Closed industry scheme transforming healthcare for SA’s consumer goods sector
CGMS delivers stability, control and value with focused care
The Consumer Goods Medical Scheme (CGMS) today unveiled its 2026 benefits, celebrating one year since transforming from a trusted employer-specific scheme into a scheme dedicated to the entire consumer goods industry. This shift opened the door for all industry members to access competitive healthcare solutions previously unavailable on the open market.
Andre Koekemoer, Principal Officer of CGMS, comments on the transition: “While the change to Consumer Goods Medical Scheme was an important first step, our vision is to continue building a healthcare solution that truly reflects the needs of the consumer goods sector. This transformation is still in its early stages, but our focus remains on listening to our members and ensuring their feedback guides the path forward.”
“Healthcare needs may be universal, but the way benefits are structured and experienced differs across industries. In the consumer goods sector, challenges such as affordability, access, and heightened exposure to lifestyle and mental health risks require a focused approach. For many, this transition marks their first step into formal medical cover, making it vital to design benefit options that balance cost with meaningful protection. In doing so, we lay the foundation for a healthcare solution that not only meets immediate needs but also strengthens long-term engagement and wellbeing.
“Employers in this sector often focus on boosting productivity and wellbeing through initiatives that improve attendance, build resilience, and enhance job satisfaction. To support these goals, benefits need to be carefully tailored—making sure they stay relevant, easy to access, and sustainable for this specialised workforce,” he adds.
2026 Benefits: Fresh choices, same commitment
In response to member input, CGMS is introducing two new savings options for 2026 — CoreSave and UltraSave — currently awaiting regulatory approval. These plans offer members greater flexibility in managing everyday medical expenses while maintaining essential protections.
CoreSave offers unlimited private hospital cover, wellness benefits paired with a personal medical savings account, combining risk protection with savings for routine care. UltraSave, on the other hand, builds on this by increasing savings limits, extending cover for chronic and non-chronic conditions, and including additional wellness benefits. Together, these options give members more control without compromising critical healthcare safeguards.
Financial feasibility, member-driven care
CGMS aims to demonstrate that by focusing on the consumer goods industry, it can achieve greater cost containment for employers while creating benefits that are more closely aligned with the needs of members.
“Our financial strength has enabled us to manage contribution increases responsibly, keeping the overall average contribution increases for 2026 to just 9.6%. This stability also allows us to introduce CoreSave at R4 067 per month and UltraSave at R9 210—both highly competitive contributions compared to similar schemes in the industry (pending regulatory approval).
At the same time, benefit limits on all options will increase by 4.3%. Additionally, expanded antenatal and lactation consultations, travel vaccination cover and more virtual consultations on selected plans. The Base Option includes a 30% increase to its Annual Flexi Benefit, plus added dental benefits and virtual consultations for its members. This balanced approach demonstrates our commitment to sustainable growth without compromising the quality of care or access, thereby allowing us to focus on responsible innovation that truly serves our members.
“Our focus as an industry-specific scheme supports a strong solvency ratio of 42%, well above the 25% legal minimum, providing reliable, long-term financial security for both businesses and members. With solid finances and member-centred governance, CGMS has earned trust as a dependable healthcare partner,” says Koekemoer.
Options for a diverse workforce
Should CMS approve the savings options, CGMS will offer four benefit options, ranging from accessible entry-level plans to comprehensive cover, reflecting the variety of roles across the consumer goods industry. From the Base Option’s affordable, income-based cover starting at R983 per month, to Levels A, B, and C, CGMS offers accessible quality healthcare to members. Features include unlimited general practitioner visits within the Universal Healthcare network, extensive chronic medication benefits, private hospital cover without annual limits, and access to advanced diagnostics through the Scan For Life benefit. These examples show how the scheme aligns benefits with members’ everyday realities.
The strength of an industry-specific scheme
CGMS is confident that it can manage risk more effectively than open schemes. “This focus keeps administrative costs low, ensuring that a larger share of contributions goes directly to healthcare expenditure. Its governance structure actively involves members and employers, creating a feedback loop that keeps the scheme responsive and sustainable.
“Members may also benefit from discretionary ex gratia payments, which help cover unexpected medical expenses, while dedicated key account managers provide personalised support to simplify claims and benefit navigation,” he explains.
Care that covers more, made simple
“As a forward-looking medical scheme, CGMS recognises that healthcare is not just about treating illness – it is about supporting wellbeing every step of the way. The scheme goes beyond basic cover with proactive programmes for wellness, immunisations, screenings, nutrition, fitness, and a 24/7 nurse advice line.
“At the same time, CGMS makes healthcare access seem effortless for both employers and members. Employers benefit from streamlined premium and claims processes, while members enjoy easy claims submission and benefit management through the Universal.one app. This digital hub offers secure, anytime access to AI-powered health tools such as smart health records and a personal health assistant, convenient online consultations through uConsult™ and the uWellness® platform for holistic support – all designed to make healthcare seamless and accessible in everyday life,” notes Koekemoer.
Looking ahead: healthcare that grows with you
“As we aim to continue to grow CGMS, our mission remains clear: to provide healthcare cover that evolves with the industry’s needs, balancing thoughtful innovation with practical care and cost management,” says Koekemoer.
“With CoreSave and UltraSave pending approval, CGMS is committed to sustainable growth that meets members’ changing priorities and market demands. At CGMS, we understand the shared healthcare and cost challenges across the consumer goods sector,” he concludes.
