Medical aid is not a compulsory benefit that employers have to provide for their employees. It is often used as a perk to make a remuneration package more attractive. Even private individuals who hire just one or two people may consider assisting their employees with medical aid cover. It often starts within the household where maids and other domestic workers are assisted with medical aid contributions by their private employer.
Many employers share in the sentiment that a healthy employee is a more productive and happier worker. With the close personal interaction between employer and employee within the homestead, some South Africans want their domestic worker to be as healthy and as well cared for as they are. They may choose to contribute towards a medical aid for their maid or other domestic worker as a means to express their appreciation and offer additional perks to maintain a loyal employee.