Bonitas is breaking records in South Africa 

Bonitas posted a surplus of R1.8 billion for its 2025 financial year, which is the highest the company has recorded in its 44-year history. 

Founded in 1982 to provide medical cover for black civil servants, teachers, and nurses, Bonitas has grown into the second-largest open medical scheme in the country behind Discovery. 

Its growth continued in the 2025 financial year despite turmoil and legal challenges relating ot its appointment of Momentum Health as its administrator. 

Momentum Health officially took over administration of the scheme from 1 June 2026, replacing Medscheme, which has administered the fund since its founding. 

Medscheme has challenged this appointment in court, but had its application removed from the urgent court roll in March. It has now withdrawn the application completely. 

However, the appointment is still subject to an investigation from the Council for Medical Schemes (CMS), which regulates medical aids in South Africa. 

Despite this turmoil, Bonitas continued to show steady membership growth in its most recent financial year as it inches closer to one million members. 

Bonitas reported a 2.9% increase in principal members to 369,186. Its total membership sits at 792,330, second to Discovery’s 1.37 million members. 

While the primary business of medical schemes is to offer coverage to individuals and families, most of the profit they make is by investing the contributions they receive. 

Thanks to the strong performance of South Africa’s financial markets in 2025, Bonitas reported exceptional investment results. 

This was boosted by Bonitas shifting its investment strategy and managers, with 54% of its portfolios outperforming industry benchmarks. 

The strong investment performance resulted in Bonitas posting a R1.8 billion surplus – the highest in its 44-year history. 

Improved management of Bonitas’ business saw its medical scheme reserve rise to R10.8 billion. This acts as a financial safety net for its members. 

With regard to claims, Bonitas reported the overall hospital admission rate for 2025 was 0.4% lower than in 2024. It attributed this to the scheme attracting a healthier demographic. 

 The top 10 high-cost cases for the Scheme amounted to R50.9 million, with 98% of these claims covered in full. Hospital tariff negotiations saved R566 million for its members.

Bonitas’ key financial metrics can be seen below –