Chat

What You need to Know About the 2025 Medical Scheme Changes

Medical aid costs are rising in 2025! Learn about the latest changes, including increased premiums and new benefits from top providers like Discovery, Bonitas, Medihelp, and more. Protect your health and finances with our expert guide.

The Council for Medical Schemes (CMS) has recommended a hefty 4.4% increase in medical aid contributions for 2025. This means that the cost of healthcare is set to climb even higher, adding more strain to your already tight budget.

Why the Big Jump?

The rising cost of medical care is a global issue, and South Africa is no exception. A shortage of doctors and specialists, coupled with soaring medical inflation, is driving up the price of healthcare services. As a result, medical aid schemes are feeling the pinch and are forced to pass on these increased costs to their members.

Protect Your Financial Future with Medical Aid

While the rising costs of medical aid might seem daunting, it’s important to remember the value it brings. Medical aid provides financial protection against the high cost of medical care, ensuring that you can access the treatment you need without breaking the bank.

By having medical aid, you can:

  • Access quality healthcare: Medical aid gives you access to a wide range of healthcare providers, including specialists and hospitals.
  • Reduce out-of-pocket expenses: Medical aid covers a significant portion of your healthcare costs, reducing the financial burden on you and your family.
  • Protect your savings: Avoid dipping into your savings to pay for unexpected medical expenses.
  • Peace of mind: Knowing that you and your loved ones are protected can bring immense peace of mind.

Discovery

Hold onto your hats, folks! Discovery Health Medical Scheme has some exciting changes in store for 2025. While the average weighted increase across plans is around 9.3%, there’s a lot more to the story.

Introducing the Active Smart Plan

Discovery is launching a brand-new plan, the Active Smart plan. This innovative plan is designed to reward you for living a healthier lifestyle. The plan is aimed at new entrants and young professionals. It will cost R 1,350.00  per a member per  a month. It’s still awaiting approval from the Council for Medical Schemes, but we’re excited to see what it has to offer!

Your Personal Health, Personalized

In a major move towards personalized healthcare, Discovery is introducing a Personal Health Fund. This fund will give you up to R10,000 per year to cover day-to-day medical expenses, like doctor’s visits and medication.

How does it work?

By completing health-related activities on the Personal Health Pathways platform, you can earn credits that you can use to boost your Personal Health Fund. It’s a win-win: you improve your health, and you get rewarded for it!

With these exciting changes, Discovery is committed to providing you with top-notch healthcare and empowering you to live your healthiest life. So, get ready to embrace a healthier, happier future with Discovery!

Bonitas

While it’s true that Bonitas medical aid plans are seeing an average weighted increase of 10.25% for 2025 (with BonComprehensive increasing by 15%), they’re also introducing a bunch of exciting new benefits to keep you healthy and happy.

Here’s a quick rundown of what’s new:

  • Mental Health Matters: Bonitas is prioritizing mental health by adding a mental health component to its GP network. This means easier access to diagnosis and treatment for conditions like anxiety and depression.
  • Hear Here: Bonitas is offering free online hearing screenings for all South Africans, and selected plans even include hearing aids and audiology services.
  • Weighing In: The new Weight Management Programme offers a holistic approach to weight loss, including support from dieticians and psychologists.
  • Women’s Wellness: Bonitas’s enhanced Female Health Programme provides support for women of all ages, with a focus on preventative care and early detection.
  • Maternity Matters: Expecting mothers can look forward to expanded maternity benefits, including support for high-risk pregnancies and postnatal care.
  • Golden Years, Golden Care: Bonitas is taking care of our seniors with enhanced geriatric care, including chronic care management and fall-risk assessments.
  • Diabetes Support: Bonitas is making it easier to manage diabetes with increased access to chronic medicine and diabetes nurse educators.
  • Tech-Savvy Health: The new Quick Find tool on the Bonitas website makes it easier than ever to find answers to your health insurance questions.

With these exciting new benefits, Bonitas is committed to providing you with the best possible healthcare, so you can live your life to the fullest.

MediHelp

As Medihelp turns 120 in 2025, they’re not just celebrating the past, but also paving the way for a healthier future. While the average weighted increase for 2025 is 10.8%, they’ve introduced some exciting new products and services to enhance your healthcare experience.

Here’s what you need to know:

  • MedElect: This plan, tailored for employer groups, offers comprehensive benefits at competitive prices. It includes a significant increase in day-to-day limits and extends child beneficiary age to 26.
  • MedSaver: Members can enjoy a boosted medical savings account, with an 110% increase in the replenishment amount. This means more funds for GP consultations, specialist visits, and medication.
  • MedMove!: Students can now access quality healthcare for a more affordable price, with a nearly 50% reduction in monthly contributions.

Personalized Care for a Healthier You

Medihelp is committed to providing personalized care to meet your unique needs. They’re introducing a range of innovative initiatives, including:

  • Digital Companion: A digital assistant to support new parents.
  • Depression Support: A dedicated program for members with depression, now with additional social worker support.
  • Post-Hospital Care: A program designed to reduce preventable readmissions and improve patient outcomes.

Momentum

A Brighter Future, A Healthier You

Momentum Health is committed to providing innovative healthcare solutions, and 2025 is no exception. While the average weighted increase for 2025 is 9.3%, Momentum is introducing a number of exciting enhancements to their plans.

Here’s a glimpse into the future of Momentum Health:

  • Updated Low-Income Option: Momentum is making healthcare more accessible to a wider range of South Africans with an updated low-income option.
  • Easier Rewards: Redeeming rewards will be simpler than ever, making it easier to enjoy the benefits of your Momentum membership.
  • Rewarding Your Health: You’ll now be able to use your Momentum Rewards to pay your medical scheme contributions, making healthcare more affordable.
  • Smart Savings: A new digital tool will help you understand how much you can save each month by making informed healthcare choices.

FedHealth

While FedHealth is experiencing an average weighted increase of 12.4% for 2025, they’re also introducing some innovative changes to their plans.

Here’s a breakdown of what’s new:

Flexible Funding Options:

FedHealth is giving you more control over your healthcare spending. You can now choose to fund your day-to-day expenses, providing you with the flexibility to allocate your funds as needed.

Enhanced Hospital Cover:

If you opt for a hospital plan, you’ll have the added security of a day-to-day back-up savings option, ensuring you’re covered for unexpected medical expenses.

Prioritizing Newborn Health:

FedHealth is committed to the health and well-being of newborns. They’re introducing a new retinopathy screening benefit to detect potential eye conditions early on.

BestMed

While BestMed is experiencing an average weighted increase of 12.75% for 2025, they’re committed to providing comprehensive healthcare solutions.

Medshield

While Medshield is experiencing an average weighted increase of 9.6% for 2025, they’re committed to providing comprehensive healthcare solutions.

Compcare

While Compcare is experiencing a weighted average increase of 11% for principal members and 13% for beneficiaries in 2025, they remain committed to providing comprehensive healthcare solutions.

As we navigate the ever-changing healthcare landscape, it’s clear that medical aid costs are on the rise. However, with careful consideration and understanding of the various options available, you can make informed decisions to protect your health and financial well-being.

Remember, while costs are increasing, many medical aid schemes are introducing innovative benefits and services to enhance your healthcare experience. By staying informed and taking advantage of these offerings, you can maximize the value of your medical aid and ensure a healthier future for you and your loved ones.

Clarity Employee Benefits is an authorized Financial Services Provider (FSP No. 51007). We’re ready to provide you with expert medical aid guidance and advice.

We Know You Busy

Let us call you back in a jiffy