Medical aid tax credits explained (2026/27)
Figures for the 2026/27 tax year. Prime rate checked 9 October 2026; tax tables and fees checked 30 September 2026. By AfroTech.
If you pay medical aid contributions, SARS reduces your tax with a fixed monthly credit for each person on the medical aid. It's a credit, not a deduction: it comes straight off your tax, whatever your tax rate.
The credits for 2026/27
| People on your medical aid | Credit per month | Credit per year |
|---|---|---|
| Just you | R 376 | R 4 512 |
| You and one dependant | R 752 | R 9 024 |
| You and 2 dependants | R 1 006 | R 12 072 |
| You and 3 dependants | R 1 260 | R 15 120 |
| You and 4 dependants | R 1 514 | R 18 168 |
R 376 for you, R 376 for your first dependant and R 254 for each additional dependant, per month.
What it does to your payslip
On R 30 000 a month, a family of three on medical aid pays R 3 675 PAYE instead of R 4 681: R 1 006 less every month. Your employer applies the credit through PAYE if you pay your medical aid through payroll; otherwise you get it back when you file your return.
Things to know
- The credit can reduce your tax to zero, but SARS doesn't pay out any credit left over.
- If you pay large medical costs yourself, an additional credit may apply when you file your return. The rules differ for people 65 and older or with a disability.
- Whoever pays the contributions claims the credit, including for dependants.
Try it with your own numbers. The ZARWise calculator uses the same figures as this page.
See your tax with medical credits