Scheme reviews
Medihelp: plans, benefits and who it suits
By Naledi Mokoena · 6 min read · Updated 24 June 2026
- Administrator
- Self-administered (Medihelp Medical Scheme)
- Plan types
- Network, hospital plan, savings, comprehensive
- Known for
- Established self-administered open scheme, MedVital to MedElite range
- Day-to-day
- Savings on higher plans, limited on entry plans
- Network option
- Yes - network plan versions
- How to join
- medihelp.co.za or a registered broker
Medihelp is one of the older open medical schemes in South Africa, offering a plan range that includes network, hospital, savings and comprehensive options across families such as MedVital, MedSaver, MedElite and MedPrime. It suits members who want an established scheme with a clear set of plans and a straightforward member portal.
Lower plans use networks and limited day-to-day to keep contributions down, while higher plans add savings and broader cover. Medihelp publishes its plans and rates each year.
Check the network rules on the entry plans, the savings structure on higher plans, and the usual waiting periods before joining.
Plan range and who each suits
- MedVital / network entry: lower-cost plans with hospital cover in a network. Suit younger members and budget-focused families.
- MedSaver and mid-tier: add a savings account for day-to-day. Suit families.
- MedElite and MedPrime: broader and comprehensive cover with higher limits. Suit members with ongoing medical needs.
Plan names and structures are reviewed each year, so confirm the current line-up on medihelp.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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Network / entry | from roughly R1,400 to R2,100 | Network hospitals | Limited | Yes |
| Hospital plan | from roughly R1,900 to R2,700 | Private hospitals | From own pocket | Sometimes |
| Savings | from roughly R2,900 to R4,400 | Private hospitals | Savings account | No |
| Comprehensive | from roughly R5,200 upward | Private hospitals | Savings plus extended | No |
Benefits and chronic cover
Medihelp covers the 26 PMB chronic conditions, with extended chronic and richer day-to-day cover on higher plans. As a self-administered scheme it runs its own member services. Read the current benefit schedule for limits, sub-limits and any co-payments on 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 follow the Medical Schemes Act.
How to join and claim
Apply through medihelp.co.za, the Medihelp member zone or a registered broker. Use network providers where required, pre-authorise planned admissions, and submit other claims through the member zone or app.
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 do I log in to Medihelp?
Use the Medihelp member zone on medihelp.co.za or the app with your membership details. Providers use the dedicated provider login. Keep your membership number ready for claims and pre-authorisations.
What plans does Medihelp offer?
Medihelp offers network, hospital, savings and comprehensive plans across families such as MedVital, MedSaver, MedElite and MedPrime. The exact line-up is reviewed yearly, so check medihelp.co.za for the current plans and rates.
Does Medihelp have a hospital plan?
Yes. Medihelp offers hospital-focused plans that cover in-hospital costs with limited day-to-day benefits. They suit members who mainly want protection from large hospital bills at a lower contribution.
What is the cheapest Medihelp plan?
The MedVital and network entry plans are the lowest-cost options, trading a defined network for a lower contribution. Confirm the current-year rates on medihelp.co.za rather than older figures in search results.
How do I contact Medihelp?
Use the contact number and member zone on medihelp.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 Medihelp?
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 Medihelp cover day-to-day costs?
On savings and comprehensive plans, yes, through a medical savings account and structured benefits. Entry and network plans have limited day-to-day. Match the plan to how often you use GPs and dentists.
