Planning for 2026: Keep Your Medical Cover in Check
- sammijo0
- Nov 3, 2025
- 2 min read
As 2025 draws to a close, it’s once again that time of year when medical schemes have announced their annual premium and benefit changes.
This period is the ideal opportunity to review your medical aid and related healthcare cover to ensure everything still aligns with your needs, lifestyle, and financial situation.
Healthcare costs continue to rise each year, and benefit structures are often adjusted — sometimes with subtle but important changes that can affect your claims and coverage.
Medical Aid Updates: Preparing for 2026
What you should do now
Review your current plan: Check that your existing option still provides the right level of cover for you and your family. Consider factors such as chronic medication, hospital cover, day-to-day benefits, and any new medical needs that may have developed over the past year.
Compare your premium increase: Understand how much your monthly contribution will change in 2026, and assess whether the value you receive remains competitive compared to other plan options.
Consider Gap Cover: Even the most comprehensive medical aid options can leave shortfalls whilst in-hospital when providers charge more than the scheme rate. Gap Cover helps bridge that difference, reducing your out-of-pocket expenses and giving you extra peace of mind during hospital stays.
Stay up to date with network providers: Many schemes revise their hospital and doctor networks annually. It’s important to confirm that your preferred hospitals and specialists remain within your chosen network to avoid unexpected co-payments or exclusions.
Why review early?
November is the final window to make changes before the new benefit year begins. Any plan amendments you choose will only take effect from 1 January 2026, so reviewing now ensures you’re not caught off guard once the new year starts.
We’re here to assist
At Insure Brokers, we know that navigating medical aid options can be confusing — especially with so many benefit updates and provider changes.
Our team is here to help you understand your scheme’s changes, compare available plans, and explore complementary products to ensure complete protection.
If you’d like a personalised review or assistance with your medical aid changes, please contact our office before the end of November.
Together, we’ll make sure your healthcare cover is in the best possible shape for the year ahead.
Insure Brokers
8 Eagle Road, Southbroom
South Africa
The information provided in this newsletter is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as professional advice. While we include links to helpful third-party websites, please note that we don't control or guarantee the accuracy of the information on those sites. We encourage you to reach out to our office if you need personalized advice. We're not responsible for any actions taken based on the information shared here or through the links provided.
Comments