Scheme reviews
Sizwe Hosmed: plans, benefits and who it suits
By Naledi Mokoena · 6 min read · Updated 24 June 2026
- Administrator
- Open scheme (merged Sizwe and Hosmed)
- Plan types
- Network, value, hospital plan, savings, comprehensive
- Known for
- Merged open scheme, affordability focus
- Day-to-day
- Network or savings depending on plan
- Network option
- Yes - network plan versions
- How to join
- sizwehosmed.co.za or a registered broker
Sizwe Hosmed is an open medical scheme in South Africa formed from the merger of the Sizwe and Hosmed schemes, offering a plan range from value and network options up to comprehensive cover, and it suits members who want an established open scheme with competitive entry plans and a clear focus on affordability.
Plans span network, hospital, savings and comprehensive cover. As with most schemes, network plans reduce the contribution by directing you to defined hospitals.
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
- Value and network plans: lower-cost options with hospital cover in a network. Suit budget-focused members and families.
- Savings plans: add a medical savings account for day-to-day flexibility. Suit families.
- Comprehensive options: broader cover and higher limits for members with ongoing needs.
Because Sizwe Hosmed is a merged scheme, plan names and structures have been consolidated, so confirm the current line-up on sizwehosmed.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 / value | from roughly R1,300 to R2,000 | Network hospitals | Network day-to-day | Yes |
| Hospital plan | from roughly R1,800 to R2,600 | Private hospitals | From own pocket | Sometimes |
| Savings | from roughly R2,800 to R4,200 | Private hospitals | Savings account | No |
| Comprehensive | from roughly R5,000 upward | Private hospitals | Savings plus extended | No |
Benefits and chronic cover
Sizwe Hosmed covers the 26 PMB chronic conditions across its plans, with extended chronic and broader day-to-day cover on the higher plans. Because it is a merged scheme, benefit schedules have been consolidated, so read the current schedule for the limits, sub-limits and any co-payments on the plan you choose, and check that your hospital is in network on network plans.
Waiting periods, joining 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 sizwehosmed.co.za or a registered broker, and pre-authorise planned hospital admissions to avoid a co-payment.
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 Sizwe Hosmed?
Sizwe Hosmed is an open medical scheme formed from the merger of the Sizwe and Hosmed schemes. It offers network, value, savings and comprehensive plans. Anyone can apply, subject to the usual waiting periods and rules.
What is the cheapest Sizwe Hosmed plan?
The value and network entry plans are the lowest-cost options, trading a defined network for a lower contribution. Confirm the current-year rates on sizwehosmed.co.za rather than older figures online.
How do I contact Sizwe Hosmed?
Use the contact details and member portal on sizwehosmed.co.za. Avoid third-party numbers in search results. If a complaint is not resolved, escalate to the Council for Medical Schemes.
Does Sizwe Hosmed have a hospital plan?
Yes. Sizwe Hosmed offers hospital-focused plans that cover in-hospital costs with limited day-to-day benefits, suited to members who mainly want protection from large hospital bills.
Are there waiting periods on Sizwe Hosmed?
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 Sizwe Hosmed a good medical aid?
Sizwe Hosmed is an established open scheme with an affordability focus. Whether it suits you depends on your budget, network needs and benefits. Compare it like-for-like against other schemes on plan type.
