The Biggest Medical Scheme Transfer in South African History

South Africa’s healthcare landscape is experiencing a massive and historic shift. Starting 1 June 2026, Bonitas Medical Fund will officially move its administration to Momentum Health, ending a massive 44-year relationship with Medscheme.

This transition marks the largest medical scheme transfer in the history of the country. Moving forward, Momentum Health will manage the scheme’s administration, while Private Health Administrators (PHA) will take over managed-care services.

Bonitas Principal Officer, Lee Callakoppen, stated that the scheme continuously benchmarks its service providers to extract the best value and lower non-healthcare costs for its members. Because healthcare needs and digital expectations are evolving rapidly, the scheme recognized that faster innovation was necessary to create value.

Why is Bonitas Leaving Medscheme?

The switch has not been without legal drama. Medscheme launched an urgent High Court bid to pause the handover, raising concerns about a Council for Medical Schemes (CMS) investigation into historical procurement decisions at Bonitas.

However, the CMS confirmed this probe is narrowly focused on older, specific contracts and does not encompass the scheme’s overall operations. The regulator stated that it would be unfair to expect a medical scheme to pause major operational appointments indefinitely while an investigation runs. As a result, the historic handover is moving full steam ahead.

How Momentum Health is Preparing for 1 June

To handle the massive influx of over 750,000 new beneficiaries, Momentum Health is investing heavily in its infrastructure. This massive addition will boost Momentum’s medical aid administration market share from 22% to 30%, firmly establishing it as the second-largest administrator in South Africa.

To ensure a smooth transition, Momentum Health is taking the following steps:

• Massive Financial Investment: Budgeting at least R100 million over the next few months to support the transition.
• Job Creation: Hiring 744 new employees to ensure seamless customer service and claims processing.
• Physical Support: Opening up to 22 new dedicated Bonitas walk-in centres across the country to assist members face-to-face.

What Changes for Bonitas Members?

If you are a Bonitas member, you might be wondering how this affects your daily healthcare. According to Momentum Health, the core focus is on simplification and creating a streamlined experience with fewer handovers.

For members, continuity of care is the immediate priority. PHA has assured members that existing provider networks and reimbursements will remain active during the transition, meaning your access to doctors and hospitals will not be suddenly disrupted.

Key Takeaways for Members

• Same Contact Numbers: The main Bonitas call-centre numbers, website domain, and WhatsApp channels will remain exactly the same to minimize any confusion.
• New Digital Tools: Members will be required to download a newly updated mobile app and register on a revamped Member Zone starting 1 June.
• Faster Claims: Momentum Health is targeting an impressive 10-day turnaround for processing 95% of member claims.
• Better Broker Support: Brokers will get access to a consolidated digital portal to easily track applications, queries, and commission statements.

Bonitas 2026 Plans: Affordable and Innovative Cover

Alongside the new administrative changes, Bonitas has rolled out its 2026 product range with a highly competitive average contribution increase of just 8.8%. The scheme remains one of the best medical aids in South Africa, backed by strong reserves of R9 billion.

To cater to different budgets and modern lifestyles, Bonitas is introducing two brand-new options in 2026:

1. BonCore: A highly affordable, virtual-first hospital plan starting at just R1,275 per month. It is perfectly designed for young professionals, offering unlimited hospital cover at a defined network, day-to-day GP funding, and a R1,000 Benefit Booster.
2. BonPrime: A new flexible savings plan featuring a 16% medical savings account. This plan allows members to seamlessly manage their day-to-day healthcare expenses while retaining excellent network hospital cover.

Members will also enjoy an enhanced Benefit Booster in 2026, offering up to R5,000 in extra day-to-day benefits once they complete a wellness and online mental health assessment.