Compare, in plain language
No jargon, no pressure. Here's what's out there for medical aid and short-term insurance, so you can make an informed choice — or take this along when you speak to a broker.
Medical Aid
South Africa has open schemes (anyone can join) and restricted schemes (tied to an employer or profession). Below are the main open schemes.
🛡️ Every scheme must cover certain things, by law
Prescribed Minimum Benefits (PMBs) are a set of conditions — including cancer, diabetes, HIV, and emergency care — that every registered medical scheme must cover in full, no matter which plan you're on. This means even the most basic hospital plan can't leave you stranded for these conditions, though you may need to use the scheme's approved hospitals and doctors to avoid extra costs.
Discovery Health
Best for: wide hospital network, wellness rewards
South Africa's largest open scheme, with the Vitality wellness programme and an extensive range of plans from entry-level hospital cover to comprehensive options.
Bonitas
Best for: balanced family cover, affordability
One of SA's most trusted schemes, with a strong reputation for financial stability and a newer, more affordable entry-level option for price-sensitive members.
Momentum Health
Best for: budget-conscious members, cash-back rewards
Typically has some of the lowest entry-level premiums in the market, with a rewards programme that pays cash back rather than points, usable however you like.
Bestmed
Best for: low annual increases, chronic condition support
A member-owned, non-profit scheme with a consistent track record of below-average annual contribution increases and strong support for chronic conditions.
Medshield
Best for: flexibility between network and comprehensive plans
Offers both cost-effective network-only plans and richer comprehensive options, so you can move between tiers as your needs change over time.
Medihelp
Best for: chronic condition cover, self-administration
Self-administered rather than outsourced, which the scheme says keeps costs and decisions closer to members, with solid chronic condition support.
Short-term Insurance
Car and home insurance for retirees — what to know, and who to consider.
🚗 Good news: your age can work in your favour
There's no law requiring insurers to offer pensioner discounts, but most South African insurers recognise that older drivers tend to drive less and more carefully — and price accordingly. It's always worth mentioning your age and how little you drive when getting a quote, and shopping around, since discounts vary by insurer.
Momentum Insure — 55+ Cover
Best for: dedicated senior benefits
Purpose-built for the 55+ market, with no excess on selected cover for members 55 and older, plus 24/7 roadside, home, medical and legal assistance.
Learn moreOUTsurance
Best for: straightforward car, home & buildings cover
Comprehensive car, home and buildings insurance with a cash OUTbonus for staying claim-free — well known and widely used across South Africa.
Learn moreDialdirect
Best for: real people on the phone, not just an app
Experienced with older drivers, with a strong phone-based service option for anyone who'd rather talk something through than use an app or chatbot.
Learn moreWhat to look out for
- 1
Ask about age-based discounts directly. They're not always advertised — mention your age and low mileage when you call for a quote.
- 2
Be upfront about your health and driving ability. If anything changes and you don't disclose it, a claim could be rejected later.
- 3
Check the excess amount. A lower monthly premium sometimes means a much higher excess if you do need to claim.
- 4
Ask if home and car cover can be bundled. Combining policies with one insurer often brings the total price down.
- 5
Confirm how to claim. Make sure there's a phone number and a real person to speak to, not just an app, if that matters to you.
Not sure where to start?
List your details once, and let a few providers come to you — instead of calling around yourself.
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