Choose your medical aid
South Africa's largest scheme with multiple network tiers
KeyCare plans require network hospitals — going out-of-network means paying the full bill.
Flexible plans with Elect, GRID, Savvy and myFED options
Elect plans offer big savings — but you must use specific hospitals for planned admissions.
Two-tier Prime and Compact network system
Compact members face a 30% co-payment at non-network hospitals.
Associated and Evolve networks for different plan tiers
Evolve plans offer lower premiums with selected hospital access.
Multi-tier networks from MedMove to MedPrime
Budget plans like MedMove have the most restricted hospital lists.
BonCore, BonStart and Hospital Standard networks
Core plans have the most restrictions — Standard plans offer broader access.
Complete Guide to Medical Aid Hospital Networks in South Africa 2026
Understanding hospital networks is essential for South African medical aid members. Using the wrong hospital for a planned procedure can cost you thousands in unexpected co-payments. Here's everything you need to know about the major medical aid networks in 2026.
Discovery Health Networks
KeyCare Network: The most restrictive Discovery network, used by KeyCare Plus, KeyCare Core, and KeyCare Start plans. Members must use KeyCare network hospitals for all planned admissions. Delta Network: Used by Classic Delta and Essential Delta plans — out-of-network co-payment is R11,100 for 2026. Smart Network: Similar to Delta. Coastal Network: Regional network with 20% out-of-network penalty. Executive and Comprehensive plans have no restrictions.
Fedhealth Networks
Elect Network: Limited hospital network for flexiFED Elect plans with significant premium savings. GRID Network: Restricted network for specific plan tiers. Savvy Network: Budget-focused option. myFED Network: Comprehensive access for premium plans.
Medshield Networks
Prime Network: Broader hospital access for higher-tier plans like PremiumPlus and MediBonus. Compact Network: Limited hospital list for budget plans — 30% co-payment for out-of-network use.
Momentum Health Networks
Associated Network: Broader network for mid- to upper-tier plans. Evolve Network: More restricted option for budget plans with lower premiums.
Medihelp Networks
MedMove: Budget plans with limited hospitals. MedVital: Essential cover. MedAdd: Mid-tier. MedPrime: Comprehensive access on premium plans.
Bonitas Networks
BonCore: Entry-level with restricted access. BonStart: Starter plans. Hospital Standard: Mid-tier with broader access.
Key Rules All Members Should Know
- Emergencies are always covered under Prescribed Minimum Benefits (PMBs) at any hospital.
- Pre-authorisation is required for most planned hospital admissions.
- Networks change annually — always confirm before admission.
- Specialists may also be restricted on some plans.
Frequently Asked Questions
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