Medical tax credit calculator 2026/27

Medical aid members get a fixed monthly tax credit, and people with high medical costs can get more back. Enter your cover and costs to see both credits.

Your details

You plus dependants whose contributions you pay.

Contribution amount is

Exclude any part your employer pays that is not taxed as a fringe benefit.

Qualifying costs the scheme did not cover (doctor, dentist, pharmacy, hospital, etc.).

Your age on 28 February 2027

Medical credits that reduce your tax this year

R9 024.00

Monthly credit
R752.00
Additional medical expenses credit
R0.00

How we worked it out

  1. Monthly medical scheme fees tax creditR752.00

    2 people covered

  2. Annual credit (12 months)R9 024.00
  3. Additional medical expenses tax creditR0.00

    25% × (contributions above 4 × MTC: 23904.00 + qualifying expenses: 0.00 − 7.5% of taxable income: 30000.00)

  4. Total medical creditsR9 024.00
  5. Tax after rebates (before credits)R67 417.00
  6. Credits you can useR9 024.00
  7. Tax after medical creditsR58 393.00
Not financial or tax advice. This tool gives general estimates for information only. It is not financial, tax, legal or investment advice, and it does not take your personal circumstances into account. Check important figures with SARS, your employer, your fund or a registered tax practitioner or financial adviser before making decisions.

How the additional credit works

Under 65, no disability: 25% × (contributions above 4 × your annual monthly credits + qualifying expenses − 7.5% of taxable income).

65 or older, or a disability: 33.3% × (contributions above 3 × your annual monthly credits + qualifying expenses).

Credits reduce tax after rebates. They cannot reduce your tax below zero, so very low earners may not be able to use all of them. Keep medical receipts and your scheme's tax certificate; SARS may ask for them.

Frequently asked questions

What are the medical tax credits for 2026/27?

R376 a month for the main member, R376 for the first dependant, and R254 for each additional dependant.

Who can claim the credit?

Only the person who pays the medical scheme contributions. If your employer pays part of your contribution and it is taxed as a fringe benefit, it counts as paid by you.

What is the additional medical expenses tax credit?

A further credit for out-of-pocket medical costs and for contributions well above the monthly credits. Under-65s only benefit once those amounts exceed 7.5% of taxable income; people 65 or older, or with a disability in the family, get a more generous 33.3% credit with no income floor.

Do I get the credit through my salary?

The monthly credit is usually applied in your PAYE each month. The additional credit is only calculated when SARS assesses your annual return, which is why you may get a refund.

KayaWise

Clear money answers for South African homes