Medshield medical aid 2026

Medshield: an open, self-administered scheme

Medshield is on the CMS register as open (CMS Annual Report 2025/26). At its July 2026 AGM it called itself the "3rd largest self-administered open medical scheme", established in 1968, with 74,702 principal members and 145,592 beneficiaries at 31 December 2025 and a 53% solvency ratio (the legal minimum is 25%) (AGM presentation). Hospital authorisations and hospital claims are handled by its partner Medscheme (086 000 2121) (MediValue guide).

For 2026 the scheme announced a 7.5% weighted average increase, with 71.6% of members on 7% (media release).

Medshield contributions 2026

Monthly contributions from p. 3 of each 2026 benefit guide, richest option first. Children are charged for at most three on MediBonus, MediCore, MediPlus, MediSaver, MediValue and PremiumPlus; a child dependant is under 21 (or a student under 28) in 2026.

On the network options, using a hospital outside the Prime or Compact network means a 30% upfront co-payment, except in an emergency and for PMBs (MediCurve guide, MediValue guide). MediSaver allocates R9,672 a year of savings to the principal member, PremiumPlus R28,464. What PMBs guarantee: Prescribed Minimum Benefits.

Medshield in 2027

Medshield has published 2027 contribution sheets, dated September 2026 and "subject to CMS approval": for example MediCurve R1,929, MediValue Prime R3,465 and PremiumPlus R10,428 per main member, and the child dependant age rises from 21 to 24 (2027 options). It states no average percentage.

Joining and claiming

Apply through the Join Now or Get a Quote forms on medshield.co.za, a broker, or the member application form e-mailed to [email protected]; the scheme allows option changes only with effect from 1 January. Waiting periods follow section 29A: see medical aid in South Africa and the late-joiner penalty calculator.

Hospital claims: Medscheme, 086 000 2121, [email protected]. Contact centre 086 000 2120, [email protected], WhatsApp 060 042 7274 (MediValue guide).

Complaints

1. Complain to Medshield first, in writing, and keep the reference number: e-mail [email protected]; an appeal or dispute goes to the Principal Officer at [email protected] (complaints escalation).
2. 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).
3. 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.

Sources

1. Medshield — 2026 Benefit Options: the eight 2026 benefit guides, monthly contributions on p. 3 of each (scheme's own PDFs, seen 31 October 2026)
2. Medshield — MediValue 2026 Benefit Guide: monthly contributions (p. 3), complaints and disputes (scheme's own PDF)
3. Medshield — MediCurve 2026 Benefit Guide: monthly contributions, Compact Hospital Network (scheme's own PDF)
4. Medshield — Principal Officer's AGM presentation, 21 July 2026: self-administered open scheme, members, solvency
5. Medshield — media release, 29 September 2025: 2026 products, 7.5% weighted average increase
6. Medshield — 2027 Benefit Options: Benefits and Contribution Adjustments sheets (September 2026, subject to CMS approval)
7. Medshield — Complaints escalation process (seen 31 October 2026)
8. 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
9. Council for Medical Schemes — Medical Schemes Act 131 of 1998 and Regulations (consolidated copy, Web Archive)
10. Council for Medical Schemes — The Complaints Procedure (Web Archive)