Discovery Health Medical Scheme demonstrates resilience, affordability and innovation at 2026 AGM
Disclaimer
1. This press statement is issued by Discovery Health (Pty) Ltd, registration number 1997/013480/07, an authorised financial services provider and accredited administrator of medical schemes, quoting data from Discovery Health Medical Scheme, registration number1125, which it administers.
Discovery Health Medical Scheme (DHMS) reaffirmed its financial resilience and commitment to member value at its 2026 Annual General Meeting (AGM) which was held virtually yesterday (25 June 2026), against a backdrop of sustained pressure on household healthcare costs.
As South Africa’s largest open medical scheme, with more than 2.7 million beneficiaries, DHMS paid more than R89.4 billion in claims in 2025,reinforcing its role in enabling access to private healthcare at scale.
Speaking at the AGM, Charlotte Mbewu, Principal Officer of Discovery Health Medical Scheme, said the Scheme remains focused on balancing affordability, access and quality in a challenging economic and healthcare environment.
“Healthcare affordability continues to place pressure on households. Our focus is on delivering real value to members – by improving health outcomes, managing risk responsibly and using the Scheme’s strength to support members when they need it most,” said Mbewu.
Supporting members through affordability pressures
Healthcare costs continued to outpace general economic growth in 2025,intensifying affordability pressures for members.
To provide relief, Discovery Health Medical Scheme implemented a three-month deferral of the 2026 contribution increase. This resulted in an effective annual increase of approximately 5.4%, compared with a weighted increase of 7.2%.
As a result of the deferral of contribution increase and other initiatives,2026 contributions for Discovery Health Medical Scheme members are17.7% lower - on a like-for-like basis - than those of the next seven largest open schemes.
“Affordability comes from carefully managing risk, improving health outcomes and ensuring sustainability over the long term,” said Mbewu.
Strong financial foundations protect members
Mbewu noted that the Scheme’s financial strength underpins its ability to provide members with certainty, stability and long-term value.
The Scheme maintains a solvency ratio of approximately 32.6%, well above the 25% regulatory requirement, with reserves of around R39billion. In 2026, R1.5 billion was returned to members through the deferral of the contribution increase.
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