Season 15 Episode 2

Kevin Aron on what medical aid could cost in 2027

07 September 2026 · 18:26 min

Medical aid increases in 2027 could reach double digits for some South Africans as schemes balance affordability, rising claims, and financial sustainability.

Kevin Aron, Principal Officer at Medshield Medical Scheme, explains what members should expect as medical schemes prepare their 2027… contributions and benefits. He discusses why value is about more than the monthly premium, with hospital cover, day-to-day benefits, provider networks, co-payments, and out-of-pocket expenses all affecting the true cost of healthcare.

Aron also unpacks Medshield’s recent membership growth and why attracting younger, healthier members is critical to maintaining a sustainable risk pool. The conversation examines the wider challenge of South Africa’s ageing medical scheme population and how rising claims can feed into higher annual contribution increases.

He also discusses competition from cheaper health insurance products and why medical schemes want approval for low-cost benefit options that could broaden access to private healthcare. Aron expects 2027 medical aid increases to range from roughly 7% to 12%, depending on each scheme’s claims experience and financial position.

0:00 Intro
1:13 Why medical aid feels so expensive
2:42 What value really means
5:08 Medshield’s membership growth
8:52 Attracting younger members
12:31 South Africa’s ageing medical scheme population
15:23 The case for low-cost medical aid
16:45 What to expect in 2027

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