South Africa Medical Aid Calculator
Compare Discovery, Momentum, Bonitas, and Medshield medical aid contributions in 2026. Late Joiner Penalty, Medical Savings Account (MSA), Medical Tax Credit, Vitality discount, and Prescribed Minimum Benefits.
Your Plan
Monthly Contribution
Net After Tax Credit
R7,060
Gross R8,280 - Medical Tax Credit R1,220/mo
Base + Dependents
R9,016
LJP Loading (0%)
R0
Vitality Discount
-R736
MSA Annual Allowance
R16,229
Scheme Profile
Discovery Health Medical Scheme: largest open scheme in South Africa (~2.8m lives). Vitality programme offers up to 35% behaviour-linked premium discount (global leader in this model). Extensive hospital network, strong specialist cover on Executive / Comprehensive plans.
Prescribed Minimum Benefits (PMBs)
Prescribed Minimum Benefits (PMBs): 270 defined conditions plus 27 Chronic Disease List conditions that ALL registered medical schemes must cover in full, regardless of option chosen — even entry-level plans. Your scheme cannot refuse PMB treatment, cap PMB benefits below medical necessity, or impose general co-payments on PMB claims. Know your PMB rights.
Comparing Discovery, Momentum, Bonitas & Medshield
Discovery Health is the largest open scheme (~2.8m lives) with the globally-leading Vitality programme — up to 35% premium discount for verified healthy behaviour. Momentum Health (Multiply), Bonitas and Medshield compete below Discovery\'s price point, with Medshield typically the cheapest at like-for-like benefit depth. Always compare on total cost of care (premium + MSA + expected out-of-pocket) rather than headline premium alone.
Medical Savings Account (MSA)
Most SA medical aid options allocate 10-25% of your annual contribution into a Medical Savings Account — your own money, held by the scheme, which pays day-to-day claims (GP, dentistry, optometry) until exhausted. After MSA depletion, most options have a self-payment gap before above-threshold benefits kick in. Choose options where your expected annual out-of-hospital spend is close to the MSA allocation.
Late Joiner Penalty (LJP)
Under the Medical Schemes Act, anyone who joins a medical scheme for the first time after age 35 pays a permanent Late Joiner Penalty loading — 5-75% depending on years-late. The penalty stays with you for life, even if you switch schemes. Joining before your 35th birthday avoids LJP entirely; it\'s the single most important medical-aid decision a young adult can make.
Medical Tax Credit & PMBs
2026 Medical Tax Credit (MTC): R364/month for the first two beneficiaries + R246/month for each additional. This reduces your SARS PAYE liability directly. Prescribed Minimum Benefits (PMBs) are the 270 conditions + 27 chronic conditions that EVERY registered scheme must cover in full, regardless of option.
Common questions about Medical Aid
What is the Late Joiner Penalty (LJP)?+
Under the Medical Schemes Act, anyone first joining a registered medical scheme after age 35 pays a permanent Late Joiner Penalty — a loading of 5% to 75% on contributions, escalating with years-since-35-without-cover. The penalty stays with you for LIFE, even if you switch schemes. Joining before your 35th birthday avoids LJP entirely — arguably the single most important medical-aid decision a young adult can make in South Africa.
What is a Medical Savings Account (MSA)?+
Most SA medical aid options allocate 10-25% of your annual contribution into a Medical Savings Account — your own money, administered by the scheme, which pays day-to-day out-of-hospital claims (GP visits, dentistry, optometry, basic radiology) until exhausted. After MSA depletion most options impose a self-payment gap before above-threshold benefits kick in. Choose an option where your expected annual day-to-day spend is close to the MSA allocation.
How does the Medical Tax Credit work in 2026?+
SARS Medical Tax Credit (MTC) for 2026: R364/month for the first two beneficiaries + R246/month for each additional beneficiary. A family of four claims R364 + R364 + R246 + R246 = R1,220/month directly against PAYE liability. MTC applies even to the principal working from self-employment (claimed on the annual assessment). Additional above-threshold out-of-pocket medical expenses attract an Additional Medical Tax Credit.
What are Prescribed Minimum Benefits (PMBs)?+
PMBs are 270 defined conditions + 27 Chronic Disease List conditions that ALL registered medical schemes must cover IN FULL, regardless of the option chosen — even the entry-level plan. Your scheme cannot refuse PMB treatment, cap PMB benefits below clinical necessity, or impose general co-payments on PMB claims. Know your PMB rights — many members over-pay when treatment qualifies as PMB but is not flagged at the hospital.
How much can Discovery Vitality reduce my premium?+
Discovery Vitality — the global leader in behaviour-linked health insurance — can cut your Discovery Health medical contribution by up to 35% when you reach Diamond status through verified physical activity, nutrition, and preventive screenings. Silver delivers about 10%, Gold about 20%, Diamond up to 35%. Momentum Multiply offers a similar model. For healthy adults who will actually use the wellness programme, Vitality makes Discovery price-competitive with cheaper schemes.
Which scheme should I pick — Discovery, Momentum, Bonitas, or Medshield?+
Discovery (largest, ~2.8m lives, Vitality discounts) suits tech-engaged professionals with budget headroom. Momentum (Multiply wellness + HealthSaver investment link) appeals to integrated-planning fans. Bonitas is strong value at mid-tier (BonCap, Standard) with solid PMB handling. Medshield is usually cheapest at like-for-like benefit depth. Always compare on total cost of care: premium + expected MSA usage + self-payment gap risk — not headline premium alone.