Empowering Your Health: Making Informed Choices for Optimal Care

As South Africans navigate the challenges associated with the rising cost of living, the healthcare industry faces inevitable price adjustments. As with any health or financial decision, it is important that consumers empower themselves with knowledge to make more informed decisions related to their medical cover and benefits.

Momentum Medical Scheme, which recently announced a weighted average contribution increase of 9.4% for 2025, has the lowest average risk contribution of all the large medical schemes in SA.

Don’t buy down, buy better value

Damian McHugh, Chief Marketing Officer at Momentum Health Solutions, explains, "We recognise the financial strain these increases may place on members. That’s why we are dedicated to offering solutions that provide better value and mitigate the impact of these changes. Downgrading to a lower plan may seem like a cost-saving measure, but it often leads to reduced benefits and higher out-of-pocket expenses."

McHugh further emphasises the importance of preventive care, stating, "Investing in a plan with strong preventive care benefits can lead to long-term savings. Regular check-ups, screenings, and vaccinations help detect and prevent serious health issues early, reducing the need for costly treatments down the line."

The value of lower risk contributions

In addition to Momentum Medical Scheme maintaining one of the lowest average risk contributions of all the large open medical schemes in SA, it also announced the lowest average increase over the last decade and has managed those two feats without reducing benefits for over a decade.
The Scheme is committed to providing members with sustained cover at competitive prices, and the pricing advantage over competitors continues to grow, offering members more value for their contributions.

So, what does this mean for consumers? Many clients can find a Momentum Medical Scheme option that provides similar benefits to that of their current plan, at a price close to what they paid in 2024. This means you don’t need to downgrade your plan to save on contributions, instead, you can maintain your cover while getting better value with Momentum Medical Scheme.

With a variety of flexible plans, members can select benefits tailored to their individual needs and affordability. This flexibility ensures access to top-tier medical professionals and facilities, delivering the best possible care at an affordable cost.

To help consumers manage increased contributions effectively, Momentum Health Solutions encourages proactive planning. “Reviewing your healthcare plan annually is crucial,” says McHugh. “Assess your healthcare needs and compare them with your current plan’s benefits. This ensures that you aren’t paying for services you don’t need, while still receiving adequate cover.”

McHugh also advises making the most of preventive care services, wellness programmes, and discounts on health-related products and services. “These can help offset the cost of higher contributions,” he adds.

Momentum’s Multiply wellness and rewards programme is continually evolving, enabling consumers to earn more rewards quickly and effortlessly. It rewards individuals not only for being physically active but also for prioritising mental wellness, supporting their pursuit of holistic wellbeing. By simply scanning their face on their phone in less than 12 minutes, members can start earning cash rewards through HealthReturns.

McHugh suggests considering a more flexible savings account to manage day-to-day healthcare expenses. The HealthSaver account allows members to save as much as they choose, or even opt not to make contributions, using it solely to receive their HealthReturns. Members can use their HealthSaver Card to conveniently pay a variety of healthcare providers, veterinarians, and even their medical aid contributions.

Additionally, members earn rewards on their positive HealthSaver balance based on their fitness assessment results. “By prioritising your health, you can reduce the cost of world-class healthcare cover. Essentially, your health becomes an asset, turning your well-being into wealth,” says McHugh.

Stay informed to make the most out of your investment in health

Stay informed about changes in the healthcare industry and how they may impact your cover. Your health adviser will provide regular updates and resources to help you make informed decisions about your healthcare. It’s essential to discuss your health requirements with your adviser to select the best possible benefits tailored to your needs.

"Our plans are designed to offer comprehensive cover, lower risk contributions, and access to quality healthcare providers. By choosing better value, our members can navigate the challenges of rising healthcare costs without compromising on the quality of their care,” says McHugh.

Looking ahead, Momentum Health Solutions remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting members through rising costs and a tough economic environment. McHugh encourages all South Africans to embrace the "buy better value" approach, noting, "By focusing on value and making informed decisions, we aim to ensure that everyone continues to receive the best possible healthcare cover."