Network hospital plan | ~R1,200 to R2,000 | Hospital cover in a network |
| Open hospital plan | ~R1,900 to R2,800 | Any private hospital |
| Savings plan | ~R2,800 to R4,500 | Hospital plus savings for day-to-day |
| Comprehensive plan | ~R5,500 and up | Broad cover, extended benefits |
Add a child dependant rate per child and an adult rate per extra adult.
What drives the price
- Plan type: the single biggest driver. Day-to-day and extended benefits cost more.
- Dependants: each adult and child adds to the contribution.
- Income (on income-based plans): higher salary band, higher contribution.
- Late-joiner penalty: added if you first join after age 35 without prior cover.
- Network choice: network plans are cheaper than traditional ones.
How quotes and calculators work
A quote takes your age, income (for income-based plans), dependants and chosen plan, then returns a monthly contribution. Scheme calculators on sites like GEMS or Discovery use the current year's tables. Use the scheme's own calculator for accuracy, and be cautious with third-party quote sites that may push you toward a particular product or earn a commission.
How to compare fairly
Compare plan type to plan type. A network hospital plan on one scheme should be compared with a network hospital plan on another, not with a comprehensive plan. Factor in the day-to-day cover, the network and any co-payments, not just the headline premium. The cheapest premium is not always the best value.
Your rights on cost and increases
Schemes adjust contributions annually, usually announced before the new benefit year. They must apply the rules consistently and cover PMBs. 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
How much does medical aid cost in South Africa?
It ranges from roughly R1,000 a month for an entry network or income-based plan to R6,000 or more per adult for comprehensive cover. The price depends on plan type, scheme, dependants and any late-joiner penalty. Get a current quote for accuracy.
Why does medical aid cost so much?
Comprehensive plans cost more because they cover day-to-day care, extended chronic conditions and higher limits on top of hospital cover. Private healthcare is expensive, and schemes must hold reserves. Hospital and network plans cost far less by covering less.
How much is medical aid for one person?
For a single adult, an entry network or income-based plan can start around R1,000 to R2,000 a month, while comprehensive cover runs much higher. The exact figure depends on the plan and any late-joiner penalty. Get a current quote.
Do medical aid prices change every year?
Yes. Schemes adjust contributions annually, usually announced before the new benefit year. That is why we use indicative ranges rather than exact figures. Always confirm the current year's rate on the scheme's own site before deciding.
How do I get a medical aid quote?
Use the scheme's own quote tool or calculator, which uses the current year's tables and your details. Be cautious with third-party quote sites that may favour particular products. Compare plan type to plan type for a fair result.
What makes one plan cheaper than another?
Plan type is the biggest factor: hospital and network plans cost less than comprehensive ones. Fewer dependants, a lower income band on income-based plans, and a network restriction all reduce the contribution. Day-to-day cover raises it.
