Each year, medical schemes review their benefits and contributions. These updates shape how much members pay, and what they receive in return, so taking a moment to understand what’s changing in 2026 can help you make smarter health cover decisions.
While increases still need regulatory approval, here’s a snapshot of confirmed updates and new benefits from South Africa’s leading medical schemes.
Bestmed
Bestmed has introduced an average benefit increase of 4.6% across all plans, along with several meaningful enhancements:
- Preventative care: Faecal occult colon cancer screening is now available every 24 months for members over 40.
- Surgical cover: Adenoidectomy for both adults and children has been added to the Rhythm 1 option, combined with tonsillectomy benefits.
- Hearing devices: Cochlear implant and BAHA limits have been raised, up to R350,000 on Pace 4.
- Breast reduction: Pace 3 and 4 now include a medically necessary breast reduction benefit, capped at R100,000.
- Take-home medicine: Allowances for chronic and retail pharmacy take-home medication have been increased by at least 175%, now ranging from R450–R700.
- Contraceptives: Female contraceptive benefits have been split into two clear limits: oral contraceptives (R2,092–R2,801) and IUDs (R3,295–R4,225).
Discovery Health
Discovery’s contribution increases will only apply from 1 April 2026, giving members a few extra months at current rates.
The Smart Saver range, launching 1 January 2026, brings a new combination of value and flexibility, including:
- Up to 200% hospital cover on the Smart network.
- A built-in Medical Savings Account.
- A Personal Health Fund.
- Unlimited Smart GP visits.
- Dental, optical, and over-the-counter benefits.
Bonitas
Bonitas is focusing on younger members with its new BonCore plan, designed for individuals and couples aged 22–35. Benefits include:
- Unlimited network hospital cover.
- Unlimited virtual GP visits and 3 in-person consultations.
- Cover for 28 chronic conditions.
- A R1,000 Benefit Booster.
- Preventative screenings.
The Primary Select plan has evolved into BonPrime, a savings plan with 16% allocated to savings, giving members more control over everyday costs.
Medihelp
Medihelp has two refreshed options stand out for 2026:
- MedVital: Improved overall value across key benefits.
- MedReach (previously MedElect): Now tailored for professionals seeking convenience and quality. Includes unlimited hospital cover, day-to-day benefits, and extended radiology, dental, and eye care coverage. The MedElect Student option has been discontinued.
Medshield
Medshield has a strong focus on screening and chronic care improvements this year:
- AI Optical Diabetic Screening across all options except MediPhila and MediCurve.
- Reduced chronic medicine co-payments on most plans.
- Annual mammograms for women 30+ (previously every two years).
- Dis-Chem has been added as a Designated Service Provider (DSP) for chronic medication.
Momentum Health
Momentum has introduced several preventive and accessibility upgrades:
- FIT (Faecal Immunochemical Test): Now available annually for members aged 45–80 on all options except Ingwe.
- Ingwe income brackets increased by 4.5% to make coverage more accessible.
- Student/child principal rate: R645 per month.
- Maternity benefit: Online antenatal and postnatal classes now hosted by ParentSense.
- Dental cover: Preventative benefit raised to R500 per beneficiary.
- Average co-payment increases of 4%.
Fedhealth
Fedhealth continues to expand coverage for women’s and mental health, as well as preventative care for seniors:
- FlexiFED 1: Expanded maternity benefits, including more scans, consultations, and antenatal classes.
- Mental health: Depression medication now covered even on entry-level plans.
- Emergency contraception is now covered across all options.
- Senior care: Pneumococcal vaccine added for members 65+.
- Oncology: 25% higher brachytherapy limits on FlexiFED 4.
- Day-to-Day Plus (D2D+): Rewards members who complete a health risk assessment and join Sanlam Health Rewards, unlocking up to R4,500 for additional day-to-day cover.
Compare your cover for 2026
Our updated comparison tool on MedicalAid.co.za now reflects 2026 benefits and contributions across all major schemes. It’s designed to help you see what’s changing, and decide whether your current plan still meets your needs.
Start the new year with confidence. Compare your cover and see exactly what you’ll be getting in 2026.