Medical schemes are facing a worrying trend of younger contributors declining membership. – Business Day (20 May 2026)
Between 2015 and 2024, medical scheme membership among people aged 25 to 34 declined by 18%. People over the age of 65 make up about 10% of beneficiaries but account for roughly 30% of total healthcare expenditure while members aged 45 to 64 represent around 24% of the membership yet generate about 34% of the costs.
Although contributions increased by more than 10% in both 2024 and 2025, inflation remained around 3%.
With unemployment above 30% and youth unemployment estimated at around 40% to 45%, SA is not producing enough young, employed and healthy contributors to sustain the medical aid model.