Photo: Ekem, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0Medihelp medical aid 2026
Medihelp medical aid in 2026: the twelve plans, their monthly contributions and hospital networks
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Medihelp: the oldest open scheme
Medihelp is on the CMS register as open (CMS Annual Report 2025/26). It describes itself as "South Africa's oldest medical scheme – and one of the country's top five open medical schemes", founded in 1905 and self-administered (About us).
The CMS reported that Medihelp reached the minimum solvency level and ended 2025 at 26.92% on unaudited figures, against the 25% minimum of Regulation 29 (CMS Annual Report 2025/26).
Medihelp contributions 2026
Monthly contributions from the scheme's member guide 2026 (printed p. 10); MedPlus and the MedMove! plans from their own 2026 summaries (MedPlus, MedMove!, MedMove! Student). Totals include the savings share. Child dependant rates apply until age 26; on MedVital, MedAdd and MedPrime you pay only for the two youngest children under 18.
| Plan | Main member | Adult dependant | Child dependant | Hospitals | Savings share |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MedPlus | R15,486 | R15,486 | R3,864 | Any | No |
| MedElite | R8,922 | R8,352 | R2,418 | Any | 10% |
| MedPrime | R5,790 | R4,896 | R1,692 | Any | 10% |
| MedPrime Elect | R4,746 | R4,002 | R1,380 | Tier 3 network | 10% |
| MedSaver | R4,260 | R3,504 | R1,302 | Any | 25% |
| MedAdd | R4,038 | R3,402 | R1,368 | Any | 15% |
| MedReach | R3,360 | R2,634 | R1,092 | Tier 2 network | No |
| MedAdd Elect | R3,186 | R2,496 | R1,110 | Tier 2 network | 15% |
| MedVital | R3,096 | R2,376 | R1,062 | Any | No |
| MedVital Elect | R2,412 | R1,752 | R1,014 | Tier 1 network | No |
| MedMove! (income R901 +) | R1,734 | R1,734 | R1,734 | Tier 1 network | No |
| MedMove! Student (income up to R900) | R804 | R804 | R804 | Tier 1 network | No |
Network-plan members must use hospitals in their tier to avoid co-payments of up to 35% of the hospital account (member guide, p. 22). Since 2026, MedVital Elect, MedAdd Elect and MedReach members no longer need a GP referral to see a specialist. What PMBs guarantee: Prescribed Minimum Benefits.
Medihelp in 2027
On 1 October 2026 Medihelp announced "a weighted average contribution increase of 7,5% for 2027, with increases limited to 7% or less for 60% of members"; its 2027 content is subject to CMS approval (Medihelp 2027).
Joining and claiming
Apply online, ask for a quote or an adviser on medihelp.co.za, or send the 2026 application form. Waiting periods and late-joiner penalties follow the Act: see medical aid in South Africa and the late-joiner penalty calculator.
Claims are submitted and followed on the Member Zone or the Medihelp app (member guide). Client care 086 0100 678, [email protected].
Complaints
- Complain to Medihelp first, in writing, and keep the reference number: call client care on 086 0100 678 or use the formal complaint form in the Member Zone (login required).
- If the answer does not settle it, use the scheme's internal dispute process (the scheme's rules require one, s 29(1)(j) of the Medical Schemes Act).
- Then complain to the Council for Medical Schemes: e-mail [email protected] with the CMS complaint form, the scheme's reply and your accounts (CMS complaints procedure). Under section 47 the scheme has 30 days to answer the CMS; a ruling can be appealed within 3 months (s 48). How it works: Council for Medical Schemes.
Already insured?
Next step
Frequently asked questions
How much is Medihelp per month in 2026?
From R804 on MedMove! Student (income up to R900) and R1,734 on MedMove! to R15,486 per main member on MedPlus.
How many plans does Medihelp have?
Twelve in 2026: MedMove! Student, MedMove!, MedVital Elect, MedVital, MedAdd Elect, MedAdd, MedSaver, MedReach, MedPrime Elect, MedPrime, MedElite and MedPlus.
What does Elect mean on Medihelp plans?
The network version of the plan: MedVital Elect uses Tier 1 hospitals, MedAdd Elect Tier 2, MedPrime Elect Tier 3, with co-payments of up to 35% outside the network.
How much will Medihelp increase in 2027?
7.5% on weighted average, 7% or less for 60% of members (Medihelp, 1 October 2026), subject to CMS approval.
Is Medihelp an open medical scheme?
Yes. It is on the CMS register as open and is self-administered.
Sources
- Medihelp — Member guide 2026: monthly contributions (printed p. 10), hospital networks (p. 22), claims (pp. 49–50) (scheme's own PDF, seen 31 October 2026)
- Medihelp — MedMove! 2026 plan summary (scheme's own PDF)
- Medihelp — MedMove! Student 2026 plan summary (scheme's own PDF)
- Medihelp — MedPlus 2026 plan summary (scheme's own PDF)
- Medihelp — About us: founded 1905, self-administered open scheme (seen 31 October 2026)
- Medihelp — 'Medihelp 2027' (1 October 2026): 7.5% weighted average increase for 2027; 2027 content subject to CMS approval
- Medihelp — Application form 2026 (scheme's own PDF)
- Council for Medical Schemes — Annual Report 2025/26 (copy tabled in Parliament, hosted by PMG): register of medical schemes at 31 March 2026, solvency, complaints
- Council for Medical Schemes — Medical Schemes Act 131 of 1998 and Regulations (consolidated copy, Web Archive)
- Council for Medical Schemes — The Complaints Procedure (Web Archive)