Several major developments are expected in the South African medical aid industry as we near the year 2025. It is very important to be aware of these developments in order to make sure that you are getting the best cover for yourself and your family. This blog highlights the major medical aid changes in 2025 according to each medical aid provider and what it means for your budget and cover. Additionally, we will explain how useful CheckMed’s medical aid comparison tool will be in exploring these changes for your needs.
Major Medical Aid Updates South Africa from Key Medical Aid Providers
BestMed
- Contribution Increases: BestMed has announced a 12.75% increase in contributions across all of their plans for 2025.
- Key Benefit Changes:
- Preventative Care: BestMed will now cover mammograms and pap smears under the Rhythm1 option, and these benefits will be extended across all 14 of their plans.
- Child Dependent Age: The age limit for dependent children has been raised to 24 years, and proof of enrolment in studies is no longer required.
- Specialised Diagnostic Imaging: BestMed has increased the cover for specialised diagnostic imaging to R18,000 per family per year for both in- and out-of-hospital claims under Rhythm 2.
- Take-Home Medicine: A new R150 limit for take-home medicine has been introduced, available through retail pharmacies.
Momentum Medical Aid
- Contribution Increase: Momentum has implemented an average increase of 9.4%.
- Ingwe Option Restructure: The Ingwe option now features a more cost-effective network called Ingwe Connect, aimed at facilitating more affordable healthcare access.
- Inflation Adjustments: Benefit limits have been increased, and co-payments adjusted to keep up with inflation.
Medihelp
- Contribution Increase: Medihelp’s contributions will rise by 10.8%.
- MedElect Plan Changes: The removal of income bands in the MedElect plan makes it more accessible. Day-to-day benefits will increase by 77%, and child beneficiaries’ age has increased from 21 to 26 years old.
- MedSaver Expansion: The MedSaver benefit, previously only for children aged 2-12, will now cover entire families.
Bonitas
- Contribution Increases: These vary by plan, with BonComprehensive seeing the highest increase at 14.9%.
- New Care Programs: Bonitas is introducing several new programs, including Mother and Child Care, Geriatric Care, and a Weight Management Programme.
- Benefit Enhancements: Additional PET scans are now covered, and dental benefits have been improved.
Discovery
- Contribution Increase: Discovery will implement an average increase of 9.3%.
- New Active Smart Plan: This new plan is designed for young professionals, offering full emergency cover, maternity benefits, and oncology care.
- Health Programs: Discovery is enhancing its mental health, maternity, and menopause care programs to offer better support to members.
Profmed
- Contribution Increase: Profmed’s increase sits at 8.42%.
- New Benefits: Updates to mammogram guidelines, the introduction of a new malaria prophylaxis benefit, and expanded counselling for tobacco and alcohol dependency.
- Oncology Care: Profmed is also enhancing oncology benefits across certain plans.
KeyHealth
- Contribution Increase: KeyHealth will raise its contributions by 11.9%.
- Expanded Benefits: The scheme is introducing enhanced funding for procedures, expanded maternity benefits, and a new cardiac monitoring program to support members with heart health concerns.
How These Medical Aid Changes 2025 Could Affect You
The 2025 medical aid updates in South Africa will likely have a varied impact depending on your current plan and healthcare needs. For many, the increase in premiums could pose affordability challenges. This is especially true for families or retirees who require more comprehensive cover.
Benefit enhancements—such as improved preventative care, mental health support, and family care programs—might make some plans more appealing for patients with specific health issues. However, even with your current plan, if the health cover you seek is not offered or if you think the increases in premiums are too high, it might be time to rethink your cover.
What Can You Do to Adapt?
Review Your Current Plan: Look at the medical aid plan you have, and spend some time looking at how effective it has been. Are you getting adequate benefits for hospitalisation, chronic diseases, or regular outpatient services?
Explore New Options: You can use CheckMed’s medical aid comparison tool to help you compare medical aid plans for 2025 and determine how your cover may be affected by premium increases and benefit changes from various providers.
Think About Your Family’s Future Needs: In the event that you expect a shift in your health requirements, such as expanding your family or coping with additional health problems, this is the time to secure cover that will accommodate such changes.
Why Use the CheckMed Comparison Tool?
Medical aid cost and planning choices can be difficult and in-depth. Mainly because there are so many providers and plans available on the market. However, with the CheckMed medical aid comparison tool, this has been made very easy for you in the following ways:
Compare Medical Aid Plans for 2025 from Multiple Providers: View all the aspects like premium increases, benefits, and the cover in general.
Find the Best Fit: While the medical aid comparison tool helps you find the plan that suits your budget, it also aids in finding the most appropriate plan whatever your situation.
Stay Informed: Getting access to the latest data regarding medical aid policies for 2025 helps you plan better and ensures that you get value for your cover.
Ready to Find Your Ideal Medical Aid?
With so many medical aid changes for 2025 ahead, this is the time to review the medical aid offerings available to you next year. Visit CheckMed medical aid comparison tool to find out if you are still on the most suitable plan for your needs and budget. Help yourself with the right health care solutions and do what is best for you in the long run.
