The cost of healthcare in South Africa has significantly increased over the past year, placing additional strain on households.
This follows the release of new inflation data by Statistics SA on Wednesday, highlighting escalating costs in medical insurance and health services.
Medical aid premiums have climbed by an average of 10.5% for 2025, up slightly from the 10.3% increase reported in 2024.
Several of the country’s largest medical aid schemes announced substantial hikes at the start of the year. Medihelp and Bonitas both implemented increases exceeding 10%, while Momentum and Discovery also reported substantial premium hikes, slightly below the 10% mark.
Currently, medical aid monthly contributions range between R1,400 and over R10,000 for top-tier healthcare plans.
Lekau Ranoto, Director for Consumer Price Index Operations at Stats SA, noted, “Health services rose by 6.1%, up from a 5.1% increase recorded the previous year.”
According to the Council for Medical Schemes, medical aid coverage in South Africa remains limited, with only 14% of the population covered in 2023.
Young adults are reportedly opting out of medical aid schemes due to financial constraints.
