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Fedhealth vs Medihelp
The flexiFED range compared with Medihelp’s options.
By Martin Janse van Rensburg, Sales Manager and Financial Advisor · Reviewed by Roxanne Hurter-Ehlers
Fedhealth vs Medihelp: Compare Plans, Benefits and Networks (2026)
Fedhealth and Medihelp are two of South Africa's open medical schemes, both regulated by the Council for Medical Schemes. This guide compares their structure, plan ranges, hospital networks and wellness programmes so you can see how they differ. It does not quote premiums, which change every year: for current contributions, check each scheme's own website or ask a broker for a personalised quote.
| At a glance | Fedhealth | Medihelp |
|---|---|---|
| Scheme type | Open scheme, CMS-regulated | Open scheme, CMS-regulated |
| Administration | Administered by Sanlam Health | Self-administered |
| Plan ranges | myFED, the flexiFED 1 to 4 range (with Elect and GRID variants) and maxima EXEC | options such as MedMove!, MedVital, MedAdd, MedSaver, MedReach, MedPrime, MedElite and MedPlus |
| Plan types | Income-based network, hospital, savings and comprehensive options | Entry, savings, network (Elect) and comprehensive options |
| Hospital network | Open hospital choice on standard flexiFED plans, with optional Elect and GRID network variants and a myFED network | Tiered hospital-network access, with Elect options using a defined network |
| Wellness and rewards | A flexible savings facility and the MyFedhealth member app | Preventative and chronic-care support, including an oncology programme |
Who each scheme may suit
Fedhealth
Fedhealth is an established open scheme. On structure, it may suit people who want flexible savings and open hospital choice on standard plans.
Medihelp
Medihelp is the oldest medical scheme in South Africa, dating to 1905. On structure, it may suit people who value a long-established, self-administered scheme.
The right choice depends on your specific needs, your preferred hospitals and which plan tier fits your situation, not on the scheme name alone.
How a broker helps you compare
A registered broker compares the schemes side by side against your needs through a needs analysis (required under the FAIS Act), covering your health needs, chronic conditions, family composition, hospital preferences and budget. Curemed is FSP 44098 and accredited by the Council for Medical Schemes as ORG 163, and advises on all the main open schemes. See our credentials.
Related comparisons and guides
Frequently asked questions
Which scheme is self-administered?
Medihelp is self-administered, while Fedhealth is administered by Sanlam Health.
What is Fedhealth's main plan range?
The flexiFED range, from flexiFED 1 to 4 with Elect and GRID variants, alongside myFED and maxima EXEC.
What is Medihelp's plan range?
Its options include MedMove!, MedVital, MedAdd, MedSaver, MedReach, MedPrime, MedElite and MedPlus.
Do both offer hospital and savings plans?
Yes. Fedhealth ranges from a hospital plan up to savings and threshold cover, and Medihelp offers savings options such as MedAdd and MedSaver.
Do both have network-discount options?
Yes. Fedhealth offers Elect and GRID variants and the myFED network, and Medihelp offers Elect options.
What is distinctive about Fedhealth's savings?
Fedhealth markets a flexible savings facility where members can use savings and pay only for what they use over the year. Confirm the current mechanics on the Fedhealth website.
Are both regulated by the CMS?
Yes. Both are open schemes regulated by the Council for Medical Schemes.
Compare these schemes against your needs
Speak to an independent Curemed broker for a no-obligation needs analysis and a side-by-side comparison matched to your situation.
Speak to a broker
Martin Janse van Rensburg
Sales Manager and Financial Advisor | Financial advisor specialising in medical aid
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