2026 Rules Active

2026 Strategy Validated
Cheapest Smart with Core Benefits
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Actuarial Strategy Reference
This strategy is generated based on the 2026 Council for Medical Schemes (CMS) registered rules and actuarial pricing matrices.
VERIFIED: 2025-12-20 | SOURCE: SCHEME_BENEFIT_GUIDE_2026
Similar Situations
Key Terms Explained
Key Terms for this Strategy
- Elective Procedure Co-payment
- A mandatory upfront fee you must pay to the hospital for specific scheduled surgeries that are not emergencies. [Source: Council for Medical Schemes Official Benefit Rules]
Common Questions
What happens if I need to go to a hospital that's not in the Smart Network? [Essential Smart Budget Risk‑Funded]
If you have a planned admission outside the Smart Hospital Network, you will have to pay R12,650 upfront, and the scheme will pay the rest at the agreed rate. Strategy reference: isk-2026.
If I get diagnosed with cancer, what is my maximum cover before I start paying more? [Essential Smart Budget Risk‑Funded]
Cancer cover is limited to R250,000 over a 12-month cycle at 100% DHR in network, and after that the plan pays up to 80% of DHR (so you may face a 20% shortfall on further approved treatment). Strategy reference: isk-2026.
Do I really have to pay almost R10,000 upfront just to have scopes done? [Essential Smart Budget Risk‑Funded]
Yes—if both a gastroscopy and colonoscopy are done in the same admission outside the Day Surgery Network, the stated upfront payment is R9,950 (R8,000 hospital + R4,650 day clinic, which can reduce to R8,250 if a value-based network doctor performs the scopes). Strategy reference: isk-2026.
If I do scopes in a doctor's rooms at a non-network provider, is there still a co-payment? [Essential Smart Budget Risk‑Funded]
Yes—when scopes are performed in-rooms at a non-network provider, the stated co-payment for bi-directional scopes is R3,100. Strategy reference: isk-2026.
If I need an MRI that isn't linked to a hospital admission, do I pay first? [Essential Smart Budget Risk‑Funded]
If the scan is not related to an approved hospital admission, you must pay the first R4,000 and the balance will be paid from your Hospital Benefit (up to DHR). Strategy reference: isk-2026.
How much do I actually pay every month in 2026 as the main member? [Essential Smart Budget Risk‑Funded]
From 1 April 2026 the main-member contribution shown for Classic Smart is R3,018 per month. Strategy reference: isk-2026.
Do I get a Medical Savings Account on this plan? [Essential Smart Budget Risk‑Funded]
No—the Smart plans do not include a Medical Savings Account. Instead, you have access to a Personal Health Fund (up to R8,000 base for adults on Classic Smart) which you can earn by completing your Personal Health Pathway actions. Strategy reference: isk-2026.
If I need a planned hip or knee replacement, what's the risk if I go outside the scheme's network providers? [Essential Smart Budget Risk‑Funded]
For planned hip and knee joint replacements outside the network, the plan's payment is limited (it pays up to 80% DHR, capped at R31,800 per prosthesis per admission), so there can be large shortfalls if providers charge more. Strategy reference: isk-2026.
How much do I pay to see my Smart GP every time I go? [Essential Smart Budget Risk‑Funded]
Unlimited consultations with GPs in the Smart GP Network are available, but you pay a R75 co-payment for each consultation (the balance is covered up to 100% of DHR). Strategy reference: isk-2026.
How many antenatal visits and pregnancy scans are actually covered? [Essential Smart Budget Risk‑Funded]
The Maternity Benefit states cover for up to 8 antenatal consultations and up to two 2D ultrasound scans. Strategy reference: isk-2026.
Essential Smart Budget Risk‑Funded strategy verified
Covering 1 family members
2026 rates applied
