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Compare Medical Aid in South Africa for 2026 and 2027
Independent, side-by-side comparisons by an FSCA-registered broker (FSP 44098), accredited on all seven open schemes.
By Martin Janse van Rensburg, Sales Manager and Financial Advisor at Curemed. Reviewed by Roxanne Hurter-Ehlers, Director of People and Governance.
Curemed compares seven open medical aid schemes that the public can join: Discovery Health, Momentum, Bonitas, Fedhealth, Medihelp, Bestmed and KeyHealth. Each has its own plan range, network and benefit structure, and each has published its 2027 contributions, which apply from 1 January 2027. Below are side-by-side comparisons of frequently asked scheme combinations, a summary of the 2027 increases and situation guides, written by an FSCA-registered independent broker (FSP 44098) accredited to advise on all seven.
Comparison directory
Side-by-side comparison of the largest open scheme in South Africa and another large open scheme. Plan structures, hospital network, chronic cover, Vitality vs HealthReturns and more.
Side-by-side comparison of the Fedhealth ranges against the Bonitas option list, including the 2027 changes.
Side-by-side comparison of two member-focused schemes on plan structure and chronic cover.
How the largest open scheme in South Africa compares with Bonitas, on plan ranges, networks, wellness and the 2027 changes.
A large externally administered scheme compared with the oldest, self-administered scheme, including the 2027 changes.
The Fedhealth ranges compared with the self-administered Medihelp plan range, including the 2027 changes.
A self-administered scheme compared with the largest open scheme, on structure and wellness.
Discovery KeyCare vs Bonitas BonStart vs Momentum Ingwe
Entry-level head-to-head across three lower-cost open-scheme tiers.
Discovery Executive Plan vs Momentum Summit
Comprehensive cover at the upper end of two large open schemes in South Africa, compared.
Two products often confused. What each actually covers under SA regulation.
Medical aid vs health insurance
Two distinct products under SA regulation (CMS vs FSCA): what each is and when to use each.
How much are medical aid increases for 2027?
Every scheme on this page has published its 2027 contributions. The averages below are the figures each scheme announced. Your own increase depends on your plan, so read the plan-level analysis before deciding whether to change option.
| Scheme | Published 2027 increase and notable change | Read more |
|---|---|---|
| Discovery Health | Weighted average of 8.2%, within a range of 7.4% to 8.9% by plan. New Active Core plan, subject to CMS approval | Discovery 2027 analysis |
| Bonitas | 8.7% average across all plans. Standard Select is not on the 2027 option list | Bonitas 2027 analysis |
| Fedhealth | 8.9% average weighted increase for 60% of members, with 0% on the two sureFED Traditional Plans | Fedhealth 2027 analysis |
| Medihelp | Weighted average of 7.5%, with increases of 7% or less for 60% of members | Medihelp 2027 analysis |
| Momentum, Bestmed and KeyHealth | 2027 contributions published. See our scheme analyses for the figures | 2027 increase tracker |
Guides by life stage
Independent broker guides to choosing medical aid for your specific situation in South Africa.
Maternity, dependants, paediatric day-to-day and family hospital cover.
What to check on medical aid when planning or expecting a baby.
Medical aid for chronic medication
How medical aid covers chronic medication in South Africa.
Medical aid for the self-employed
Medical aid options for self-employed South Africans.
Medical aid options for students in South Africa.
Medical aid considerations for pensioners and retirees.
Medical aid explained
Plain-language guides to the rules that govern medical aid in South Africa.
The benefits every scheme must cover in full, and how DSPs affect what you pay.
The two types of waiting period and the 90-day rule when you change schemes.
How the penalty for joining after 35 is calculated, and how to reduce it.
How network plans lower your contribution, and what going out-of-network costs.
How Curemed compares schemes
Curemed is an independent intermediary registered with the FSCA (FSP 44098) and accredited by the Council for Medical Schemes (ORG 163). We are accredited to advise on Bestmed, Bonitas, Discovery Health, Fedhealth, KeyHealth, Medihelp and Momentum, which means we can run a side-by-side comparison across all seven against your specific needs.
Every recommendation is preceded by a written needs-analysis (required under the FAIS Act) covering your health needs, chronic conditions, family composition, hospital preferences and budget. See our credentials or read should I use a medical aid broker?
Want a personalised comparison against your needs?
Get a personalised comparisonLast updated: 3 November 2026.
Choosing medical aid for your family?
See our independent broker guide on maternity, paediatric, dependant and family hospital cover.
Read the family guide
Martin Janse van Rensburg
Sales Manager and Financial Advisor | Curemed Health and Wealth Consultants
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