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Bonitas vs Medihelp
A large administered scheme compared with the oldest medical scheme in South Africa, with the 2027 changes.
By Martin Janse van Rensburg, Sales Manager and Financial Advisor at Curemed. Reviewed by Roxanne Hurter-Ehlers, Director of People and Governance.
Bonitas vs Medihelp: Compare Plans, Benefits and Networks (2026 and 2027)
Bonitas and Medihelp are open medical schemes in South Africa, both regulated by the Council for Medical Schemes. This guide compares their structure, plan ranges, hospital networks and wellness programmes so you can see how they differ. It does not list full premiums, which change every year, but it does summarise the 2027 increases and plan changes each scheme has published. For your own contribution, check the scheme website or ask a broker for a personalised quote.
| At a glance | Bonitas | Medihelp |
|---|---|---|
| Scheme type | Open scheme, CMS-regulated | Open scheme, CMS-regulated |
| Administration | Open scheme, administered by Momentum Health Solutions since 1 June 2026 (previously Medscheme) | Self-administered |
| Plan ranges | 15 options for 2027, from BonCore, BonStart and the income-based BonCap to BonEssential, BonFit, BonSave, BonPrime, Primary, Hospital Standard, Standard, BonComplete, BonClassic and BonComprehensive | 11 plans for 2027, plus a student rate on MedMove!: MedMove!, MedVital and MedVital Elect, MedAdd and MedAdd Elect, MedSaver, MedReach, MedPrime and MedPrime Elect, MedElite and MedPlus |
| Plan types | Entry-level network, hospital, savings and comprehensive options | Entry, savings, network (Elect) and comprehensive options |
| Hospital network | A mix of open and network options, including the BonCap network and BonEssential Select. Standard Select is not on the 2027 option list | Tiered hospital-network access, with Elect options using a defined network |
| Wellness and rewards | B-Value and Wellbeing rewards (free to members) and the Babyline helpline for young children | Preventative and chronic-care support, including an oncology programme, plus the care extender benefit from 2027 (not on MedMove!) |
What changes at Bonitas and Medihelp in 2027?
Both schemes have published their 2027 contributions, which apply from 1 January 2027. Each average reflects a different membership and plan mix, so compare your own plan rather than the headline figures.
| 2027 | Bonitas | Medihelp |
|---|---|---|
| Published average increase | 8.7% average across all plans | Weighted average of 7.5%, with increases of 7% or less for 60% of members (Medihelp announcement, 1 October 2026) |
| By plan or option | Increases differ by option, so check your own option rather than the average | Examples of 2027 main member contributions: MedVital R3 300, MedSaver R4 620 and MedPrime R6 222 a month |
| Notable 2027 changes | New GP Confirmation Benefit after a wellness screening flags a risk, a Dental Emergency Benefit on selected plans, a back, neck, shoulder and knee rehabilitation programme, and a Benefit Booster that now reaches BonCap | New care extender benefit (up to two extra GP consultations and R1 050 towards acute or self-medication for completing health screenings), a dedicated out-of-hospital depression benefit, and wider maternity support |
| Option changes | Change of option form by 30 November 2026, or 31 October 2026 for Persal members | Plan changes apply from 1 January 2027. The cut-off date is on the Medihelp 2027 plan choice form |
For plan-by-plan tables, read our Bonitas 2027 increase analysis and Medihelp 2027 increase analysis.
Who each scheme may suit
Bonitas
Bonitas is one of the largest open schemes. On structure, it may suit people who want a large open scheme with a broad option list and free wellness benefits.
Medihelp
Medihelp is the oldest medical scheme in South Africa, dating to 1905. On structure, it may suit people who value a long-established, self-administered scheme.
The right choice depends on your specific needs, your preferred hospitals and which plan tier fits your situation, not on the scheme name alone.
How a broker helps you compare
A registered broker compares the schemes side by side against your needs through a needs analysis (required under the FAIS Act), covering your health needs, chronic conditions, family composition, hospital preferences and budget. Curemed is FSP 44098 and accredited by the Council for Medical Schemes as ORG 163, and advises on all the main open schemes. See our credentials.
Related comparisons and guides
Frequently asked questions
Which scheme is self-administered?
Medihelp is self-administered. Bonitas uses an external administrator: Momentum Health Solutions took over from Medscheme on 1 June 2026, as AfroCentric records.
Which is older?
Medihelp is the oldest medical scheme in South Africa, dating back to 1905.
Which has more plan options?
Bonitas lists 15 options for 2027. Medihelp offers 11 plans, including Elect network variants, according to the Medihelp member guide 2027, plus a student rate on MedMove!.
Do both have entry-level network plans?
Yes. Bonitas offers BonCap and BonEssential Select, and Medihelp offers MedMove! and Elect options.
Do both have savings-type plans?
Yes. Bonitas offers BonSave and BonFit, and Medihelp offers MedAdd and MedSaver.
Are both open to the public?
Yes. Both are open schemes regulated by the Council for Medical Schemes.
How do I choose between them?
Match the plan tiers, hospital networks and benefits of each scheme to your needs. A broker can run a side-by-side comparison and a personalised quote.
Compare these schemes against your needs
Speak to an independent Curemed broker for a no-obligation needs analysis and a side-by-side comparison matched to your situation.
Speak to a broker
Martin Janse van Rensburg
Sales Manager and Financial Advisor | Curemed Health and Wealth Consultants
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