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The Best Health Insurance Providers in South Africa Your Wallet Will Appreciate

Coverage options - We picked insurance providers that offer plans with comprehensive coverage, including doctor visits, dental care, and hospitalised care. Claims process - We checked whether these health insurance providers have hassle-free and straightforward claims processes. Customer support - We evaluated whether their staff respond honestly and kindly to enquiries. We also looked at whether they answer calls and emails quickly. Price fairness - We considered whether their prices are fair given the inclusions of their plans and the efficiency of their claims processes.

Getting into an accident or contracting a severe illness are some of the scariest moments we can face in our lives. While we’re blessed to live in a country with public healthcare, it’s no secret that the system is overburdened.

In fact, most public hospitals across the country are still suffering from budget issues and can’t hire enough personnel to cover their services (BusinessTech). That’s why more people are shifting to private healthcare despite its expensive rates.

Thankfully, there are plenty of health insurance providers that can shoulder these expensive medical costs for you. Here are some of the most reliable providers that are ready to help you anywhere in South Africa!

1. Affinity Health

affinity-health-logo

Address: 1 Dingler St, Rynfield, Benoni, 1514

Phone number: +27 86 111 0033

Business hours: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM (MON-FRI)

Website

Google reviews score4.7/5
Total reviews4.6/5
Score consistency4/5
Coverage options5/5
Claims process4.5/5
Customer service4.5/5
Price fairness5/5

For affordable health insurance plans, Affinity Health can serve as a great partner. Established in 2011, it provides out-of-hospital benefits and private hospitalisation coverage anywhere in South Africa.

You can avail of one of these products or purchase them as a single bundle. Personally, I would go for their bundled plan, as it provides a discounted premium and increased coverage for casualty room treatments.

But if their standard offerings are still too pricey for you, Affinity Health’s Innovator Range may be a good alternative. It’s a set of cheap health insurance plans that only cover specific cases, like doctor visits or chronic management programmes. 

However, while I certainly appreciate their competitive prices, it still should be noted that they won’t approve most claims without a pre-authorisation. That can be quite annoying, especially if you have a busy schedule.

Pros

  • Offers bundled plans
  • Private hospitalisation coverage anywhere in South Africa
  • Cheap plan called Innovator Range
  • Additional benefits like financial wellness programmes

Cons

  • Sometimes forgets to respond to calls and emails
  • Requires pre-authorisation for certain medical services like specialist visitations

Never had a problem with GP visits

“I have been with Affinity Health for over 3 years now. Never had a problem with GP visits, pre-payments etc. Had to make a Specialist appointment today for the 1st time. Using their whatsapp communication I was assisted within 15 minutes with authorisation. Thank you for your friendly service and assistance Sydne (consultant).”

-Nadia Nortje, Google Reviews

I can really say they go all the way

“As a new member to Affinity Health. I can really say they go all the way. Since last week you guys rock. Today I thank Mulalo Rathogwa for your fast help. Also this Whatsapp app works wonders.

HIGHLY APPRECIATED”

-Ilze Sutherland, Google Reviews

2. Elixi Medical Insurance

elixi-medical-insurance-logo

Address: Umhlanga Ridge Blvd, Umhlanga Ridge, uMhlanga, 4319

Phone number: +27 860 333 343

Business hours: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM (MON-FRI)

Website

Google reviews score4.3/5
Total reviews4.2/5
Score consistency4/5
Coverage options5/5
Claims process4/5
Customer service4.5/5
Price fairness4.8/5

Elixi Medical Insurance is one of South Africa’s most reputable health insurance providers, best known for its affordable products. In fact, for only R427 per month, it can already cover your basic healthcare needs, like consultations and vaccinations.

And, if you need a bit more health security, they also have three higher tiers that don’t cost more than R1,000 per month. These slightly more expensive plans will also cover your other needs, including in-patient hospital treatments.

Aside from their affordable plans, I’m also in love with their add-on services. They have their own 24/7 crisis centre that can assist you in coordinating with hospitals and emergency responders.

They even offer household assistance and can provide tradesmen who will assist you with emergencies related to plumbing or electricity (weirdly enough).

However, I must warn you that their claim processing is pretty slow and may take weeks to complete.

Pros

  • Affordable
  • 24/7 crisis centre
  • Offers household assistance for any plumbing- or electricity-related emergencies
  • Network of over 3,500 healthcare partners nationwide

Cons

  • Slow claims process
  • Some rude staff

I am very happy with Elixi

“So far no complaints! First month of policy being active I got terribly ill and needed to see a doc. I had no issues and no waiting period. I am very happy with Elixi”

-Mashudu Simone, Google Reviews

I am able to consult any GP in any province

“Elixi is great! The customer service is extraordinary, they are quick to respond to questions and claims are approved immediately without hassles. I am able to consult any GP in any province since most Doctors are affiliated with Elixi, I don’t regret taking this health insurance”

-Bonolo More, Google Reviews

3. Stratum Benefits

stratum-benefits-logo

Address: 367 Surrey Ave, Ferndale, Randburg, 2194

Phone number: +27 10 593 0981

Business hours: 

8:00 AM – 4:30 PM (MON-THURS)

8:00 AM – 4:00 PM (FRI)

Website

Google reviews score4.5/5
Total reviews4.3/5
Score consistency4/5
Coverage options5/5
Claims process4.5/5
Customer service4.5/5
Price fairness5/5

Stratum Benefits, located in Randburg, is a health insurance provider that offers both gap coverage and health insurance solutions. As one of South Africa’s most prominent providers, I applaud its “all-in” approach when it comes to its day-to-day and hospitalisation insurance plans.

