Medihelp puts return on health at the centre of its 2027 offering

Targeted benefit enhancements, complementary care, and responsive service aim to give members more value, more support, and more healthy time.

While advisers were watching Medihelp’s virtual 2027 Product Preview, the Scheme paid R442 000 in claims. In 20 minutes, healthcare cover was already doing what it is meant to do: helping members access care, find answers, and keep moving forward with their lives. That is the practical meaning of Medihelp’s 2027 theme, Return on Health – the value people receive not only in rands, but also in better access, earlier support, and more healthy time.

Medihelp unveiled a series of targeted product enhancements for 2027 designed to strengthen access to care, support earlier intervention, and respond to members’ needs at different stages of life. The scheme also announced a weighted average contribution increase of 7,5% for 2027, with increases limited to 7% or less for 60% of members.

“The value of health and healthcare cover goes beyond the contributions members pay,” said Varsha Vala, CEO and Principal Officer of Medihelp. “The more important question is what that investment makes possible. For our members, return on health means better access to healthcare, support when they need it, benefits that encourage prevention and early detection, and ultimately greater support to manage their health and live healthier for longer.”

More value where it matters

The 2027 enhancements focus on practical areas where members can gain greater value from their healthcare cover.

Peace of mind with dedicated ER cover

A standalone emergency room benefit for child dependants up to age 19 is a distinctive addition to Medihelp’s 2027 offering. It covers emergency room consultations and facility fees when an unexpected accident or emergency occurs, without depleting the family’s available day-to-day benefits.

Mental health support

Medihelp has strengthened its out-of-hospital mental health benefit, expanding access to mental healthcare and earlier support. The benefit will also be available on MedMove!, responding to the need for greater mental health support among younger people.

Screenings for early detection

Prevention will always be better than cure. By completing a combination of health screenings and tests, members gain better insight into their health. They also get access to additional healthcare benefits, such as two additional GP consultations and an extra R1 050 towards self-medication or acute medication.

Maternity benefits

Medihelp has also enhanced its maternity benefits, including cover for a consultation with a clinical psychologist to support mothers’ mental health. A comprehensive Parenting journey gives moms and dads access to relevant, practical content and an AI assistant that answers difficult questions, providing valuable support through every stage of parenthood.

Telehealth consultations

Telehealth consultations, at a reduced fee, offer a convenient and cost-effective way to access appropriate healthcare while helping preserve available day-to-day benefits.

The best care is the hospital admission that never happened

Return on health is also reflected in the impact of Medihelp’s complementary care programmes. The best care is the hospital admission that never happened. Every day, every hour, and every minute matters – because time not spent in hospital is time given back to members.

Medihelp’s Post-hospital Care Programme shows what that time can look like in practice. The programme recorded a meaningful decrease in the 30-day readmission rate, which, based on an average length of stay of 3,4 days, equates to an estimated 648 days. That is about 15 547 hours or 932 798 minutes our members did not have to spend back in hospital – enough time for approximately 11 660 Springbok matches!

But almost a million minutes are more than a number. The real return is what that time gives back to members: school runs, coffee with friends, Saturday sport, family dinners, work, rest, and the everyday moments that make up life.

Health is not just clinical

A meaningful return on health also depends on how easily members can get help and resolve questions about their healthcare cover. Medihelp’s year-to-date service results have won several awards. Medihelp resolves 92% of enquiries during the first interaction, answers calls in an average of just 17 seconds, and assists with more than 35 000 enquiries every month.

This means our members spend less time waiting or following up and are more likely to receive the answers and support they need the first time they contact us. It is a tangible value-add that reflects our commitment to making access to healthcare cover simpler, faster, and more reassuring.

Award-winning customer experience

This service performance helps explain Medihelp’s latest podium finish in the Ask Afrika Orange Index^TM, which recognises customer experience excellence in South Africa.

“We care for our members, and it shows in the high feel-factor rating that we received. This matters even more because our members usually interact with us at moments when they need clarity, reassurance, and help,” says Riaan Nel, Head of Member Experience at Medihelp.

Return on health

“Return on health is not simply about having healthcare cover. It is about understanding it, using it, and making choices that can help you live healthier for longer,” Vala said. “Our advisers play an essential role in helping members choose the plan that best meets their needs and make the most of the benefits available to them.”

Medihelp will follow the virtual preview with VIP launches throughout the country to explore the 2027 enhancements in more detail and equip advisers to bring return on health to life in their client conversations.

ENDS

About Medihelp

Medihelp is a self-administered medical scheme that provides access to healthcare through relevant healthcare cover, benefits, and support. Its purpose is to help people live healthier for longer.

Media enquiries

Lien Potgieter

Head: Marketing and Communication