South Africa has seven main open medical aid schemes that the public can join: Discovery Health, Momentum, Bonitas, Fedhealth, Medihelp, Bestmed and KeyHealth. Each has its own plan range, network and benefit structure. Below are side-by-side comparisons of the most-asked scheme combinations, plus situation guides, written by an FSCA-registered independent broker (FSP 44098) accredited to advise on all seven.
Comparison directory
Side-by-side comparison of the largest open scheme in South Africa and one of its top-five open schemes. Plan structures, hospital network, chronic cover, Vitality vs HealthReturns and more.
Side-by-side comparison of the flexiFED plan range against the Bonitas family-oriented plan ladder.
Side-by-side comparison of two member-focused schemes on plan structure and chronic cover.
How South Africa's largest open scheme compares with one of the largest, on plan ranges, networks and wellness.
A large externally administered scheme compared with the oldest, self-administered scheme.
The flexiFED range compared with Medihelp's self-administered option range.
A self-administered scheme compared with the largest open scheme, on structure and wellness.
Discovery KeyCare vs Bonitas BonStart vs Momentum IngweComing soon
Entry-level head-to-head across three of the most affordable open-scheme tiers.
Discovery Executive Plan vs Momentum SummitComing soon
Top-tier comprehensive cover compared between two of the leading schemes in South Africa.
Medical aid vs hospital planComing soon
Two products often confused. What each actually covers under SA regulation.
Medical aid vs health insuranceComing soon
Two distinct products under SA regulation (CMS vs FSCA): what each is and when to use each.
Guides by life stage
Independent broker guides to choosing medical aid for your specific situation in South Africa.
Maternity, dependants, paediatric day-to-day and family hospital cover.
What to check on medical aid when planning or expecting a baby.
Medical aid for chronic medication
How medical aid covers chronic medication in South Africa.
Medical aid for the self-employed
Medical aid options for self-employed South Africans.
Medical aid options for students in South Africa.
Medical aid considerations for pensioners and retirees.
Medical aid explained
Plain-language guides to the rules that govern medical aid in South Africa.
The benefits every scheme must cover in full, and how DSPs affect what you pay.
The two types of waiting period and the 90-day rule when you change schemes.
How the penalty for joining after 35 is calculated, and how to reduce it.
How network plans lower your contribution, and what going out-of-network costs.
How Curemed compares schemes
Curemed is an independent intermediary registered with the FSCA (FSP 44098) and accredited by the Council for Medical Schemes (ORG 163). We are accredited to advise on Bestmed, Bonitas, Discovery Health, Fedhealth, KeyHealth, Medihelp and Momentum: the seven main open schemes in South Africa, which means we can run a genuine side-by-side comparison across all of them against your specific needs.
Every recommendation is preceded by a written needs-analysis (required under the FAIS Act) covering your health needs, chronic conditions, family composition, hospital preferences and budget. See our credentials or read should I use a medical aid broker?
Want a personalised comparison against your needs?
Get a personalised comparisonLast updated: 5 June 2026.
Choosing medical aid for your family?
See our independent broker guide on maternity, paediatric, dependents and family hospital cover.
Read the family guide