Scheme reviews
Medshield: plans, benefits and who it suits
By Naledi Mokoena · 6 min read · Updated 24 June 2026
- Administrator
- Administered for Medshield (open scheme)
- Plan types
- Income-based network, hospital plan, savings, comprehensive
- Known for
- Long-established open scheme, MediPhila income-based plan
- Day-to-day
- Network or savings depending on plan
- Network option
- Yes - MediPhila and network plans
- How to join
- medshield.co.za or a registered broker
Medshield is one of the oldest open medical schemes in South Africa, with a plan range that runs from the income-based MediPhila up to comprehensive cover, suiting members who want an established scheme offering network, savings and traditional plans, including an income-based entry option that lets lower earners access full scheme cover.
Plans include MediPhila (income-based network), MediValue, MediBonus, MediSaver and comprehensive options. Network plans reduce the contribution by directing you to a defined hospital network.
Check the network rules, the savings structure and the standard waiting periods before joining any Medshield plan.
Plan range and who each suits
- MediPhila (income-based network): lowest cost, scales with income and uses a network. Suits lower earners.
- MediValue / MediBonus: network and value plans with day-to-day. Suit budget-focused families.
- MediSaver: adds a savings account for day-to-day flexibility. Suits families.
- Comprehensive options: broader cover and higher limits for members with ongoing needs.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Income-based (MediPhila) | scales with income, often from R1,100 | Network hospitals | Network day-to-day | Yes |
| Network / value | from roughly R1,500 to R2,200 | Network hospitals | Some day-to-day | Yes |
| Savings | from roughly R2,900 to R4,300 | Private hospitals | Savings account | No |
| Comprehensive | from roughly R5,200 upward | Private hospitals | Savings plus extended | No |
Benefits and chronic cover
Medshield covers the 26 PMB chronic conditions, with extended chronic and broader day-to-day cover on higher plans. As a long-established scheme it publishes its hospital network and benefit schedules each year. Check that your preferred hospital and doctors are in network on the plan you choose.
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 medshield.co.za, the Medshield app or a registered broker. Use network providers where required, pre-authorise planned admissions, and submit other claims through the member portal 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
What is MediPhila on Medshield?
MediPhila is Medshield's income-based network plan, the entry tier where the contribution scales with income and you use a defined hospital and doctor network. It suits lower earners who want full medical scheme cover.
How do I log in to Medshield?
Use the member login on medshield.co.za or the Medshield app with your membership details. Providers use the dedicated provider login. Keep your membership number ready for claims and authorisations.
What is the Medshield hospital network?
Medshield directs network plan members to a defined list of hospitals to keep contributions lower. Using a non-network hospital on those plans can lead to a co-payment. Check the current network list on medshield.co.za before admission.
What is the cheapest Medshield plan?
MediPhila, the income-based network plan, is usually the lowest cost for lower earners since it scales with income. Network value plans are the next step up. Confirm current rates on medshield.co.za.
How do I contact Medshield?
Use the contact number and member portal on medshield.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 Medshield?
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 Medshield offer comprehensive cover?
Yes. Medshield offers comprehensive plans with broader cover, a savings account and higher limits, suited to members with ongoing or specialist medical needs. Compare the benefits against the higher contribution carefully.
