2026 Medical Aid Premium Increases: What You Need to Know

If you’re planning your 2026 budget, brace yourself before opening your medical aid statement. Most major schemes have announced their increases for the year, and while the percentages differ slightly, one thing’s certain: healthcare is getting more expensive—again.

The reality? South Africans will be paying more for peace of mind. These hikes aren’t exactly news, but they hit harder when everything else from groceries to fuel is already pricier. Let’s break down what’s changing, why prices keep climbing, and how you can stay fully covered without overpaying.

Which Medical Aids Are Increasing — and By How Much?

Here’s a snapshot of leading medical scheme increases for 2026:

Source: Scheme announcements as of October 2025.

Most of these premium increases are sitting above inflation — a trend seen year after year. Contributors include higher hospital and specialist fees, rising medicine costs, and a post-pandemic surge in healthcare usage.

Why Are Medical Aid Premiums Going Up?

Simply put, private healthcare costs are rising faster than most people’s salaries. Hospitals, specialists, and medical technology all get more expensive annually. Plus, South Africans are making more claims for chronic conditions and everyday care, resulting in higher payouts by medical schemes.

There's also “medical inflation” — the industry’s own price-warp where the cost of healthcare increases faster than general inflation. As hospitals, specialists, and new treatments hike prices, schemes must adjust premiums to stay viable.

While no one loves higher costs, these adjustments ensure your medical aid remains sustainable and able to pay out when you need it.

What Can You Do About It?

You can’t negotiate with your scheme to freeze rates, but you can check that your plan suits your lifestyle and budget. Many people keep the same option for years, not realising they’re paying for benefits never used — or are undercovered for day-to-day expenses.

Review your coverage:

• Do your benefits match your actual needs?
• Are you paying for extras you don’t use?
• Could switching to a network option or changing your benefit structure save you money?

Even small changes can make a big difference to your monthly spend — without losing the cover you depend on. Comparison tools can help you make smart decisions in minutes instead of spending hours on hold.

Stay Informed, Stay Covered

Medical aid is one of the biggest household expenses — and it’s not slowing down any time soon. While rising costs aren’t in your control, how you manage your benefits is. Understanding your cover, monitoring what you pay for, and using comparison tools can lead to real savings.

At Hippo.co.za, you can compare medical aid quotes from top South African providers online. See your options, check your savings, and step into 2026 confident that both your health and budget are covered. 

Click. Compare. Choose what works for you — and keep your medical aid costs in check for the year ahead.

Source: Scheme announcements as of October 2025.