Scheme reviews
Profmed: plans, benefits and who it suits
By Naledi Mokoena · 6 min read · Updated 24 June 2026
- Administrator
- Restricted scheme for graduate professionals
- Plan types
- Hospital plan, savings, comprehensive
- Known for
- Scheme for degreed and qualified professionals
- Day-to-day
- Savings and structured benefits on higher plans
- Network option
- Limited - check current plan rules
- How to join
- profmed.co.za, if you qualify, or a broker
Profmed is a restricted medical scheme for graduate professionals in South Africa, generally people with a four-year degree or a recognised professional qualification, and it suits qualifying professionals who want a scheme designed around their profile, with a plan range from hospital cover up to comprehensive options for them and their families.
Because it is restricted, you generally need to meet the professional qualification criteria to join. The plan range spans hospital, savings and comprehensive cover, and the scheme positions itself around the needs of professionals and their families.
Confirm your eligibility, the plan benefits and the usual waiting periods before applying.
Eligibility and who it suits
Profmed is restricted to graduate professionals, generally those with a four-year degree or a recognised professional qualification, plus their dependants. It suits qualifying professionals who prefer a scheme designed around a higher-earning, professional membership. If you do not meet the qualification criteria, an open scheme such as Discovery, Bonitas or Bestmed is the route to take instead.
Plan range
Profmed offers a ladder from hospital-focused plans up to comprehensive cover, with savings and structured day-to-day benefits on the higher plans. The exact plan names and benefit design are reviewed each year, so confirm the current line-up on profmed.co.za before choosing.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hospital plan | from roughly R2,000 to R3,000 | Private hospitals | From own pocket | Sometimes |
| Savings | from roughly R3,200 to R5,000 | Private hospitals | Savings account | No |
| Comprehensive | from roughly R6,000 upward | Private hospitals | Savings plus extended | No |
Benefits, waiting periods and applying
Profmed covers the 26 PMB chronic conditions, with extended chronic and broader day-to-day cover on higher plans. 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. Apply through profmed.co.za if you qualify, or via a registered broker.
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 can join Profmed?
Profmed is restricted to graduate professionals, generally those with a four-year degree or a recognised professional qualification, plus their dependants. If you do not qualify, an open scheme is the alternative. Confirm criteria on profmed.co.za.
Is Profmed only for doctors?
No. Profmed is for graduate professionals across many fields, not only medical doctors. The common requirement is a recognised professional qualification or a four-year degree. Check the exact eligibility list with the scheme.
What plans does Profmed offer?
Profmed offers a range from hospital cover up to comprehensive plans with savings and day-to-day benefits. The plan names and benefits are reviewed yearly, so see profmed.co.za for the current line-up and rates.
How much does Profmed cost?
Profmed contributions vary by plan and dependants. Hospital plans sit lower and comprehensive plans higher, as with other schemes. We avoid quoting exact figures because they change each year. Get a current quote from Profmed.
Are there waiting periods on Profmed?
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.
How do I contact Profmed?
Use the contact details and member portal on profmed.co.za. Avoid third-party numbers in search results. If a complaint is not resolved, you can escalate to the Council for Medical Schemes.
