Group Medical Aid
Group Medical Aid for Companies with 50+ Employees
Group medical aid is medical scheme cover that your company arranges for its employees as one group. Because the scheme takes on a larger, more predictable pool of members, a group can often secure better terms, have some waiting periods waived and offer different options to different staff grades. We compare the schemes, negotiate on your behalf and handle the day-to-day admin, so your HR team doesn’t have to.
How group medical aid works for employers
When your company sets up group medical aid, you choose one or more medical schemes and the options your employees can join. The company then decides how contributions are funded: fully paid by the employer, shared through a subsidy, or included in each employee’s total cost to company (CTC).
A group arrangement gives your business three things individual membership can’t:
- Negotiating power. A larger, balanced group gives schemes a lower-risk pool, which opens the door to better underwriting terms.
- Consistency. One structure, one renewal date and one point of contact for every employee query.
- A benefit people value. Medical aid is one of the benefits South African employees weigh most heavily when choosing where to work and whether to stay.
For a deeper look at the decisions involved, read our medical aid for companies guide.
Who we work with
We specialise in mid-sized and larger South African employers, nationally, from our base in KwaZulu-Natal.
50 to 200 employees
Growing companies setting up group medical aid for the first time, or outgrowing an arrangement that no longer fits.
200 to 500 employees
Established businesses with a mixed workforce that need more than one option and a broker who negotiates hard at renewal.
500+ employees
Larger employers who want specialist attention without the call-centre feel of a big consultancy.
What we do for your company
Needs analysis
We profile your workforce (age, income bands, dependants and locations) so recommendations are based on your people, not a generic package.
Scheme comparison
We compare benefits, exclusions, waiting periods, co-payments and hospital networks across the major open medical schemes.
Negotiation
We negotiate group terms on your behalf at implementation and again at every annual renewal.
Implementation
We run applications, member onboarding and dependant registrations so HR isn’t chasing forms.
Claims and authorisations
Your employees get a dedicated broker from our network to help with hospital authorisations, chronic applications and claims disputes.
Annual review
Every year we review increases, option fit and your contribution policy. See our renewal review.
Structuring cover across staff grades
One option rarely suits an entire workforce. Most of our clients use a tiered structure. Our guide to structuring medical aid for employees covers this in more detail.
| Staff grade | Typical structure | Why it works |
|---|---|---|
| Executive and senior management | Comprehensive options with day-to-day benefits | Matches expectations at senior level and supports retention of key people |
| Middle management and professional staff | Savings or hybrid options, often with gap cover | Balances cost with meaningful day-to-day cover |
| Operational and entry-level staff | Network or hospital options, or employee health insurance | Affordable cover that still protects against major medical events |
Adding group gap cover is often a more cost-effective way to protect employees from specialist shortfalls than moving everyone onto a richer option.
What it costs your company
The cost of group medical aid depends on the schemes and options you choose, the age profile of your workforce and how many dependants employees register. Companies typically fund it in one of four ways:
- Employer-paid: the company covers the full contribution.
- Percentage subsidy: for example, the company pays 50% and the employee pays the balance.
- Fixed rand subsidy: a set amount per employee, regardless of option.
- Total cost to company (CTC): contributions form part of each employee’s package.
Using a broker costs your company nothing extra. Medical schemes pay broker commission at a rate capped by regulation, and contributions are the same whether you use a broker or go direct.
How it works
Needs analysis
We learn about your workforce, budget and goals.
Market comparison
We compare suitable schemes and options and recommend a structure.
Quotation and decision
You receive a clear, no-obligation proposal and a walkthrough for your decision-makers.
Onboarding
We handle applications, employee sessions and scheme set-up.
Ongoing support
We stay on as your single point of contact for HR and employees.
Frequently asked questions
How many employees do we need for group medical aid?
Group requirements vary by scheme. We specialise in companies with 50 or more employees, where a group arrangement gives the most negotiating power and the biggest reduction in HR admin.
Can different staff grades be on different options?
Yes. Most companies offer two or three options so executives, middle management and operational staff each have cover that suits their needs and budget.
Does it cost the company anything to use a broker?
No. Broker commission is paid by the medical scheme at a regulated, capped rate. Your contributions are the same whether or not you use a broker.
Can we make medical aid membership compulsory for employees?
Many companies make membership a condition of employment, usually with an exemption for employees already covered as a dependant on a spouse’s medical aid. It needs to be set out in your benefits policy and employment contracts, and we can help you draft the policy.
How long does it take to set up?
Group cover usually starts on the first day of a month. We’ll give you a realistic timeline at the proposal stage, based on your group size and the scheme you choose.
We already have group medical aid. Can you still help?
Yes. You can appoint us as your broker without changing scheme or disrupting cover. See switching your employee benefits broker.
Related services
Annual Renewal Review
Check increases, option fit and contribution policy before you accept them.
Request a Company Quote
Tell us about your company and one of our experienced brokers will be in touch within 24 hours.