Bonitas medical scheme has targeted young, urban, upwardly-mobile South Africans with the all-new BonStart and BonStart Plus options.
Launched in 2021, the two new Bonitas plans fall under the innovative Edge umbrella. This category of plans leverages digitalisation to provide unlimited access to virtual GP and nursing consultations.
Key Benefits of the BonStart and BonStart Plus options
Along with a bouquet of in-hospital benefits paid at 100% of the scheme rate, the plans offer limited cover for scopes and blood tests conducted out of hospital, together with acute and over-the-counter medicines.
Despite being charged comparatively low monthly contributions, members have access to a private hospital network, preventative care benefits and wellness screenings. Basic optometry and dentistry are covered, as well as female contraception.
Co-payments are part of plans
In keeping with entry-level medical aid options in South Africa, the scheme imposes co-payments on members who voluntarily use healthcare providers that aren’t part of the Bonitas network.
In addition, a percentage of costs relating to certain procedures and consultations is paid by the member as a co-payment.
Formularies, DSPs and PMBs
Bonitas uses option-specific medicine formularies and designated service providers (DSPs) to keep costs at manageable levels.
Cancer, cataract surgery, kidney dialysis, organ transplants and chronic cover are limited to Prescribed Minimum Benefits (PMBs) at network providers only.
How does BonStart differ from BonStart Plus?
The level of cover is basically what differentiates one option from the other. On the more expensive BonStart Plus plan, in-hospital and day-to-day limits are higher or removed altogether. Co-payments are, by and large, lower.
Members belonging to the top-tier option enjoy limited cover for sports-related specialist consultations. They also have access to a basket of maternity benefits, including antenatal consultations, ultrasound scans and amniocentesis.
Infant hearing and congenital hypothyroidism screening benefits apply to the BonStart Plus option only.
What kind of medical aid plans are they?
Bonitas BonStart and BonStart Plus are mid-to entry-level comprehensive plans designed for healthy individuals and families.
They’re cost effective and cover a wide spectrum of health-related consultations, procedures and treatments, both in and out of hospital.
How much are the contributions for BonStart and BonStart Plus?
Here are the monthly contributions for the BonStart and BonStart Plus plans:
- BonStart R1,452 for the principal member, R1,452 for an adult dependent and R1,452 for a child dependent.
- BonStart Plus R1,731 for the principal member, R1,636 for an adult dependent and R761 for a child dependent.
Child rates apply to full-time students, up to the age of 24.
IFC
At IFC, we offer informed, objective advice about South African medical aid schemes, including the two new Bonitas plans, and can assist you in joining the scheme that best suits your needs and budget. Contact us for more information or to discuss your needs.
