Scheme reviews
Makoti: plans, benefits and who it suits
By Naledi Mokoena · 6 min read · Updated 24 June 2026
- Administrator
- Open scheme (Makoti Medical Scheme)
- Plan types
- Network, value, entry cover
- Known for
- Affordability-focused open scheme
- Day-to-day
- Network day-to-day on entry plans
- Network option
- Yes - network plans
- How to join
- Scheme's member channels or a broker
Makoti Medical Scheme is an open medical scheme in South Africa with an affordability focus, offering network and entry plans aimed at members who want lower-cost cover, and it suits budget-conscious individuals and families who want registered medical scheme protection, including PMBs, without paying a high monthly contribution.
Plans centre on network and value cover, with the trade-off of using defined hospitals and doctors to keep costs down. As an open scheme, anyone can apply, subject to the usual rules.
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
Makoti focuses on affordable network and value plans. These suit budget-conscious members who want registered medical scheme cover, including PMBs, while keeping the contribution low by using a defined hospital and doctor network. If you want a wide hospital choice and large savings, a higher plan on a bigger scheme may suit you better. Confirm the current plans on the scheme's own channels.
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 / value | from roughly R1,100 to R1,900 | Network hospitals | Network day-to-day | Yes |
| Higher network | from roughly R1,900 to R2,800 | Network hospitals | More network benefits | Yes |
Benefits and chronic cover
Makoti covers the 26 PMB chronic conditions, as required of registered schemes, with day-to-day cover delivered through its network. The affordability comes from the network, not from cutting the basic legal protections. Read the current benefit schedule for limits and any co-payments, and confirm a network hospital is near you before joining.
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 the scheme's member channels 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 Makoti a cheap medical aid?
Makoti is an affordability-focused open scheme with competitive network entry plans. Whether it is the cheapest for you depends on your needs. Compare entry network plans across schemes, since a low price often means a defined network.
What plans does Makoti offer?
Makoti centres on network and value plans aimed at affordability. The exact line-up and rates are published yearly, so check the scheme's member channels for the current plans and benefits before choosing.
How do I contact Makoti?
Use the contact details and member portal on the scheme's official channels. Avoid third-party numbers in search results. If a complaint is not resolved, you can escalate to the Council for Medical Schemes.
Does Makoti cover chronic conditions?
Yes. As a registered medical scheme, Makoti covers the 26 PMB chronic conditions. Register your chronic condition with the scheme and use network providers so medicine claims are paid from the correct benefit.
Are there waiting periods on Makoti?
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 Makoti an open scheme?
Yes. Makoti is an open medical scheme, so anyone can apply, subject to the usual waiting periods and rules. It focuses on affordability and is registered and regulated like other schemes.
