Bonitas Announces 8.8% Price Hikes for 2026, Introduces New Plans Amid CMS Concerns
Medical scheme Bonitas has revealed an average 8.8% increase in contribution rates for 2026, with Principal Officer Lee Callakoppen emphasizing that some “strategic options” will see lower hikes to boost accessibility.
The announcement, made on Wednesday, 24 September 2025, at 4:32 PM SAST—coinciding with Heritage Day celebrations—comes as the Council for Medical Schemes (CMS) urges restraint, recommending hikes closer to 5.4%-6.8%. Bonitas, South Africa’s second-largest open medical scheme with over 730,000 beneficiaries, is rolling out new plans like BonCore and BonPrime, focusing on digital care and preventative health. As the nation reflects on its diverse heritage, this move highlights ongoing debates about healthcare affordability and the rising costs burdening members.
Callakoppen defended the adjustments: “Every benefit adjustment in the 2026 range was guided by the data we see daily from our members’ health needs… We looked at the current utilisation patterns of members and claims data and are confident that our offerings are aligned to the care our members need.” The increases, however, exceed CMS guidelines, sparking questions about balancing care quality with cost.
New Plans and Enhanced Benefits
Bonitas introduced two new offerings for 2026. BonCore, a digitally enabled hospital plan, targets younger professionals aged 22-35, priced at R1,275 per beneficiary. It offers unlimited hospital cover at a defined network, virtual-first primary care, limited GP visits, comprehensive screenings, and a R1,000 Benefit Booster for basics like dentistry and radiology. “The equal contribution rate for principal members, adult dependants and child dependants makes the plan especially attractive to single members, young couples without children, as well as small households who value cost predictability,” the scheme noted.
BonPrime upgrades the Primary Select option with a 16% medical savings account, retaining its hospital network structure.
Both plans expand preventative care and digital access, aiming to cut out-of-pocket costs and ease chronic condition burdens.
CMS Recommendations vs. Bonitas’ Hike
The CMS’s August 2025 circular advised limiting 2026 increases to 3.3% plus “reasonable utilisation estimates,” historically adding 3.5% based on data.
With private medical inflation outpacing CPI by 2-3%, the “reasonable” range is 5.4%-6.8%. Bonitas’ 8.8% average far exceeds this, following 2025’s 10.1% rise (against 3% inflation) and 2024’s 10.3%.
Callakoppen justified the hike: “Medical care inflation… outpaces headline inflation,” citing declining membership—especially among youth—as a cost driver.
The Competition Commission’s Cost of Living Report flagged this trend, noting GP costs rose 33% from 2020-2025, with a recent 6.6% jump outstripping the 4-5% norm amid slowing general inflation.
Economic and Membership Challenges
Bonitas’ higher increases reflect broader industry pressures. Younger members’ exit shifts costs to older, claim-heavy groups, a trend CMS warns threatens sustainability.
The scheme’s focus on preventative care aims to mitigate this, but critics argue the hikes still strain affordability.
With 730,000 beneficiaries, Bonitas trails only Discovery, making its pricing moves influential.
The CMS’s call for moderation highlights a push to protect members, especially as medical inflation climbs.
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