Momentum Health has announced a proposed average weighted contribution increase of 9.9% for 2026 – the highest among South Africa’s five largest open medical schemes.
Discovery Health Medical Scheme will raise contributions by a weighted average of 7.2%, Bonitas by 8.8%, Medihelp by 8.46%, and Bestmed by 6.8%.
Although the contribution increases will continue to put pressure on households’ budgets, most schemes’ 2026 adjustments are lower than in the previous two years. In 2025, Discovery’s average increase was 9.3%, Bonitas 10.2%, Medihelp 10.8%, and Bestmed 12.75%.
Momentum stands out as the only one of the big five whose increase of 9.9% is higher than its 2025 adjustment (9.4%), rising by five percentage points.
Momentum Health said its increase reflects industry-wide pressures. “In today’s economic climate, we understand the pressure South Africans face,” said Damian McHugh, the chief marketing officer at Momentum Health. “Our focus remains on delivering solutions that improve health outcomes and help members manage their healthcare costs more effectively.”
Momentum is introducing benefits that aim to offset some of the financial impact. Members can earn back up to R1 000 a month per adult through initiatives such as Health4Me, HealthSaver, HealthReturns, and Multiply. According to Momentum, these programmes are designed to reduce out-of-pocket expenses and lower overall contributions for households that actively engage with them.
The enhancements include tools that encourage members to take ownership of their well-being, an approach the scheme says is vital when the chronic disease burden and claims utilisation continue to rise.
“Our goal is a healthier, thriving South Africa,” said McHugh. “We’re not just offering medical aid; we’re leading a movement towards better health, supported by practical tools and rewards that make wellness achievable.”
Health4Me
Momentum’s Health4Me, described as the country’s leading open-market health insurance solution, grew by 20% in the past year and now covers more than 200 000 members.
From 2026, Health4Me will introduce AI-driven digital triage via Hello Doctor, streamlining access to care and enhancing patient-doctor interactions. A new AI-powered virtual assistant will provide a 90-second symptom checker to guide members to appropriate care pathways instantly.
“Our digital innovations help members get the right care at the right time, reducing delays and unnecessary costs,” McHugh said.
Multiply
The Multiply incentivised health and well-being programme continues to evolve, with a stronger focus on lifestyle diseases, which are rising sharply in South Africa.
In 2026, Multiply will introduce the Wellness Booster, designed for older members within employer groups who may face higher risks of chronic conditions. The initiative combines digital health assessments, personalised coaching, and gamified incentives. Tools such as the Healthy Heart Score, a five-minute step test, and a facial scan provide real-time insights into cardiovascular and fitness health, key indicators for ageing populations.
These assessments feed into a tailored digital coaching journey, supported by AI-driven platforms such as Wysa. Members are encouraged to improve how they eat, sleep, move, breathe, and connect, while earning up to 75% back from Multiply partners and up to R1 000 in monthly HealthReturns.
“Ageing is inevitable, but how you age is not,” McHugh said. “Multiply equips members to take control of their health, overall quality of life and reap substantial, tangible rewards for doing so.”
HealthReturns
The HealthReturns programme remains central to Momentum’s wellness strategy. It enables members to earn up to R1 000 a month by engaging in healthy behaviours such as fitness assessments and meeting personalised activity goals.
Rewards are paid into HealthSaver accounts and can be used for medical scheme contributions, gym memberships, healthcare provider fees, or purchases from selected Multiply partners.
“HealthReturns recognises and rewards the effort people invest in staying well. It is about prevention, empowerment to change habits for lasting impact, personalisation, and meaningful recognition,” McHugh said.
HealthSaver
HealthSaver gives members a way to pay for healthcare expenses not covered by their medical scheme. These include monthly contributions, gym memberships, GP consultations, optometry, dentistry, and over-the-counter medication.
By integrating HealthSaver with other Momentum Health benefits, members can manage out-of-pocket healthcare expenses more flexibly while supporting long-term wellness goals.
“With flexible options, integrated digital tools, and tangible rewards, we’re partnering with South Africans to build a healthier, more resilient nation,” McHugh said. “Our approach is grounded in innovation, real value, and a long-term vision for well-being. Ultimately, helping members live healthier lives today while building resilience for tomorrow.”
