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Your household
Contributions are worked out for the people you're covering.
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What changed this year
Find your current plan and see what’s changed.
Start by choosing your medical scheme.
Income-banded plans are priced at the lowest band. Your contribution may be higher depending on your income.
Plan information is a summary taken from each medical scheme’s published 2026 and 2027 brochures, benefit guides and contribution tables. It is provided for general informational and comparative purposes only and does not constitute advice or a recommendation. The summary may not include all benefits, limits, terms or conditions. The registered rules of each scheme shall prevail.
2027 Medical Aid contribution increases
Weighted average increases announced by open medical schemes, compared with 2026.
Announced increases by scheme
Listed alphabetically. 2027 figures are announced but still subject to CMS approval.
| Scheme | 2026 increase | 2027 increase |
|---|---|---|
| Bestmed | 6.8% | 7.35% |
| Bonitas | 8.8% | 8.7% |
| CompCare | 9.5% | 7.9% |
| Discovery Health | 7.2% | 8.2% |
| Fedhealth | 9.6% | 8.9% |
| KeyHealth | 8.4% | 8.5% |
| Medihelp | 8.46% | 7.5% |
| Medshield | 7.5% | 7.9% |
| Momentum Health | 9.9% | 7.9% |
2027 increases are announced by each scheme and still need CMS approval. Your own increase depends on your plan.
Looking for better medical aid in 2027?
What to check before 1 January
Check your plan's increase, and what changes with it.
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Your plan's increase
The average increase announced by a medical scheme may not match the increase on your specific plan. Different options can have different contribution changes, even within the same scheme. Check what your own monthly contribution will be from 1 January and how it affects your budget. Looking at your personal increase gives a more accurate picture than relying on the headline average.
2
Benefit limit changes
A contribution increase does not always mean every benefit increases by the same amount. Annual limits, savings accounts, day-to-day benefits and provider networks can all change from one year to the next. Review your scheme's benefit updates to see what is changing on your option.
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Changing options
Most medical schemes allow members to change their plans (either to upgrade or downgrade within the same scheme) at the beginning of the year, January 1st.There are also some medical schemes that allow members to change plans during the annual option change period, but this is plan and scheme dependent. You can also switch schemes throughout the year, however waiting periods may apply. Reviewing your options each year can help ensure you're not paying for cover you no longer need or offer insight into other plans that may be offering the same cover, for less.
Why contributions keep rising
CMS guidance versus actual increases
Each year the Council for Medical Schemes (CMS) publishes guidance on contribution increases. For 2027, the CMS recommended that contribution increases and cost assumptions be anchored at 3.8%, in line with projected inflation. Individual schemes then assess their own claims experience, reserves and financial position when setting contributions. This means the increase on your option may be higher or lower than the CMS benchmark.
Guidance isn't a cap
The CMS benchmark is guidance rather than a maximum limit. Medical schemes that propose increases above the benchmark must provide financial and actuarial evidence to support their decision. The Registrar may require additional justification, including an independent actuarial review where appropriate. This means contribution increases can vary between schemes and options.
Reserves
Medical schemes must hold accumulated funds equal to at least 25% of gross annual contributions. These reserves help schemes absorb unexpected claims, investment volatility and other financial risks. According to the CMS, the industry's solvency ratio was 40.87% in 2024, above the statutory minimum. Reserve levels are one of the factors schemes consider when setting future contributions.
Everyone shares the cost
Medical scheme costs are influenced by how often members claim and the type of healthcare they use. The CMS says an ageing beneficiary population, rising chronic disease prevalence and greater use of healthcare services continue to increase healthcare expenditure. Healthcare spending generally rises with age, placing pressure on claims costs across the industry. These trends can contribute to annual contribution increases for members.
Benefits every plan must pay
All medical scheme options must cover Prescribed Minimum Benefits (PMBs) required by law. These include emergency medical conditions, certain chronic conditions and specified treatments. Because every option must fund these benefits, they form part of the underlying cost of providing medical cover. PMBs must be paid according to the requirements of the Medical Schemes Act.
Contribution increases FAQs
Why are Medical Aid increases higher than inflation?
Healthcare costs often rise faster than general inflation. This is because medical schemes must also account for factors such as hospital and specialist costs, advances in medical treatment and changing claims patterns. The Council for Medical Schemes (CMS) recommended a benchmark of 3.8% for 2027, but schemes may apply for higher increases if they can justify them with financial and actuarial evidence. As a result, announced increases are typically higher than the inflation benchmark.
What is a weighted average increase?
A weighted average increase is the average contribution increase across all of a scheme's plans, taking into account how many members belong to each option. It helps show the overall impact of an increase across the scheme. Your own increase may be higher or lower depending on the plan you belong to. For example, Discovery's average increase for 2027 is 8.2%, while individual plans range from 7.4% to 8.9%.
Does the CMS have to approve the increases?
Medical scheme contribution increases are subject to regulatory oversight by the CMS. Schemes that propose increases above the CMS benchmark must provide supporting financial and actuarial evidence. The Registrar may request additional information before making a decision. Announced increases therefore remain subject to the regulatory process.
When do the 2027 increases start?
Most medical schemes apply their annual contribution increases from 1 January. However, implementation dates can differ between schemes so it is important to check the effective date when comparing increases between schemes.
Can I change my Medical Aid plan for 2027?
If you're thinking about moving to a different medical scheme, you'll generally need to do so before the new benefit year starts on 1 January. Many schemes also allow members to change options within the same scheme, although rules and timing can vary. Before making a decision, compare your current contribution, benefits and provider network with other available options. Hippo lets you compare Medical Aid quotes from multiple schemes in one place, making it easier to see whether you're still getting the cover you need at a price that suits your budget.
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*This Medical Aid comparison is powered by Hippo Advisory Services (Pty) Ltd FSP No. 36088 and is not available to intermediaries. The information provided is for general informational and comparison purposes only and does not constitute financial, medical or legal advice. Benefits, contributions and features have been summarised from published scheme documentation and may not include all terms or conditions. Members should refer to the relevant scheme’s official rules and benefit documentation before making any decision. In the event of any discrepancy, the scheme’s registered rules shall prevail.
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