5 values that could change medical aid as we know it

A reimagined medical scheme is on its way this October.

You don’t always see it in the fine print. But the values your medical aid holds at its core matter most when life happens. When the unexpected shows up, and you need your medical aid to show up too.

Following Sanlam's endorsement of Fedhealth as its preferred open medical scheme partner, Fedhealth and Sanlam have come together to ask: is there a better way? In response to this, we’re on a mission to revitalise medical aid as we know it, with a reimagined scheme aimed at embodying five core values: affordability, customisation, inclusivity, simplicity and trust.

So what do these values look like in real life? Meet five South Africans whose everyday lives reflect what the scheme is aiming to solve.

Thato, a 32-year-old IT consultant, didn’t think he could afford medical aid… until he found a medical aid that allowed him to choose the features he wants and leave the ones he doesn’t. The updated scheme uniquely offers: back-up day-to-day savings on its hospital plans that Thato can access if and when he needs to, SA’s most affordable hospital plan for under-35’s, flexiFEDSavvy, and a 25% discount on certain plans through its flexiFED Elect excess options. Affordability matters to everyone which is why we’re making affordability for all members a cornerstone of our new approach – wherever you are in life. That’s affordability rebooted.

Jody, a 24-year-old freelancer, can only pay for what she needs, when she needs it. Nothing more. Nothing wasted. The scheme will alllow her to upgrade any time of the year within 30 days of a life-changing event like pregnancy or a serious illness. That’s customisation rebooted.

Imran, a 28-year-old small business owner, has never really considered joining a medical scheme before. But now, as a self-employed father of two, he finally feels like medical aid is for him too. The reimagined scheme offers a variety of differently structured medical aid plans at varying price points, so Imran can pick a plan that suits his specific needs to a T. That’s inclusivity rebooted.

Bongi, a 42-year-old hair stylist, used to dread medical aid admin. Now, she gets simplicity, clear benefits, and no more nasty surprises thanks to the scheme’s user-friendly and effective digital channels. That’s simplicity rebooted.

When Mpho, a 36-year-old husband and father of two, ended up in hospital after a car accident, he didn’t wonder what would be covered. He already knew, because his scheme is clear in its communication and uses easy-to-understand language. That’s trust rebooted.

These stories illustrate why Fedhealth and Sanlam used these five values as the blueprint to build a reimagined medical aid scheme. One that puts you first… always.

Maybe it’s time you took a closer look at the values that define your medical aid, because when you need your scheme the most, these values will make all the difference.

With an updated medical scheme that addresses typical frustrations through its five core values, Fedhealth and Sanlam’s reimagined scheme offers more than just a medical aid – it provides reassurance that you can continue with your life, knowing your medical needs are covered.

It’s modern medical aid, and it’s what you’ve been asking for, South Africa.

Follow the journey at medicalaidreboot.co.za – this scheme is set to launch in October and will be available to join from January 2026.