More women are taking charge of their health by prioritising proactive screenings at key stages of life, new data shows.
With women making up 52% of its membership base, Bestmed’s latest statistics highlight the growing emphasis on early detection and treatment in women’s healthcare.
The number of female beneficiaries registered for breast cancer treatment has risen from 1 644 in 2024 to 1 735 in 2025 – a significant increase that underscores the importance of early diagnosis and accessible medical care. Similarly, cervical cancer registrations have edged up from 99 to 103 over the same period, reinforcing the need for preventive screenings.
“These numbers are more than just statistics,” says Denelle Morais, marketing and communications manager at Bestmed Medical Scheme. “They showcase that women today are increasingly prioritising proactive health-first screenings throughout their different life stages. For us, at Bestmed, this means understanding the unique health barriers women face and reinforcing utilisation of benefits for early detection.”
In South Africa, trends in medical schemes reveal both progress and ongoing challenges in ensuring that women receive comprehensive and life-stage specific healthcare.
Several key statistics reveal important trends when it comes to women’s health:
- Most women are looking for security and affordability, with many looking at extensive hospital cover in case of accidents or sudden illness, as well as access to a savings account for general day-to-day expenses.
- Women are looking for options that offer additional quality benefits, particularly when it comes to preventative care benefits such as mammograms.
- Maternity benefits remain one of the biggest considerations for women looking at medical scheme cover.
- There is a high concentration of female members in Gauteng (45.4%) followed by the Western Cape (11.6%) – indicative of the larger urban population and stronger provincial economies, as well as more employer-subsidised medical scheme memberships.
With International Women’s Day recently observed on 8 March, this year’s theme, “Accelerate Action”, underscores the need to advance support for women in every aspect of their lives – particularly their health.
Morais highlights that women juggle multiple roles – professionals, caregivers, leaders, and nurturers – and their ability to thrive is directly linked to their health. From reproductive health and pregnancy to mental well-being and preventive care, access to quality healthcare remains a fundamental pillar of women’s empowerment.
Choosing a medical scheme that recognises this and offers a comprehensive range of benefits –including contraceptive benefits, HPV vaccinations, pap smears, mammograms, breast cancer support, maternity benefits, and managed care programmes – is critical, says Morais.
Access to routine check-ups and specialised treatments helps eliminate barriers and create clear pathways to better health outcomes.
“As South Africa aligns with the global push for progress, this International Women’s Day marks an important moment to champion healthcare advancements that empower women to fully embrace who they are and reach their aspirations,” Morais says.
