Finding the best medical aids for South African pensioners is not just about cost, it’s also about finding the best coverage per Rand. As The South African has explored, it’s a difficult time of year for the elderly, with many reaching out to us saying they’re battling to make ends meet.
Many over 60s may receive South African Social Security Agency grants, which increase by 4.8% from April 2024 onwards, however, this is rarely enough to pay the bills at the end of the month. More often than not chronic medication or house maintenance is neglected in favour of putting food on the table. That’s why we wanted to find the best medical aids for South African pensioners.
BEST MEDICAL AIDS FOR SOUTH AFRICAN PENSIONERS
Therefore, we turned to the experts at MedicalAid.com, who compared the best medical aids for South African pensioners. Here’s what they came up with:
| Rank | Medical Aid | Plan | Cost | Best for |
| 1. | Momentum Medical Aid | Evolve Option | R1 687 p/m | Overall best medical aid |
| 2. | FedHealth | myFED Option | R1 590 p/m | Best extensive medical aid |
| 3. | Discovery Health | Discovery KeyCare Plan | R1Â 102 p/m | Best low-cost medical aid |
| 4. | Bonitas | BonStart Plan | R1 378 p/m | Best pay-as-you-go plan |
| 5. | BestMed | Beat1 Hospital Plan | R1 873 p/m | Best customer service |
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WHY MEDICAL AID IS IMPORTANT
Understanding which are the best medical aids for South African pensioners is difficult. Often pensioners find their health risks rise as their disposable income declines, putting them in a difficult situation financially. Everyone is different and will want slightly different cover. That’s why we listed what is each plan is best for, too. This is in case you prefer a pay-as-you-go, the most extensive, or simply the cheapest plan available.
If possible, you should join one of these best medical aids for South African pensioners as soon as possible. Otherwise, you will be subject to a late-joining penalty fee that can increase your monthly premiums by as much as 75%. Someone in their 60s will pay a smaller penalty than someone in their 70s or 80s.
Also, medical-aid plans have the right to exclude coverage for any pre-existing conditions for a minimum of one year. Likewise, when you first join there is generally a waiting period of three months when no claims will be reimbursed.
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What do you think of this list of best medical aids for South African pensioners? Do you agree and are they affordable enough considering SASSA grants? Be sure to share your thoughts with our audience in the comments section below. And don’t forget to follow us @TheSANews on X and The South African on Facebook for the latest updates.
