Tag: Bonitas

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More Wellness, More Value: Bonitas Reinforces Commitment to Healthier Outcomes with 2027 Product Offering

On By ModernMedia

Johannesburg, South Africa – 2 October 2026 – Bonitas Medical Fund unveiled its 2027 product range, signalling a bold step forward in preventive healthcare, improved wellness, personalised support and long-term sustainability within the open scheme market.

Lee Callakoppen, Principal Officer of Bonitas Medical Fund, says: “Healthcare in South Africa is evolving rapidly, and members need more than traditional medical aid cover. They need proactive support, personalised health journeys and meaningful value at every stage of life.”

“Our 2027 product offering and plan enhancements are designed to reflect our commitment to keeping healthcare accessible, affordable and relevant for all our members.”

Earlier detection, better health outcomes

Bonitas has made preventive healthcare a strategic priority for 2027.

“It’s important that members are both enabled and encouraged to identify potential health risks earlier through preventive assessments and screenings,” says Callakoppen.

To support this, Bonitas has expanded access to wellness screenings through a growing provider network that now includes Clicks, Dis-Chem and Medirite pharmacies, bringing basic wellness screening access closer to members across South Africa.

Around 95% of Bonitas members are located within 10km of a health risk assessment provider. With the expanded network, members now have access to more than 1 245 pharmacies nationwide for basic wellness screenings.

The enhancement responds to growing demand. In 2025, health and wellness assessments increased by 138.6% compared to the previous year.

To close the gap between screening and treatment, Bonitas is introducing a GP Confirmation Benefit in 2027. When a potential health risk is identified, eligible members will have access to a risk-funded GP consultation within 14 days of the wellness screening, removing financial barriers to follow-up care and supporting a more connected wellness journey.

Enhancing member experience through more rewards and everyday value

The Benefit Booster, a hallmark of Bonitas innovation, is being expanded by 140% for 2027, offering families up to R12 000 in additional value. For the first time, it will also be available on the BonCap income-based plan.

Complementing this is B-Value, Bonitas’ lifestyle and wellness platform. More than a rewards programme, B-Value supports wellbeing through expert guidance, practical tools and rewards across fitness, nutrition, financial health and stress management. With new partners including Takealot and Checkers Sixty60, members can unlock even more rewards, discounts and lifestyle benefits through healthier behaviours.

Stronger plans, better benefits

Bonitas continues to refine its product range to balance affordability and sustainability for its members. Key enhancements across the product range include improvements to BonPrime, updates to the Standard option and the introduction of a Dental Emergency Benefit on selected plans.

Together, these changes are designed to improve accessibility, affordability and member value while simplifying the healthcare experience.

Expanded support across the care journey

Bonitas continues to invest in proactive healthcare support through initiatives such as Live Lean, the Ocular Health Programme, enhanced rehabilitation support through the new Back, Neck, Shoulder and Knee Rehabilitation programme and expanded mental health services. Together, these programmes are designed to help members manage health risks earlier, access support more easily and achieve better long-term health outcomes.

Smarter digital engagement

Bonitas continues to simplify healthcare through its Member App, Member Zone, WhatsApp support channel and other digital platforms. In 2027, the Fund will also expand digital engagement initiatives, including the Medical Aid Made Easy podcast hosted by Dr B, while enhancing support tools for both employers and brokers.

Balancing affordability with sustainability

“Against a challenging economic backdrop, affordability remains a key priority. Strategic purchasing and provider negotiations continue to help maximise value for members while supporting the long-term sustainability of the Fund,” Callakoppen adds.

Across all plans, the average contribution increase for 2027 will be 8.7%.

“We know that alongside all our updates, enhancements and new rewards, this will go a long way towards providing our members with additional value.”

“Our 2027 product range is about more than just useful medical aid benefits. Our enhanced offering is also about evolving healthcare to meet the needs of our members today and tomorrow. By focusing on prevention, wellness, personalised support and affordability, we are delivering meaningful value for our members, and building a stronger, more sustainable future for healthcare in South Africa,” concludes Callakoppen.

Categories : Medical IndustryTags :

Bonitas Medical Fund Revitalises Future of Healthcare in SA with New Strategic Partners

On By ModernMedia
Photo by Sora Shimazaki

The healthcare industry has evolved significantly in the past decade with innovation, improved servicing and consolidation of medical schemes emerging. Bonitas Medical Fund has taken a strategic step in responding to the needs of its members and the Health Citizens of South Africa, by appointing Momentum Health as its new administrator from 1 June 2026.

With a considerable history spanning over 4 decades, Bonitas Medical Fund has emerged as one of the leaders in the medical scheme market. Covering over 750 000 lives, the Scheme is known as the medical aid for South Africa with a range of options – strategically designed to meet the needs of South Africans from all walks of life.

The change in administration is in line with the guidelines of the Health Market Inquiry and the industry Regulator, the Council for Medical Schemes (CMS). In 2024, the CMS stated that, “one of the main issues driving market stagnation is the prevalence of ‘evergreen’ contracts”. This alludes to long-term agreements between medical schemes and suppliers spanning decades without being subject to regular competitive procurement processes.

Principal Officer, Lee Callakoppen, explains, “One of our key strategic objectives is to ensure we create value for our members and key stakeholders. This can take the form of benefit optimisation, favourable tariff negotiations, amalgamations to obtain critical mass or optimised service. The healthcare industry has evolved considerably over the past decade, and it was critical for the Scheme to evolve in line with this. Over the past 48 months, the Board have extensively debated the steps needed to be taken to place Bonitas in a competitive position and ensure that it remains sustainable in the best interest of our members. In doing so we have continuously evaluated the value provided by our service providers with consideration to our strategic objectives and the capabilities of our service providers as well as the expectations of our members corporate clients, healthcare professionals, and brokers. We have seen medical schemes placed under financial strain with sustainability challenges emerging and we remain committed to remaining relevant to our members and must therefore be vigilant in our approach.”

This was followed by rigorous ongoing benchmarking exercises and a subsequent Request for Proposal process for administrative services and managed care – with Momentum Health appointed as the successful entity for the provision of administration services and Private Health Administrators appointed to provide managed care services.

“We are delighted to cement this relationship with Momentum Health, who have demonstrated that they have the necessary capabilities to exceed expectations and support us in our strategic growth objectives” Callakoppen said. “Bonitas’ performance in the past 18 months, has exceeded all previous benchmarks with over 80 000 new families successfully enrolled on the Scheme and financial sustainability stronger than previous years. We see these appointments as strategic enablers to challenge the status quo – and drive value optimisation to continue leading the healthcare industry. Our aim is to optimise efficiencies, achieve mass enrolment, and meaningfully contribute to the shaping of private healthcare in South Africa.”

Hannes Viljoen, Chief Executive Officer of Momentum Health welcomed the appointment, citing it as a key strategic opportunity in the dynamic open market for Momentum Health. “We are excited about positively impacting the health of more people. The group currently service over 3,3 million beneficiaries in Africa and more than 25 million world-wide and are strategically and operationally positioned to deliver value in a meaningful and impactful way,” he said.

Dr Ayanda Mbuli, Chief Executive Officer of PHA, was pleased with the outcome, “We are deeply honoured by Bonitas’ decision to entrust PHA with its managed healthcare function, a historic milestone for the Scheme. This partnership presents a unique opportunity to further optimise the care received by Bonitas members and to meaningfully contribute to both the Bonitas healthcare agenda and the broader South African health landscape.”

Bonitas has been a leading open scheme in South Africa for several decades and these changes will open opportunities to build a more significant and influential open scheme that caters for more South African’s health care needs.