ABOUT THE SCHEME
The Story Behind Medihelp
Medihelp is one of the oldest medical schemes still in existence anywhere in South Africa, founded in 1905 with just 365 members as the Civil Service Medical Benefits Association (CSMBA). It has operated continuously for 121 years — longer than virtually any other scheme in the country. Today it covers approximately 90,000 principal members and 200,000 beneficiaries, making it the 5th largest medical scheme in South Africa.
QUICK FACTS
Founded
Principal Members
Beneficiaries
Market Position
Number of Plans
Average Member Age
Solvency Status
1905 (as Civil Service Medical Benefits Association)
~90 000
~200 000
5th largest medical scheme in SA
8 Options
Under CMS-approved 3-year recovery plan
HISTORY
From Civil Servants to Open Scheme
Medihelp's roots are deeply tied to the South African public service. Founded in 1905 as the Civil Service Medical Benefits Association, membership was voluntary for much of its early history. In 1967 the scheme became compulsory for all civil servants and was renamed the Public Service Medical Aid Association (PSMAA). In 1992 it was renamed again to Medihelp Medical Scheme — the name it carries today.
The scheme has grown through mergers over the years. In 2008 Renaissance Health merged with Medihelp, adding to its membership base. A notable transaction occurred in 2010 when the Government Employees Medical Scheme (GEMS) took on 16,000 pensioners from Medihelp — a move that had the effect of lowering Medihelp's average member age and improving its risk profile at the time.
SOLVENCY
What Members Need to Know
This is the most important section on this page for any current or prospective Medihelp member to read carefully.
Medihelp's solvency ratio has dropped below the legally required 25% minimum — the threshold set by the Medical Schemes Act to ensure schemes can meet their obligations to members. The Council for Medical Schemes has approved a three-year recovery plan to restore the scheme's reserves to the required level.
The scheme is not in immediate danger of collapse — a CMS-approved recovery plan is a formal, monitored process. However, what this means practically for members is:
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Contribution increases are likely to remain above market average for the duration of the recovery period
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The scheme's financial headroom is constrained until reserves are restored
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Members considering joining Medihelp should weigh this position carefully against alternatives
The 2026 weighted average contribution increase for Medihelp is 8.46%.