Medihelp Medical Scheme 2026 Review

Medihelp's solvency ratio fell to 20.99% at end-2024 — below the 25% statutory minimum set by the CMS. The CMS has imposed a recovery plan; the scheme remains operational and continues to pay claims, but it is required to rebuild its reserves. This is a flag worth knowing — solvent open schemes like Discovery (above 30%) carry less restructuring risk for members. Compcare (21.83%) is the other open scheme currently below the minimum.

MedVital Elect is the cheapest plan at R2,412/month for the main member, with the range extending up to MedElite at R8,922. The 2026 weighted average increase is 8.46% with the lowest-increase plan held at 6%. The full Medihelp contribution range across all family configurations is R804–R15,486.

HelloDoctor is a virtual GP / telemedicine service offering doctor consultations via phone or app. Medihelp integrates HelloDoctor across all 2026 plans with free unlimited virtual GP consultations included. This is one of the more generous virtual GP integrations among SA schemes.

Not necessarily. Schemes recover from solvency dips; Medihelp continues to pay claims and operate normally. But if you are choosing a new scheme, the solvency disclosure is a factor to weigh against price. Discovery (above 30%), Bonitas (with R9bn reserves) and the others sit in stronger positions. Talk to a registered medical scheme broker if you are uncertain — the CMS publishes solvency data annually.