About Bonitas
Bonitas is one of South Africa's largest open medical schemes. It offers a choice of 15 Medical Aid options for 2026, ranging from entry-level network plans to comprehensive cover at a hospital of choice. Premiums for a single member range from R1 603 to R12 509. Most plans use a network of hospitals to keep premiums affordable, while Standard and BonComprehensive offer the choice of any private hospital. A defined list of procedures, on all options, needs to be done in a Network Day Hospital to avoid a co-payment. Bonitas also provides maternity and preventative care benefits.
Annual contribution increases typically take effect from 1 January each year, with the contributions shown here applicable for 2026.
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Bonitas Medical Aid plans - contributions
BonEssential Select & BonEssential
*Contributions may differ based on specific requirements. It is recommended to contact Bonitas for detailed and personalised information. BonCap contributions are banded according to gross monthly income and are subject to income verification.
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BonStart & BonStart Plus
These entry-level network plans suit individuals and families looking for affordable cover. Both offer unlimited hospital cover at a network hospital with a co-payment per admission. GP and specialist consultations are unlimited at the Bonitas Rate. BonStart pays day-to-day claims from a defined benefit pool with a co-payment per GP visit, while BonStart Plus offers a broader day-to-day allowance including maternity benefits such as antenatal consultations and a 2D ultrasound scan.
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BonEssential Select & BonEssential
This hospital plan will suit young healthy individuals. It offers unlimited hospital cover at a hospital of choice, or through a hospital network if selecting BonEssential Select, with in-hospital specialist bills paid at 100% of the Bonitas Rate. Co-payments are applied to a comprehensive list of in-hospital procedures. Joint replacements are only covered in the case of acute injury (Prescribed Minimum Benefits only). Apart from some preventative care and maternity benefits, no other cover for day to day claims is provided.
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BonFit
The BonFit option is suitable for young families and individuals. It offers unlimited hospital cover at a network of hospitals with in-hospital specialist bills paid at 100% of the Bonitas Rate. Co-payments are applied to a comprehensive list of in-hospital procedures. Joint replacements are only covered in the case of acute injury (Prescribed Minimum Benefits only). Day-to-day claims are paid from available savings, with an additional GP consultation benefit once savings are used up.
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BonPrime
BonPrime is a mid-tier savings option offering unlimited hospital cover at a network hospital, with GP and specialist consultations unlimited at the Bonitas Rate. Day-to-day claims, including GP visits, medicine and dentistry, are paid from available savings. It includes an out-of-hospital MRI and CT scan allowance not available on the entry-level savings plans.
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Hospital Standard
This hospital plan is suitable for young families and individuals. It offers unlimited hospital cover at a network hospital, with a co-payment applied for using a non-network facility. GP and specialist consultations are unlimited at the Bonitas Rate. Co-payments are applied to a comprehensive list of in-hospital procedures. Joint replacements are only covered in the case of acute injury (Prescribed Minimum Benefits only). Provides some benefits for maternity and preventative care.
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Primary
The Primary option is suitable for young families and individuals. It offers unlimited hospital cover at a network hospital with in-hospital specialist bills paid at 100% of the Bonitas Rate. Co-payments are applied to a comprehensive list of in-hospital procedures. Joint replacements are only covered in the case of acute injury (Prescribed Minimum Benefits only). Day to day claims are paid from defined annual limits.
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BonSave
The BonSave option is suitable for young families and individuals. It offers unlimited hospital cover at a network hospital with in-hospital specialist bills paid at 100% of the Bonitas Rate. Co-payments are applied to a comprehensive list of in-hospital procedures. Joint replacements are only covered in the case of acute injury (Prescribed Minimum Benefits only). Day-to-day claims are paid from available savings.
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Standard & Standard Select
The Standard option is suitable for families wanting a hospital of choice, while Standard Select uses a hospital network to reduce the premium. Both offer unlimited hospital cover with in-hospital specialist bills paid at 100% of the Bonitas Rate. Day-to-day claims are paid from a defined benefit pool with a separate benefit for GP consultations, optometry, dentistry and specialised radiology. Both plans include a wider maternity benefit than the entry-level options.
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BonComplete
This plan is suited for families requiring comprehensive medical cover at a network hospital, with in-hospital specialist bills paid at 100% of the Bonitas Rate. A short list of co-payments is applied, for example for spinal surgery if the back and neck programme is not used, MRI and CT scans, and for certain joint replacements and cataract surgery if a designated service provider is not used. Day-to-day claims are payable from savings, a self-payment gap and then from additional benefits.
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BonClassic
The BonClassic option is suitable for families and individuals wanting a higher level of cover at a network hospital, with GP and specialist bills paid at 100% of the Bonitas Rate. A short list of co-payments is applied, for example for spinal surgery if the back and neck programme is not used, and for certain joint replacements and cataract surgery if a designated service provider is not used. Certain day-to-day claims are paid from savings whilst others are payable from separate risk benefits.
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BonComprehensive
This plan is suited for individuals requiring extensive medical cover. It offers unlimited hospital cover at a hospital of choice, with in-hospital specialist bills paid at 150% of the Bonitas Rate and GP bills at 100%. Co-payments are applied for spinal surgery if the back and neck programme is not used, for MRI and CT scans, as well as for certain joint replacements and cataract surgery if a designated service provider is not used. Day-to-day claims are payable from savings, a self-payment gap and then from additional benefits.
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BonCap
BonCap is an entry-level, income-banded network plan aimed at affordability for lower-earning members. Monthly contributions are tiered according to gross income and subject to verification, and dependants up to age 24 pay child rates. Members must use a defined network of GPs, specialists, hospitals, pharmacies and pathology providers, with a 30% co-payment applying if a non-network provider is used outside of an emergency. Hospitalisation is covered at a network hospital, subject to pre-authorisation, and a comprehensive list of in-hospital exclusions applies, including joint replacement and back and neck surgery (Prescribed Minimum Benefits only). Day-to-day cover includes unlimited network GP consultations, a defined medicine and blood test benefit, and preventative care such as HIV testing and wellness screenings.
Bonitas Medical Aid Company Ltd is an authorised financial services provider (FSP licence number: 16354). This article is for general information purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Always read your policy schedule and speak to a qualified adviser if you're unsure. Hippo Advisory Services is an authorised financial services provider (FSP 36 368).
Hippo Comparative Services (Pty) Ltd is an authorised financial service provider.
FSP number: 16357. Block A, Steyn City Capital Park, Erling Road, Riverglen, Dainfern, 2191
*Based on independent research by Kaufman Levin & Associates 2025.
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