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Fedhealth vs Bonitas
The Fedhealth ranges and the Bonitas option list compared, with the 2027 changes.
By Martin Janse van Rensburg, Sales Manager and Financial Advisor at Curemed. Reviewed by Roxanne Hurter-Ehlers, Director of People and Governance.
Fedhealth vs Bonitas: Compare Plans, Benefits and Networks (2026 and 2027)
Fedhealth is an open medical scheme regulated by the Council for Medical Schemes (CMS). For 2027 it offers five ranges: the sureFED Traditional Options, flexiFED Hospital Plans and Savings Plans, the income-banded myFED, and the Executive Plans maxima EXEC and maxima PLUS. Bonitas Medical Fund is also an open scheme regulated by CMS and one of the larger open schemes by beneficiary count, with 15 options on its 2027 option form, from BonCore and BonStart up to BonComprehensive. Both schemes must fund the Prescribed Minimum Benefits on every plan, including the 26 Chronic Disease List (CDL) conditions, subject to their formularies and designated service providers. The right scheme depends on your specific needs, and there is no single right answer for everyone.
Fedhealth vs Bonitas at a glance (2026 and 2027)
| Attribute | Fedhealth | Bonitas |
|---|---|---|
| Regulator | CMS | CMS |
| Scheme type | Open scheme | Open scheme |
| Scheme size | Mid-sized open scheme | Among the larger open schemes by beneficiary count |
| Plan ranges (2027) | sureFEDEssential and sureFEDPlus (Traditional), flexiFED Hospital and Savings Plans (including Elect and GRID variants), myFED (income-banded), maxima EXEC and maxima PLUS (Executive) | BonCore, BonStart, BonStart Plus, BonCap, BonEssential, BonEssential Select, BonFit, BonSave, BonPrime, Primary, Hospital Standard, Standard, BonComplete, BonClassic and BonComprehensive |
| Entry-level options | flexiFEDSavvy and the income-banded myFED | BonCore, BonStart, BonStart Plus and the income-based BonCap |
| Networks | Elect and GRID variants of flexiFED cost less in exchange for network conditions, and many options require a nominated network GP | Network rules on options such as BonCap and BonEssential Select, with broader access on other options. Standard Select is not on the 2027 option list |
| Chronic Disease List (CDL) cover | All 26 CDL conditions covered as PMBs on every plan | All 26 CDL conditions covered as PMBs on every plan |
| Extended chronic cover | Available on higher tiers (specific list per plan) | Available on higher tiers (specific list per plan) |
| Day-to-day cover style | Hospital Plans with threshold and D2D+ benefits, or Savings Plans, with optional back-up savings | Combination of savings, threshold and managed-care benefits, varies by plan |
| Wellness and rewards | D2D+ day-to-day benefits unlocked by taking proactive health steps | B Value rewards and the Benefit Booster, which reaches BonCap for the first time in 2027 |
| Digital tools | Fedhealth member app and member portal | Bonitas member app and member portal |
| Maternity benefit | Dedicated maternity programme; specifics vary by plan | Dedicated maternity programme; specifics vary by plan |
| Prescribed Minimum Benefits (PMBs) | Covered on all plans (legal minimum), at designated service providers where the plan uses them | Covered on all plans (legal minimum), at designated service providers where the plan uses them |
| Waiting periods | General and condition-specific waiting periods may apply under section 29A of the Medical Schemes Act | General and condition-specific waiting periods may apply under section 29A of the Medical Schemes Act |
| Late-joiner penalties | Applied per the Medical Schemes Act where applicable | Applied per the Medical Schemes Act where applicable |
What changes at Fedhealth and Bonitas in 2027?
