Medical schemes are to increase their premiums by up to four times the current inflation rate of 3.3% in January, reported MedicalBrief (1 October 2025).
Bonitas is increasing its rate by 8.8%; Medshield by 7.5% and Bestmed by 6.8%.
The 7.2% increase of Discovery Health Medical Scheme will only be effective on 1 April. “DHMS’s increase comprises an anticipated increase in medical inflation broadly in line with consumer price inflation – which the SA reserve bank estimates will be 4.2% for 2026 – and a 3%-4% increase in utilisation prices.”