As the country’s 8th largest open medical scheme, we are a trusted partner in healthcare for individuals and families across all walks of life.
Our mission is clear: to provide comprehensive, accessible healthcare benefits that ensure you and your loved ones receive high-quality care when it matters most. From preventive services and routine check-ups to specialised treatments and hospital care, our extensive network of healthcare providers delivers peace of mind and exceptional service.
We offer a diverse range of medical plan options tailored to meet varying health and lifestyle needs:
A starter plan with hospital care, wellness, and maternity benefits.
A savings plan for young individuals and couples that covers in- and out-of-hospital care, chronic medication, wellness, and maternity benefits.
An entry-level network plan with comprehensive day-to-day and hospital benefits.
A versatile plan for young families, covering in- and out-of-hospital needs at hospitals of your choice.
A versatile, efficiently discounted plan for young families, covering in- and out-of-hospital needs at the Scheme’s hospital networks.
A premium option offering advanced benefits for growing families, including hospital care at your choice of hospitals, specialist consultations, diagnostics, 53 chronic conditions, wellness, and maternity support.
A premium option offering advanced benefits for growing families, including hospital care at Scheme hospital networks, specialist consultations, diagnostics, 53 chronic conditions, wellness, and maternity support.
Our most comprehensive plan, covering 62 chronic conditions and designed for those seeking extensive in- and out-of-hospital care without compromise.
At Sizwe Hosmed, we are committed to evolving with the healthcare landscape, ensuring that our members continue to benefit from innovative solutions and quality care every step of the way.
HISTORY
TIMELINE: THE FOUNDING AND GROWTH OF SIZWE MEDICAL FUND
Late 1960s
Black (African) doctors from Witwatersrand (Pretoria, Johannesburg, East Rand, Vereeniging) form the South African Medical Discussion Group (SAMDG) to collaborate and discuss healthcare matters.
1976
- SAMDG appoints its first executive committee, chaired by Dr. Mzamane from Katlehong (East Rand).
- Dr. Mokgesi (Sebokeng) meets Dr. Loots (a white colleague) at Johannesburg General Hospital; they agree to explore:
- Registering a medical aid scheme.
- Starting a private hospital primarily for the black population.
- Dr. Nthato Motlana, influential black leader, becomes chairman of SAMDG and:
- Proposes that black doctors take up shares in the proposed medical aid.
- Negotiates with white business leaders for support.
1978
- Kwacha Group (“Day Break” in Chewa) is registered with 38 shareholders — Dr. Loots is the only white shareholder and board member.
- Sizwe Medical Fund is officially registered after raising R3 million to meet claims.
- Lesedi Clinic (the proposed private hospital) opens soon after the fund starts operating.
- Kwacha Group was later renamed to Sechaba Group Holdings (Pty) Ltd, and eventually to Sizwe Medical Fund.
1978 - Objectives of the Fund
- Provide medical aid cover for black South Africans.
- Lead the black population in healthcare matters.
- Enable black specialists to open private practices.
- Give private patients and doctors access to:
- X-rays
- Other investigations
- Expensive medications previously inaccessible without medical aid.
Late 1970s - Early Membership Base
- Members drawn from companies such as:
- Barlow Rand Group
- Iscor
- PUTCO
- Steel and coal companies (Witbank & Middelburg)
- Motor industry workers (Port Elizabeth & Uitenhage)
- Attempts to include black civil servants were blocked by political leadership.
2018 - 40 years later
Sizwe Medical Fund is a major force in the South African medical aid industry, with bold plans and strategies to serve its members with care.
ABOUT HOSMED MEDICAL SCHEME
Hosmed Medical Scheme, established in 1988, was a non-profit, open medical scheme registered under the Medical Schemes Act No. 131 of 1998. For over 28 years, Hosmed provided reliable and accessible healthcare cover to between 21,000 and 35,000 principal members across both the public and private sectors in South Africa.
Originally founded to serve civil employees, the scheme expanded to cover various employment groups nationwide.
Recognised for its strong financial stability, Hosmed consistently achieved A ratings from Global Credit Rating, a testament to its sound management and healthy reserves. The scheme’s philosophy centred on delivering simple, easy-to-understand healthcare solutions that offered genuine value for money. Members benefited from comprehensive, well-structured options that balanced affordability with extensive coverage.
Hosmed’s product suite included four core benefit options – Plus, Value, Access, and Essential – each designed to meet diverse healthcare needs.
Key benefits included:
- Competitive contribution rates with excellent value-for-money benefits
- Nationwide provider acceptance and unlimited hospitalisation for Prescribed Minimum Benefits (PMBs)
- Day-to-day benefits covering optometry, dentistry, pathology, and radiology — per person, regardless of family size
- Emergency medical services, a 24-hour nurse advice line, and both emergency and non-emergency transport services
- Member-friendly policies, such as contributions for only the first three children
For nearly three decades, Hosmed Medical Scheme stood out as a trusted provider of sustainable healthcare solutions, living up to its vision of “Care for Life” before its merger with Sizwe Medical Fund.