Both schemes have published their 2027 contributions and benefit changes, which apply from 1 January 2027. The average figures below are the ones each scheme published. They are not directly comparable, because Fedhealth scoped its figure to 60% of members, and your own increase depends on your option.
| 2027 | Fedhealth | Bonitas |
|---|---|---|
| Published average increase | 8.9% average weighted increase for 60% of members. No scheme-wide average has been published | 8.7% average across all plans |
| Examples by option | 0% on sureFEDEssential and sureFEDPlus, 8% on myFED and 8.4% on flexiFEDSavvy. A flexiFED 4 principal member moves from R6 620 to R7 515 a month, about 13.5% (Curemed calculation) | Increases differ by option, so check your own option rather than the average |
| Benefit changes | Risk benefit limits and savings allocations rise by 3.9%, D2D+ limits rise, a new RSV vaccination benefit applies on flexiFED 4, maxima EXEC and maxima PLUS, and the Alignd Palliative Care Programme extends to all options | New GP Confirmation Benefit after a wellness screening flags a risk, a Dental Emergency Benefit on selected plans, a back, neck, shoulder and knee rehabilitation programme, and an expanded Benefit Booster |
| Option change deadline | Option Selection Form to be received by 30 November 2026 | Change of option form by 30 November 2026, or 31 October 2026 for Persal members |
For option-by-option tables, read our Fedhealth 2027 increase analysis, our Bonitas 2027 increase analysis and the 2027 medical aid increase tracker.
Who Fedhealth may suit
Members who want a choice between hospital and savings versions of the same flexiFED option, lower contributions through the Elect and GRID network variants, an income-banded option in myFED, or the sureFED Traditional Plans, which Fedhealth held at a 0% increase for 2027.
Who Bonitas may suit
Members who want a long option list that caters to younger singles (BonCore and BonStart), families and members nearing retirement, with network options such as BonEssential Select and the income-based BonCap for lower contributions in exchange for using designated providers.
How a broker helps you decide
A registered broker conducts a needs analysis (required under the FAIS Act) covering your health needs, chronic conditions, family composition and hospital preferences, then maps those needs to the Fedhealth or Bonitas option that fits them. The broker handles application paperwork, plan changes and claims support throughout the year. Curemed is FSP 44098 and accredited by CMS as ORG 163. See our credentials.
Frequently asked questions about Fedhealth vs Bonitas
Are Fedhealth and Bonitas both open schemes?
Yes. Both are open medical schemes regulated by the Council for Medical Schemes, meaning any South African can apply to join (subject to scheme rules, waiting periods and late-joiner penalties where applicable).
Do both schemes cover the same chronic conditions?
Both schemes cover the 26 Chronic Disease List conditions as Prescribed Minimum Benefits on every plan, as the Medical Schemes Act requires, subject to formularies and designated service providers. Higher-tier plans on both schemes extend chronic cover beyond the 26 CDL conditions, but the extended lists differ. Members with chronic conditions should check both lists with the scheme before deciding.
Which scheme is bigger?
Bonitas is one of the larger open schemes in South Africa by beneficiary count. Fedhealth is mid-sized. Scheme size on its own is not a measure of plan suitability.
What is D2D+ on Fedhealth?
D2D+ is a Fedhealth day-to-day benefit that members unlock by taking proactive health steps. For 2027 the D2D+ limits rise across eligible options, up to R4 680 a year per family on flexiFED 4.
What is BonStart designed for?
BonStart is a Bonitas option designed for younger, generally healthier members, with lower contributions and more limited benefits than the comprehensive Bonitas options. BonStart and BonStart Plus have different benefit structures, and BonCore sits below both on price for 2027.
Can I move from Fedhealth to Bonitas (or vice versa) without losing chronic cover?
Under section 29A of the Medical Schemes Act 131 of 1998, a new scheme may apply a general waiting period of up to three months. If you were a scheme member for less than two years, it may also apply a condition-specific waiting period of up to 12 months, but not if you have two or more years of cover. If you had no cover in the 90 days before joining, Prescribed Minimum Benefits may be excluded during a waiting period. A broker can confirm what will apply to your switch.
Do both schemes apply late-joiner penalties?
Both schemes apply late-joiner penalties as allowed under the Medical Schemes Act when an adult joins a medical scheme later in life without evidence of prior continuous cover. The penalty is a percentage loading on contributions, set out in the Regulations under the Act.
How do I switch between Fedhealth and Bonitas?
You can apply to a new open scheme during any month of the year. South Africa has no fixed open-enrolment window. Your new scheme processes the application and aligns the start date so there is no cover gap. A broker manages the paperwork end-to-end.
Get an independent recommendation between Fedhealth and Bonitas
Speak to a Curemed broker for a no-obligation needs analysis and a personalised plan recommendation.
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Martin Janse van Rensburg
Sales Manager and Financial Advisor | Curemed Health and Wealth Consultants
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