Ask the Experts
Before you downgrade your medical aid after the 2026 rate increases, discover why right-sizing your cover with a 360-degree financial review is the smarter choice.
Medical Aid & Financial Wellness
Q — My medical aid increase letter has arrived. Should I just downgrade?
A — Not before you look at the whole picture. Medical aid contributions rose by 8.1% on average for 2026, well ahead of inflation, so wanting to cut back is understandable. But a downgrade made in a hurry can leave you exposed, and switching options or schemes can trigger new waiting periods.
Often the smarter move is to right-size rather than downgrade. For a healthy family, a hospital plan with gap cover can be a better fit than a comprehensive option they barely use. Before you change anything, check what you already pay for. Prescribed Minimum Benefits mean certain conditions must be covered on every option, most schemes fund preventive screenings, and unused medical savings roll over and remain yours. It is also worth checking that your medical tax credit is being applied.
If you are nearing retirement, plan now. For most retirees, medical aid becomes one of the biggest monthly costs, and it usually rises faster than a pension.
That is why we never look at medical aid on its own. At Multilink, we review your medical aid, short-term and life insurance and investments together – your 360 degree financial wellness. We show you where you are over- or under-insured, and where money can be freed up for your future.
Multilink Financial Services is an authorised financial services provider, FSP 2972.
Before you lock in your 2027 medical aid choice, let us look at the whole picture with you.
Pedri Reyneke
CEO – Multilink Financial Services
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Multilink Financial Services is an authorised financial services provider, FSP 2972.
