With Discovery Health announcing an average increase in premiums of 10.2% in 2017, it is bound to force many South Africans to look more closely at their medical aid cover.
Discovery Health claims a 54% share of South Africa’s medical aid market, with close on three million customers.
On Wednesday, the company announced that it will be increasing its premiums by between 7.8% and 14.9% across its various schemes from January 2017. The average increase of 10.2% is significantly higher than the 8.6% increase in 2016, and much higher than the CPI forecast of 6.8%.
According to Discovery, the increase is due to a larger number of claims in 2016 than in previous years. Global Credit Ratings has warned that other medical aids will likely follow suit with similar increases.
Other medical aids are expected to announce their price hikes in the coming weeks – with some planning hikes even larger than Discovery’s.
Comparing medical aid schemes is notoriously difficult, as each medical aid provider has a wide array of options, each with its own benefits, terms and limits, making like-on-like comparisons near impossible.
However, one area which speaks to consumers is price, and comparison data drawn up by medical aid brokers, Informed Healthcare Solutions, does an excellent job breaking down medical aid options from major providers, across five main categories.
To get quality advice and to review your options for 2017 on medical aid schemes offered – check out Omega wealth
These are the cheapest and most affordable medical aid schemes from 7 insurers, across all 5 categories in South Africa: hospital plans, hospital plans with savings, day-to-day cover, GP networks plans, and comprehensive coverage.
Note: the prices below refer to 2016 prices, and relate to the cost of the principle member only. Other costs for dependents are listed in the full breakdown.
Hospital Plans
Hospital plans cover hospital services used when admitted, typically including anesthetist and surgeon fees. According to IHS, hospitals usually have agreed rates with medical aids, with bills being paid in full.
| Scheme | Cost for principle member |
|---|---|
| Discovery Health Keycare Core | R665 – R1 281 |
| Genesis Private Choice | R950 |
| Momentum Custom Option 1 | R1 152 |
| FedHealth Entryzone | R1 179 |
| Discovery Health Essential Delta Core | R1 190 |
| Discovery Health Coastal Core | R1 302 |
| Bonitas BonEssential | R1 316 |
| Resolution Health Hospital Plan | R1 375 |
| Discovery Health Smart Plan | R1 397 |
| Genesis Private | R1 420 |
| MediHelp Dimension Prime 1 | R1 452 |
| Discovery Health Essential Core | R1 499 |
| Momentum Custom Option 2 | R1 557 |
| FedHealth Maxima Core | R1 695 |
| Discovery Health Classic Core | R1 745 |
Hospital Plan with Savings
These plans are the same as the above, but provide members with a limited savings account for day-to-day use.
| Scheme | Cost for principle member |
|---|---|
| MediHelp Unify | R1 752 |
| Genesis Private Plus | R1 800 |
| Discovery Health Essential Saver | R1 862 |
| Discovery Health Coastal Saver | R1 862 |
| Discovery Health Classic Delta Saver | R1 872 |
| Bonitas BonSave | R1 908 |
| MediHelp Dimension Prime 2 | R1 926 |
| MedShield MediSaver | R2 343 |
| Discovery Health Classic Saver | R2 344 |
| FedHealth Maxima Standard | R2 693 |
| Momentum Extender Option 1 | R3 303 |
| Resolution Health Millenium | R3 592 |
| Momentum Extender Option 2 | R4 061 |
Hospital Plans with Day to Day Cover
These plans are the same as the above, but typically come with annual limits for day-to-day use, which fall away and are renewed at the end of each year.
| Scheme | Cost for principle member |
|---|---|
| MedShield MediValue | R1 392 |
| Momentum Incentive Option | R1 524 |
| Momentum Access Option | R1 693 |
| Bonitas Primary | R1 719 |
| Resolution Health Progressive Flex | R1 910 |
| FedHealth Maxima Basis | R2 223 |
| Momentum Incentive Option | R2 228 |
| MedShield MediPlus | R2 325 |
| FedHealth Maxima Standard | R2 693 |
| Bonitas Standard | R2 683 |
To get a comparison or new quote on your choice of medical aid options go to
