Affordable, innovative and member-centric

Bonitas Medical Fund, one of South Africa’s most trusted and established open medical schemes, has announced the launch of its 2026 product range and benefits. The new offering reflects Bonitas’ continued focus on affordability, accessibility and meaningful innovation. As such, updates have been designed to simplify healthcare, reduce out-of-pocket costs where possible, and give members more tools to manage their health effectively.

The Scheme’s strong financial position, supported by reserves of R9 billion, gives it the stability to manage contribution increases responsibly while introducing enhancements that provide greater value. For 2026, contribution increases will average 8.8% across all plans, with certain strategic options kept below this level to improve accessibility and provide members with appropriate benefits. This, says Lee Callakoppen, Principal Officer of Bonitas Medical Fund, ensures that members continue to have access to quality healthcare without unnecessary financial strain. “Every benefit adjustment in the 2026 range was guided by the data we see daily from our members’ health needs,” says Callakoppen. “We looked at the current utilisation patterns of members and claims data and are confident that are offerings are aligned to the care our members’ needs. We have expanded preventative care and digital access because these are the areas that make the most immediate difference in keeping members healthier, lowering out-of-pocket expenses and reducing the long-term burden of chronic conditions.”

Plans to meet the needs of all South Africans

The Bonitas product range has served the Scheme in good stead – offering a range of options to meet the needs of South Africans from all walks of life. This was critical given Bonitas’ strong positioning across all market segments. The range will be bolstered in 2026 with two new options.

BonCore

BonCore, a digitally enabled hospital plan with day-to-day funding for GP consultations will be available from 2026. It is designed to improve access to quality healthcare for a younger, price-sensitive market while maintaining the high standards of care associated with Bonitas. This innovative new option will combine unlimited hospital cover at a defined network of hospitals – with virtual-first primary care, a limited number of face-to-face GP visits, comprehensive preventative screening benefits and R1 000 Benefit Booster which can be utilised to fund anything from basic dentistry and acute medicine to basic radiology and pathology. Designed to attract digitally-savvy professionals aged between 22 and 35, entering their peak earning years, BonCore will position Bonitas as a leader in digital health services delivery while enhancing the Scheme’s overall risk profile by attracting a younger, healthier profile. The option is priced at just R1 275 per beneficiary on the plan. The equal contribution rate for principal members, adult dependants, and child dependants makes the plan especially attractive to single members and young couples without children, as well as small households who value cost predictability.

BonPrime

Bonitas Primary Select option, has been converted to BonPrime – a savings plan with a 16% medical savings account while retaining its existing hospital network structure. It’s designed to enhance flexibility for members in managing their day-to-day healthcare expenditure and strengthen Bonitas’ competitiveness in the mid-market segment. It will continue to provide unlimited hospital cover at a defined network of hospitals, cover for Prescribed Minimum Benefits, chronic disease management, preventative screenings, and access to Bonitas wellness initiatives. The new medical savings component will enable members to allocate funds for their out-of-hospital spend according to their personal healthcare needs – while providing them with a simplified and flexible benefit structure.

Practical solutions for everyday health needs

The 2026 range has been designed with practicality in mind, bringing members enhancements that respond to the realities of modern living. For example, Bonitas has placed greater emphasis on digital health solutions, making it easier for members to access doctors and wellness support through virtual consultations and digital care programmes. This means members can receive professional care and advice quickly and conveniently, whether they live in urban centres or more remote parts of the country.

Preventative and wellness care remain key priorities, as obesity and related conditions like diabetes and cardiovascular disease cost the public healthcare system around R33 billion every year, accounting for about 15% of government health spending. Hypertension alone affects over 8 million uninsured adults and is responsible for billions more in direct healthcare and societal costs. For this reason, the Scheme has revitalised its focus on preventative screenings and health risk assessments, establishing a preferred partner network to ensure that data integrity and referral protocols are enhanced, which ensures proactive support to members in need.

“Our focus is to make sure members live fuller, healthier lives,” explains Callakoppen. “It is for this reason that we have continued to invest in proactive care, life-stage benefits and wellness programmes that tackle health challenges before they become crises.

Strengthening care where it matters most

In addition, Bonitas has enhanced its Benefit Booster, which is an additional pool of day-to-day benefits that members can unlock for services such as GP consultations, blood tests or physiotherapy. The benefit has added additional value to Bonitas members with up to R600 million in extra benefits unlocked since its inception. For 2026, the Benefit Booster will offer up to R5 000 in extra benefits with increases on specific plans, giving members more scope to access these funds and reduce out-of-pocket payments on everyday care. Members will now be required to complete a wellness screening through the preferred partner channel so that their health risk can be assessed. Members will also be required to complete an online mental health assessment before the Benefit Booster can be unlocked. This will help to identify mental health concerns more quickly and efficiently – allowing for earlier intervention and support for Bonitas members, without stigma or prejudice.

Mental health prevalence is a key concern in South Africa with the South African Depression and Anxiety Group anticipating that 1 in 3 South Africans will be diagnosed with a mental health condition in their lifetime. Over the years, Bonitas have made several enhancements to our mental health benefits, including introducing a mental health programme on all options and providing cover for depression as a chronic condition. This is supplemented by access to October Health via the Bonitas app – ensuring that members have access to mental health support across a range of platforms. In order to ensure that members receive mental health support before hospitalisation is required, Bonitas is actively targeting early detection of mental health conditions. For this reason, completing an online mental health assessment is a precursor to unlocking the Benefit Booster for 2026. The Scheme has also engaged extensively with its wellness screening providers to improve our referral protocols for mental health to ensure that members get the support they need immediately, rather than allowing for conditions to worsen, requiring hospitalisation.

Value for every South African

Whether members are young professionals looking for affordable entry-level cover, growing families balancing multiple priorities, or retirees seeking stability and peace of mind, the updated 2026 range offers plans designed to fit these life stages. Importantly, the Scheme has maintained its reputation for competitive pricing, ensuring that South Africans across income levels can find an option that suits their needs without unnecessary complexity.

With a membership base of 731,576 beneficiaries as of 31 December 2024, Bonitas firmly holds its position as the second-largest open medical scheme in South Africa. The Scheme also retained an AA+ credit rating and clinched the prestigious BHF Titanium Award for Operational Performance for the fourth year running. To bolster the value offered to their members, Bonitas members will have access to exclusive discounts and offerings to support them through all lifestages through the B Value and Wellbeing programme – its simple, relevant and free. Whether you want to get fitter, eat better, manage stress, improve your finances or simply live well, B brings it all together – with expert support, practical tools, exciting rewards, and discounts on gym memberships and wellness services.

“Bonitas takes seriously its responsibility as custodian of the health and wellbeing of more than 730,000 South Africans. That means making decisions that balance affordability with sustainability, while continually adapting our benefits to the real health challenges members face,” concludes Callakoppen.