Changing option for 2027 has a cut-off set by each scheme, from 30 November 2026. Switching to another scheme is possible at any time, with section 29A waiting periods. Dates by scheme, steps and the rules.
The cheapest 2027 hospital option at each of ten South African medical schemes, with what each pays outside hospital and the condition on the price. Sourced from scheme documents.
Pre-authorisation confirms your scheme will fund a hospital admission under its rules, but it is not a promise to pay every account. Here are the 2026 rules at six schemes, what to do in an emergency and how to challenge a declined request.
What medical aid co-payments cost in South Africa in 2026, with verified figures from four schemes, the Regulation 8 position on Prescribed Minimum Benefits, and where Gap Cover fits in.
Every medical scheme must pay in full for cancer that qualifies as a Prescribed Minimum Benefit, at a defined level of care, through its designated providers. This guide sets out the 2026 oncology thresholds on Discovery Health and Bonitas, why shortfalls arise, and what Gap Cover can and cannot do.
A practical guide to claiming Gap Cover in South Africa: the documents insurers require, the submission windows at eight insurers, the rules the insurer must follow, and what to do when a claim is rejected.
Gap Cover waiting periods explained: the legal maximums under the Demarcation Regulations, what six insurers apply in 2026, pregnancy rules, and how switchers keep credit.
For 2027 only one true hospital-only plan stays under R1,500 a month, Profmed ProSelect Savvy at R1,150, and Profmed is a restricted scheme. Discovery KeyCare Core moves to R1,623. Martin Janse van Rensburg of Curemed sets out the 2026 and 2027 figures and separates hospital-only cover from options with day-to-day benefits.
24 medical aid options cost under R2,000 a month for a single member in 2027, from R466 to R1,940 across 13 open schemes. KeyCare Plus leaves the list and KeyHealth Core joins. Verified 2026 and 2027 figures from the scheme documents.
Twelve open scheme options cost under R1,500 a month for the principal member in 2027, from R466 on Makoti Primary. KeyCare Start and KeyCare Core move above the line, and KeyHealth Core and a new Sizwe Hosmed income band join it. Every 2026 and 2027 figure is taken from the scheme documents.
