Scheme reviews
Spectramed: plans, benefits and who it suits
By Naledi Mokoena · 6 min read · Updated 24 June 2026
- Administrator
- Open scheme (Spectramed Medical Scheme)
- Plan types
- Network, entry, savings, comprehensive
- Known for
- Smaller open scheme, straightforward options
- Day-to-day
- Network on entry plans, savings on higher plans
- Network option
- Yes - network plan versions
- How to join
- spectramed.co.za or a registered broker
Spectramed is a smaller open medical scheme in South Africa offering a plan range from network and entry cover up to savings and comprehensive options, and it suits members who want an open scheme with competitive entry plans and a straightforward set of options rather than a long, complex ladder of plans to compare.
As an open scheme, anyone can apply, subject to the usual rules and waiting periods. Plans span network, savings and broader cover.
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
- Network and entry plans: lower-cost cover in a defined network. Suit budget-focused members and young 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.
Plan names are reviewed each year, so confirm the current line-up on spectramed.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 R1,300 to R2,000 | Network hospitals | Network day-to-day | Yes |
| Savings | from roughly R2,800 to R4,200 | Private hospitals | Savings account | Partly |
| Comprehensive | from roughly R5,000 upward | Private hospitals | Extended benefits | No |
Benefits and chronic cover
Spectramed covers the 26 PMB chronic conditions, with extended chronic and broader day-to-day cover on the higher plans. As a smaller scheme the choice is simpler, but read the current benefit schedule for limits, sub-limits and any co-payments, and confirm your hospital is in network on network plans.
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 spectramed.co.za 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
Is Spectramed a good medical aid?
Spectramed is a smaller open scheme with competitive entry plans. Whether it suits you depends on your budget, network needs and benefits. Compare it like-for-like against other schemes on plan type before deciding.
What plans does Spectramed offer?
Spectramed offers network, entry, savings and comprehensive plans. The exact line-up and rates are published yearly, so check spectramed.co.za for the current plans and benefits before choosing.
How do I contact Spectramed?
Use the contact details and member portal on spectramed.co.za. Avoid third-party numbers in search results. If a complaint is not resolved, you can escalate to the Council for Medical Schemes.
What is the cheapest Spectramed plan?
The network and entry plans are the lowest-cost options, trading a defined network for a lower contribution. Confirm the current-year rates on spectramed.co.za rather than older figures online.
Are there waiting periods on Spectramed?
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 Spectramed an open scheme?
Yes. Spectramed is an open medical scheme, so anyone can apply, subject to the usual waiting periods and rules. It is smaller than the largest open schemes but is registered and regulated in the same way.
