Network vs non-network medical aid plans in South Africa

Designated Service Provider (DSP) plans cut your contribution by routing planned care to a chosen hospital group and GP network. The savings are real — but so are the trade-offs if your specialist sits outside the network.

Frequently asked questions

What happens if I go out of network in an emergency?

Emergency stabilisation is a Prescribed Minimum Benefit and must be paid in full at any facility. Once stable, the scheme may transfer you to a network hospital.

Can I change to a non-network plan later?

Yes — most schemes allow plan changes once a year, usually effective from January. There are no waiting periods when moving up within the same scheme.