What’s changing?
The launch summary reports a weighted average contribution increase of 8.2% for Discovery Health Medical Scheme in 2027. This is a scheme-wide average, not the increase every member will receive. According to the announcement, two out of three members will have an increase below 8%.
The Active Smart Plan increase is 7.4%, with the monthly contribution moving to R1,450. The announced increases for KeyCare, Coastal Core, Priority, Comprehensive and Executive plans are 8.9%. Coastal Saver increases by 8.4%, while Smart, Smart Saver, Core and Saver plans, excluding the Coastal plans, increase by 7.9%. Your household total will depend on your plan and the members covered.
Discovery has also introduced Active Core, aimed at young families looking for core risk cover. The launch example is R3,750 per month for a family of three, with a child rate of R500. It includes hospital cover in the Active Network, subject to an R8,050 elective admission deductible, together with maternity and mental health benefits and access to up to R8,000 in the Personal Health Fund per family. The detailed plan rules should be checked before comparing this option with your current cover.
Personal Health Pathways is expected to provide more detailed insights into health trends and emerging risks in 2027, with tailored next actions.
Separately, Flexicare and Discovery Emergency Cover premiums will increase by a weighted average of 6.9%. Employer-specific increases depend on claims experience and risk profile. For Flexicare Plus, the enhanced FlexiFund is described as providing up to R2,500 for mental health care and R5,000 for maternity care. These products are separate from DHMS medical scheme membership and should be assessed on their own terms.
Who is this relevant to?
DHMS members reviewing their 2027 healthcare budget or plan choice, and employers or individuals considering the announced Flexicare and Emergency Cover changes.
Your next step
Ask your Cherokee Wealth adviser to review your current plan, family requirements and expected costs. Confirm your exact contribution, provider network, deductibles and benefits before requesting a change.
Important details
Figures reflect the Discovery Day 2026 launch summary. Plan rules, benefit limits, eligibility, networks and exclusions apply. Weighted averages are not individual quotations. Confirm final product documents and your personalised contribution before making a decision.
Source: Discovery Day 2026 — eDiscoverer launch highlights, October 2026
