Scheme reviews
Polmed: plans, benefits and who it suits
By Naledi Mokoena · 6 min read · Updated 24 June 2026
- Administrator
- Restricted scheme for SAPS employees
- Plan types
- Network, savings, comprehensive
- Known for
- Police Medical Scheme, employer subsidy for members
- Day-to-day
- Network or savings depending on option
- Network option
- Yes - network plan versions
- How to join
- polmed.co.za, SAPS HR or a broker
Polmed, the Police Medical Scheme, is a restricted scheme for South African Police Service (SAPS) employees and their dependants, one of the larger restricted schemes, offering a plan range built around the needs of police members, who often receive a government employer subsidy toward the monthly contribution.
Because it is restricted, you generally need to be a SAPS employee to join. Plans span network, savings and comprehensive cover, and the scheme publishes its options and rates each year.
Even with an employer subsidy, compare the plan benefits against your needs and note the network rules and standard waiting periods.
Eligibility and who it suits
Polmed is restricted to SAPS employees and their registered dependants. It suits police members who want a scheme designed around their employment, often with an employer subsidy that reduces the out-of-pocket contribution. If you are not a SAPS employee, an open scheme is the route to take.
Plan range 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. Polmed members often receive a government employer subsidy.
| Option type | Entry contribution (indicative, per principal) | Hospital cover | Day-to-day | Network restriction |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Network / value | from roughly R1,200 to R2,000 | Network hospitals | Network day-to-day | Yes |
| Savings | from roughly R2,500 to R4,000 | Private hospitals | Savings account | Partly |
| Comprehensive | from roughly R5,000 upward | Private hospitals | Extended benefits | No |
Benefits and chronic cover
Polmed covers the 26 PMB chronic conditions, with extended chronic cover and maternity benefits on the relevant options. As a restricted scheme it is designed around policing employment, and the options and contribution tables are published each year. Check the option you qualify for against the current benefit guide before deciding.
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 polmed.co.za, SAPS HR 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
Who qualifies for Polmed?
Polmed is a restricted scheme for South African Police Service employees and their registered dependants. You generally need to be a SAPS employee to join. Eligibility is confirmed through SAPS HR and polmed.co.za.
What plans does Polmed offer?
Polmed offers a range of network, savings and comprehensive options for police members. The exact options and rates are published yearly, so check polmed.co.za for the current line-up before choosing.
How do I contact Polmed?
Use the contact details and member portal on polmed.co.za. Avoid third-party numbers in search results. If a complaint is not resolved, you can escalate to the Council for Medical Schemes.
Does Polmed have an employer subsidy?
Polmed members are SAPS employees and typically receive a government employer subsidy toward the contribution, which reduces what you pay out of pocket. The subsidy depends on your employment terms.
Are there waiting periods on Polmed?
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 Polmed only for police?
Polmed is designed for SAPS employees and their dependants. It is a restricted scheme, so membership is tied to that employment. Others should look at open schemes such as Bonitas, Bestmed or Medshield.