In fact, their GP network includes over 4,000 medical professionals across the country, so you can get medical checkups almost anywhere. Furthermore, they have a 24/7 assistance hotline that can connect you to the nearest GP or hospital in times of emergency.

Speaking of emergencies, they can also cover your hospitalisation with a cash plan to make up for the income you’ve missed while you’re in the hospital. 

Overall, I have no problems with them except for the fact that most benefits they provide, like hospital care, are subject to pre-authorisation.

Pros

  • 24/7 emergency assistance hotline
  • Cash plans for hospitalisation
  • Network of over 4,000 healthcare partners nationwide
  • Accidental death coverage

Cons

  • Requires pre-authorisation before you can claim hospital care
  • Sometimes takes days before they can respond to queries and concerns

I’ve had excellent service all round

“I’ve been with Stratum for a number of years now, but only recently had to claim. I’ve had excellent service all round, where claims are received in order, assessed quickly and payouts are processed in good time. The online chat portal is fantastic and all consultants are clearly trained well. Their product offering is very competitively priced and there are options for everyone. Great service, keep it up Stratum!”

-Candice Scholtz, Google Reviews

They have consistently provided me with outstanding service

“I have been a loyal customer of Stratum for many years, and they have consistently provided me with outstanding service. Their unwavering support and efficiency in handling my needs have truly set them apart. Stratum has always come through for me, especially in times when I needed their services the most. Their commitment to customer satisfaction is evident in every interaction, and the peace of mind their gap cover offers is invaluable.

Their team’s professionalism, combined with their prompt and empathetic responses, make dealing with medical aid concerns significantly less stressful. I am particularly impressed by how they manage to offer comprehensive coverage while maintaining clarity and transparency in all their communications.”

-Rob Black, Google Reviews

4. GetSavvi Health

getsavvi-health-logo

Address: 5, Tygervalley, Suite 401, Tygervalley Chambers, Bellville, 27 Willie Van Schoor Dr, Cape Town, 7530

Phone number: +27 86 118 9202

Business hours: 

8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (MON-FRI)

9:00 AM – 1:00 PM (SAT)

Website

Google reviews score4.1/5
Total reviews4/5
Score consistency4/5
Coverage options4/5
Claims process5/5
Customer service4.5/5
Price fairness5/5

Despite the large number of insurance providers competing in the market, GetSavvi Health manages to make itself stand out by prioritising preventive healthcare.

Most of its efforts are directed towards providing an extensive list of day-to-day coverage that includes GP visits, dental care, vaccinations, and medication assistance for acute and chronic illnesses.

They also made sure you won’t have difficulties getting one of their partner doctors since their network includes over 7,500 medical practitioners across South Africa!

And if that’s not enough, I also found out that they have a Member Wellness Programme, which offers professional and confidential counselling for topics such as diet, HIV, fitness, and more.

Of course, GetSavvi Health also provides accident cover when needed. However, I find theirs to be a bit lacklustre, as they don’t have comprehensive coverage for prolonged private hospital stays.

Pros

  • 24/7 emergency assistance hotline
  • Medication assistance for acute and chronic illnesses
  • Professional counselling for topics like diet and fitness
  • Network of over 7,500 healthcare partners nationwide

Cons

  • No comprehensive coverage for prolonged private hospital stays
  • Medication assistance doesn’t cover all prescription or specialised drugs

Honestly way better than I expected

“Honestly way better than I expected. Claimed for the first time today when my daughter slammed her finger in the front door. We took her to the emergency room, called Get Savvy and everything was taken care of. Thank you”

-Casey Middleton, Google Reviews

They are a medical insurance company that truly cares

“Every single time we needed medical attention, we have been assisted well. Even on my husband’s getting admitted in a hospital for an emergency we got the guarantee quite easily and fast. They are a medical insurance company that truly cares and happy to be a member!”

-Pamela Petersen, Google Reviews

5. Episodic 

episodic-logo

Address: Office S10, The Sanctuary Shopping Centre Corner of de Beers Avenue & Broadway Boulevard R44, Paardevlei, 7130

Phone number: +27 86 171 7171

Business hours: 

8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (MON-FRI)

8:00 AM – 3:30 PM (SAT)

Website

Google reviews score4.8/5
Total reviews4.6/5
Score consistency4/5
Coverage options4.8/5
Claims process5/5
Customer service4.5/5
Price fairness5/5

If you prefer doing things your way, then Episodic might interest you. I say that because not only does it sell preset health insurance plans, but it also allows clients to build and customise their own plans through this website.

Here, you’re free to modify the level of coverage you’ll get and what additional services will be included in your plan. Of course, your insurance premium will vary depending on your choices, so make sure to build a plan that’s optimal for your budget.

Thankfully, their network of healthcare partners spans nationwide, making it easy to avail of their services. If needed, they can even reimburse your visits to any out-of-network doctors up to three times every year.

Still, I must warn you not to use their out-of-network coverage liberally. That’s because they will only reimburse you for up to R450 per visit.

Pros

  • Highly customisable health insurance plans
  • Provides out-of-network coverage
  • Pays claims directly to medical providers
  • Formulary medication assistance

Cons

  • Out-of-network coverage will reimburse you for up to R450 only
  • Sometimes forgets to respond to calls and emails

It was very easy that I could do my own quote online

“It was very easy that I could do my own quote online, and someone reached out to me immediately the next day to confirm everything. The forms required to register were also electronic and the process is not tedious at all! My sales consultant Michael was very helpful and the open and constant communication is a huge plus for me.”

-Juliet Abena Asare, Google Reviews

The service here is top notch 

“I loved the services from the get go. My consultant was so amazing, always responding on time whenever I ask for something. The service here is top notch. I love it.”

-Rosalia Kashiimonika, Google Reviews

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