Category Medical Aid

Medihelp 2027 contributions rise 7.5% on a weighted average. Curemed sets out the increase on all twelve plans from the published tables, the benefit changes, and the two plan change deadlines.

Fedhealth is the first South African scheme to publish 2027 contributions. Curemed analysis of the Fedhealth tables shows 13 of 14 flexiFED and Executive options rising by more than the published 8.9% figure, alongside the benefits members gain.

A late joiner penalty is an extra percentage a medical scheme may add to the contribution of an adult who joins at 35 or older without enough previous scheme cover. We explain the four maximum bands of 5%, 25%, 50% and 75%, the formula behind them, a worked family example and how proof of past cover reduces the penalty.

The CMS has recommended that 2027 medical aid contribution increases be anchored at 3.8%. What that guidance means, what schemes actually did for 2026, and what to check before 1 January 2027.

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.

Only two true hospital-only plans cost under R1,500 a month in 2026, and both are income-banded and network-restricted. Martin Janse van Rensburg of Curemed separates genuine hospital-only cover from options that include day-to-day benefits.

There are 15 verified medical aid options under R2,000 a month in South Africa for 2026, ranging from R645 to R1,961 across seven open schemes. This guide lists every option, the income bands, and the tax credit rules for the person who pays.

Twelve open medical scheme options cost less than R1,500 a month for the principal member in 2026, from R438 on Makoti Primary to R1,490 on Discovery KeyCare Core. Verified contributions, benefits, network rules and joining rules.

Yes, you can usually change your medical aid plan mid-year in South Africa, but mostly in one direction. Many schemes, including Discovery Health Medical Scheme, allow a downgrade to a cheaper option during the year, while upgrades generally wait until…