South Africa’s medical aid costs set to rise in 2026 — What you need to know
South Africans are likely to see their medical aid contributions increase in 2026
Image: Pixabay
South Africans are likely to see their medical aid contributions increase in 2026, with the Council for Medical Schemes (CMS) recommending a guideline increase of 3.3%.
In its guidelines published on Monday, CMS explained that the recommended increase is aligned with expected inflation and aims to keep medical aid costs affordable despite rising living expenses.
CMS also highlighted that medical aid contributions have been rising faster than consumer inflation, adding pressure on already stretched household budgets facing steep increases in electricity and food costs.
"To ease the financial strain on members of medical schemes and the risk of losing health insurance, the CMS hereby recommends that the contribution increase and cost assumptions for tariff increases for the 2026 benefit year be limited to 3.3% plus reasonable utilisation estimates," CMS said.
"The recommendation is in line with the Reserve Bank's 2026 CPI forecast, as outlined in the July Monetary Policy Committee statement. The CMS uses salary inflation as a proxy measure for the affordability of annual contribution increases".
South Africans are likely to see their medical aid contributions increase in 2026
Image: Council for Medical Schemes (CMS)
However, CMS also noted that some medical schemes might require contribution increases higher than the recommended 3.3%.
"In such cases, the Trustees must provide the Registrar with a comprehensive business plan with clear financial and actuarial justification.
"The business plan must fully comply with the stringent requirements of the Advisory Practice Note (APN303) on the adequacy of contribution increases, as prescribed by the Actuarial Society of South Africa (ASSA)".
The Council also recommended that increases in non-healthcare expenditure, such as administration and managed care fees, be limited to 3.3% in line with inflation.
IOL Business
mthobisi.nozulela@iol.co.za