Bonitas Medical Fund is the second largest open medical scheme in South Africa, with an annual contribution income of over R4.5 billion. Size is an important factor when considering which medical scheme to join as large risk pools are less prone to statistical fluctuation in claims experience. This means that claims costs are more predictable and in turn so are members' contribution rates.
Founded 26 years ago Bonitas' rich history has resulted in well established products and systems backed by medical, actuarial and technical expertise and strong IT systems. Medscheme has been the sole administrator of Bonitas since inception. Established in 1982 as a Fund specifically for black civil servants, the Fund has however been opened to all South Africans since 1994. Bonitas has grown from strength to strength by diversifying into all sectors of the market. Today government employees only make up 25% of the membership, whilst we have over 119 000 corporate members.

At Fedhealth we focus only on core business, and that is to provide real benefits at affordable rates. To substantiate this, an independent brokerage house appraised Fedhealth for providing value for money through the range of options offered. Fedhealth members are our priority and we see to it that they receive the service they deserve.  Fedhealth has a friendly and efficient member call centre that is measured regularly on performance, in order to maintain the high standards set.

Hosmed is an open medical scheme providing cover to public service employees as well as the private sector. The scheme was established in 1988, to provide cover for civil employees. With a membership base of over 36 000, Hosmed has shown consistent growth and is set to grow in private sector.

Ingwe Health Plan was registered under the South African Medical Schemes Act in 1998 with the vision of providing affordable essential healthcare to more Southern Africans. The scheme is able to provide its outstanding healthcare services at lower cost through the close relationships it has formed with the providers of healthcare such as hospitals, doctors, dentists, pharmacists and others, and through the careful management of all of the different aspects of healthcare.

For some time now, there had been talk of the forthcoming amalgamation of two big medical aid schemes which serve both Local Government and the open market. This amalgamation resulted in a scheme serving the various sectors with a membership of over 150 000 members - KeyHealth. The scheme represents the largest number of Local Government and has a large membership in the open market. This amalgamation had no effect on the Munimed and Global Health members position, as a new scheme was not started - it was merely formed out of the joining of two stalwarts in the medical aid field. Both had a proven track record and together over 80 years of experience of providing service to the Local Government environment and many years in the open market.

LA Health Medical Scheme provides cover to more than 45 000 beneficiaries and has been operating in the Local Government industry for more than 40 years.  Discovery Health (Pty) Ltd administers LA Health Medical Scheme. The Scheme offers five different benefit options to choose from, catering for every members’ different needs. This makes it an attractive option for potential members.  The Scheme has grown its membership by more than 12% annually from 2005!

Medihelp, established in 1905, is without question one of the leading, largest open medical schemes in South Africa. With reserve levels at 27.09% it offers financial stability and proven exceptional client service. A recent survey of customer satisfaction done by Interface Management, published in the Financial Mail (02/02/01) rated Medihelp tops on member satisfaction with a score of 88%.

Medihelp medical scheme offers innovative, tailor made benefit options to suite every stage of life. It offers a range of products, including Traditional Benefit options (Sentinel) as well as new generation benefit options(Dimension) and a product for the emerging market (Nucleus). Sound administration, efficient claims payment, effective risk management and exceptional client service resulted in awards such as the Silver Arrow by the PMR Magazine, and a A+ rating by Duff Phelps.

For more than 30-years, Pro Sano has succeeded in remaining financially viable in a competitive market and the international rating agency, Global Credit Ratings, recently reaffirmed Pro Sano’s claims paying ability rating of A+. The rating denotes a high claims paying ability, with good protection factors. Pro Sano also has one of the highest reserves currently in the market at 39%. Pro Sano constantly strives to offer the best benefits and has forged strong relationships with its service providers to the benefit of its members. Pro Sano has come a long way since its inception in 1976 and has grown from its traditional Western Cape base to encompass a national footprint.

SAMWUMED has been in existence since 1952. It was introduced by the Union (Cape Town Municipal Workers Association), predecessor to SAMWU (South African Municipal Workers Union), to cater for the health requirements of its’ members. Initially set-up as an industrial council type benefit fund, SAMWUMED has grown and transformed itself into a self-funded medical aid scheme, registered in terms of the Medical Schemes Act. SAMWUMED has over 50 000 lives under administration.