Medical Aid for 2027: How to Choose Before the Deadline

Every spring, medical schemes announce next year's contributions and benefits. Most members can change their plan option once a year, with the change taking effect on 1 January, and schemes usually set a deadline in late November or early December. If you do nothing, you stay on your current option at the new price. A little time spent now can save you money or protect you from a costly gap in cover.

What to expect for 2027

The Council for Medical Schemes recommended that 2027 increases be anchored at 3.8%, but that is guidance, not a cap. The first large schemes have now announced figures well above it: Discovery Health Medical Scheme plans a weighted average increase of 8.2% (between 7.4% and 8.9% depending on the plan), and Momentum Health an average of 7.9%. Both are still subject to approval by the Council for Medical Schemes. Other schemes typically announce during October, so check your own scheme's figure for your specific option and budget for an increase of around 8%.

Step 1: Look back at 2026

Download your claims statement. Did your medical savings run out early? Did you pay co-payments or shortfalls? Did you use benefits you are paying for, or pay for many you never used? Your real usage is the best guide to the right option.

Step 2: Think about the year ahead

A planned pregnancy, an upcoming operation, a new chronic condition, children starting school or a family member joining your plan can all change what you need. Plan for next year's life, not last year's.

Step 3: Compare like with like

• Hospital cover, including any network restrictions and co-payments.

• Chronic medicine cover and the medicine lists that apply.

• Day-to-day benefits and the size of the medical savings account.

• The rate at which specialists are paid, which affects shortfalls.

Step 4: Be careful when downgrading

Moving to a cheaper option can make sense, but check what you give up. Prescribed Minimum Benefits cover a defined set of conditions on every option, yet cheaper plans often add network restrictions, co-payments or lower specialist rates. Gap cover can help pay for in-hospital shortfalls and is often worth considering alongside a leaner option.

Step 5: Changing options versus changing schemes

Changing options within your current scheme is usually straightforward at year-end. Moving to a new scheme can bring waiting periods, and older first-time members may face late-joiner penalties. Check your notice period too, so you don't end up paying two schemes in January.

Let us compare for you

Sapphire Global can review your current cover, compare your options for 2027 across schemes and help you make the change before the deadline. Get in touch to book a medical aid review.

Sapphire Global Financial Services is an authorised financial services provider (FSP 51022). This article is general information only and does not constitute financial advice. Contribution increases quoted were announced in late September 2026 and are subject to regulatory approval; benefits, contributions and deadlines differ by scheme and option, so always confirm with your scheme or adviser.