Hospital Cover & Benefits
No one plans for an emergency – but hospital bills can arrive whether you’re ready or not. Choosing a medical aid plan with the right hospital cover helps ensure peace of mind during health crises, surgery, or intensive care stays.
Comparative Overview of Medical Aid Providers
Compare hospital benefits across leading South African medical aids. Look at private hospital access, ICU care, surgeon fees, and network rules.
Provider | Plan Name | Monthly Premium (± 2024) | Private Hospital Coverage | ICU & Emergency Room Benefits | Specialist & Surgeon Fees Covered |
Discovery | Essential Smart | ±R2,100 | Network hospitals only | Covered via network | 80–100% |
Bonitas | BonComprehensive | ±R6,800 | Unlimited cover | Full ICU & emergency | 100% of scheme rate |
Fedhealth | flexiFED 4 | ±R5,200 | Any private hospital | Full ICU access | Specialist fee protection included |
Best Plans for Different Profiles
Young Professionals & Students
Recommended Plan:
Discovery Essential Smart
Why? Cost-effective with essential hospital access in approved network facilities.
Families & Parents
Recommended Plan:
Bonitas BonComprehensive
Why? Excellent paediatric and maternity hospital cover with full ICU benefits.
Elderly Individuals
Recommended Plan:
Fedhealth flexiFED 4
Why? Broad hospital access and geriatric support, including specialist consults.
High-Risk Individuals
Recommended Plan:
Bonitas BonComprehensive
Why? Covers major surgeries, oncology hospitalisation, and extended ICU stays.
Key Considerations Before Choosing a Plan
- Does the plan cover private or only network hospitals?
- Are ICU stays limited or fully included?
- What level of surgeon and anaesthetist fees are paid?
- Are authorisations required for planned hospital admissions?
FAQs
Yes, but benefits and hospital access vary significantly by plan.
Most plans will pay if it's life-threatening – otherwise, co-payments may apply.
Comprehensive plans usually cover ICU in full, but check for any sub-limits.