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Discovery vs Bonitas
Discovery Health compared with Bonitas on plans, networks and 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.
Discovery Health vs Bonitas: Compare Plans, Benefits and Networks (2026 and 2027)
Discovery Health and Bonitas 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 | Discovery Health | Bonitas |
|---|---|---|
| Scheme type | Open scheme, CMS-regulated | Open scheme, CMS-regulated |
| Administration | Administered by Discovery Health (Pty) Ltd | Open scheme with external administration |
| Plan ranges | Executive, Comprehensive, Priority, Saver, Smart, Core and KeyCare, plus the new Active Core plan from 1 January 2027 (subject to CMS approval) | 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 |
| Plan types | Comprehensive, savings, hospital and income-based network plans | Entry-level network, hospital, savings and comprehensive options |
| Hospital network | Unlimited private hospital cover, with a defined hospital network on Delta, Smart and KeyCare plans, and the Active Hospital Network on Active Smart and Active Core from 2027 | A mix of open and network options, including the BonCap network and BonEssential Select. Standard Select is not on the 2027 option list |
| Wellness and rewards | Vitality rewards and wellness programme (a separate, linked product) | B-Value and Wellbeing rewards (free to members) and the Babyline helpline for young children |
What changes at Discovery and Bonitas 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 | Discovery Health | Bonitas |
|---|---|---|
| Published average increase | Weighted average of 8.2%, within a range of 7.4% to 8.9% | 8.7% average across all plans |
| By plan or option | 7.4% on Active Smart; 7.9% on Saver, Core, Smart Saver and Smart; 8.4% on Coastal Saver; 8.9% on Executive, Comprehensive, Priority, Coastal Core and KeyCare | Increases differ by option, so check your own option rather than the average |
| Notable 2027 changes | New Active Core plan at R1 700 a month for a principal member, using the new Active Hospital Network (subject to CMS approval and registration) | 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 |
| Option changes | The 2027 rates apply from 1 January 2027. Discovery split 2026 into two contribution periods, so compare against the April to December 2026 rates | Change of option form by 30 November 2026, or 31 October 2026 for Persal members |
For plan-by-plan tables, read our Discovery 2027 increase analysis and Bonitas 2027 increase analysis.
Who each scheme may suit
Discovery Health
Discovery Health is the largest open medical scheme in South Africa. On structure, it may suit people who want a wide plan range and the Vitality rewards programme.
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.
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 is the bigger scheme, Discovery or Bonitas?
Discovery Health Medical Scheme is the largest open scheme in South Africa, while Bonitas is one of the largest open schemes.
Do both have entry-level or income-based plans?
Yes. Discovery offers KeyCare and the Core plans, with Active Core added for 2027, and Bonitas offers BonCap, BonCore and BonStart, among others.
Do both have comprehensive top-tier plans?
Yes. Discovery has Executive and Comprehensive, and Bonitas has BonComprehensive and BonClassic.
Do both offer a wellness or rewards programme?
Discovery offers Vitality as a separate linked programme, and Bonitas offers B-Value and Wellbeing free to members.
Do both use hospital networks?
Yes, on certain plans. Discovery uses networks on its Delta, Smart, Active and KeyCare plans, and Bonitas uses the BonCap network and BonEssential Select.
Are both regulated the same way?
Yes. Both are open schemes governed by the Medical Schemes Act and regulated by the Council for Medical Schemes.
How do I compare their prices?
Contributions change every year, and the increase on your own plan can differ from the scheme average. Check the current rates on each scheme website, or ask a broker for a side-by-side quote based on your needs.
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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