In short: Most big open medical schemes have announced 2027 increases of roughly 7% to 9%, effective 1 January 2027. That is about double the 3.8% the Council for Medical Schemes (CMS) recommended. Discovery Health Medical Scheme averages 8.2%, Bonitas 8.7%, Momentum Medical Scheme 7.9% and Medshield 7.9%, KeyHealth 8.5%, Profmed 7.9% and Sizwe Hosmed 7.74%. GEMS had not announced its 2027 increase by 16 October 2026. All increases still need CMS approval. If the new price is too much, you can usually change to a cheaper option once a year, but check what you lose first. This is general information, not financial advice.
What the regulator asked for
In Circular 20 of 2026 (31 July 2026), the CMS asked schemes to base their 2027 increases on 3.8%, in line with the Reserve Bank’s inflation forecast for 2027. It is a benchmark, not a cap. A scheme that wants more has to send the CMS a business plan with financial and actuarial reasons. That is why most schemes landed well above 3.8%.
2027 increases announced so far
| Scheme | Average 2027 increase | Range by option |
|---|---|---|
| Discovery Health Medical Scheme | 8.2% | 7.4% to 8.9% |
| Bonitas | 8.7% | 7.3% (BonSave, BonFit, BonStart, BonCore) to 11.5% (BonCap) |
| Momentum Medical Scheme | 7.9% | 7.2% (Evolve) to 8.9% (top of Custom) |
| Medshield | 7.9% | Varies by option |
| KeyHealth | 8.5% | Varies by option; new entry-level Core option |
| Profmed | 7.9% | 6.7% (young professionals earning under R40,000, ProSelect Savvy) to 11.5% (ProPinnacle Savvy) |
| Sizwe Hosmed | 7.74% | Varies by option |
| GEMS | Not announced yet | |
If your scheme is not in the table, look for its 2027 member letter on its website or in your email, or call it. An average hides a lot: your own option can sit well above or below it.
What it means in rand
An 8% increase on a R3,000 monthly contribution adds R240 a month, or R2,880 a year. On R5,000 a month it adds R400 a month. Work out your own number: take your current monthly contribution and multiply by your option’s increase.
Discovery: two price points worth knowing
Discovery says Active Smart goes up 7.4% to R1,450 per member per month from January 2027. It is also launching a new plan, Active Core, from R1,700 for a main member, R1,550 for an adult dependant and R500 for a child dependant (R3,750 a month for a family of three). Active Core still needs CMS approval and registration.
How to downgrade safely
Schemes usually let you change options once a year, with the change starting on 1 January. Each scheme sets its own deadline for option changes, normally late in the year, so check the date in your member letter and do not leave it to the last week.
Before you move down an option, check these:
- Hospital network. Cheaper options often limit you to network hospitals. Using another hospital can mean a large co-payment. Check that your nearest hospital is on the list.
- Chronic medicine. Make sure every chronic condition you claim for is covered on the new option, and whether you must use a network pharmacy or a formulary.
- Day-to-day benefits. Some lower options have no savings account or day-to-day cover. GP visits, scripts and dentistry then come out of your pocket.
- Specialist cover rates. Lower options often pay specialists at 100% of the scheme rate. Many specialists charge more, and you pay the shortfall. Gap cover can help here (see our gap cover guide).
- Planned procedures and pregnancy. If you know you need an operation or are planning a baby in 2027, compare the exact benefit before you move.
- Prescribed Minimum Benefits (PMBs). Every option must cover PMB conditions, but you may need to use the scheme’s designated providers to avoid co-payments.
What not to do
- Do not simply cancel. If you leave medical aid and join again later, a scheme can impose waiting periods and, if you are 35 or older, late-joiner penalties.
- Do not switch schemes in a hurry. Moving to a new scheme can bring new waiting periods. Get the new scheme’s terms in writing first.
- Do not forget the tax credit. For the 2026/27 tax year the medical scheme fees tax credit is R376 a month for each of the first two people on the plan and R254 for each extra dependant. More on this in medical aid, RAs and deductions people forget.
Cheaper ways to keep cover
- Ask your scheme or a broker to compare your current option with a network or hospital-only version.
- Check whether your employer’s scheme or a restricted scheme you qualify for costs less.
- Read how to get affordable medical aid in South Africa for more options.
- If you are leaving Discovery, see how to cancel Discovery medical aid for the notice steps.
What to confirm with your scheme
- Your option’s exact 2027 contribution for you and each dependant.
- The deadline to change options for 2027.
- Any benefit changes on your option, such as new networks or co-payments.
- Whether the CMS has approved the 2027 changes.
Last checked: 16 October 2026. Increases are as announced by the schemes and are subject to CMS approval. This article is general information and not financial advice. Speak to your scheme or an accredited broker before changing cover.