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Discovery Health Saver Series

Classic Saver

About this plan

🥇 Best suited for families wanting comprehensive hospital cover with flexible day-to-day savings.
Principal Member
From
R4,850
per month
Adult Dependant
From
R3,825
per month
Child Dependant
From
R1,943
per month

What's covered

Hospital cover
Savings account
Day-to-day
Chronic cover
Dental
Optical
Maternity
Mental health

Waiting periods

General
3 months
Pre-existing conditions
12 months

Classic Saver

Discovery-Health-Classic-Saver-Plan

Classic Saver Medical Aid Plan (2026)

  Overall, the Discovery Health Medical Scheme Classic Saver Plan is a trustworthy and comprehensive medical aid plan that offers 24/7 medical emergency assistance and a network of healthcare providers for its Family Members. The Classic Saver Medical Plan starts from R4,850 ZAR.  
🔎 Medical Aid Plans🥇 Discovery Health Classic Saver
🌎 International CoverR5 million
👤 Main Member ContributionR4,850
👥 Adult Dependent ContributionR3,825
🍼 Child Dependent ContributionR1,943
🔁 Gap Cover✅ Yes
💙 Hospital CoverUnlimited
↪️ Pre and Postnatal Care✅ Yes
💶 Medical Savings Account✅ Yes
🧸 Maternity Benefits✅ Yes
    Discovery Saver Series for 2026

Discovery Health Medical Scheme Classic Saver - 22 Key Point Quick Overview

  1. Discovery Health Classic Saver Overview
  2. Discovery Health Classic Saver Contributions and Medical Savings Account
  3. Discovery Health Core Plan Benefits at a Glance
  4. Discovery Health Classic Saver Benefits and Cover Comprehensive Breakdown
  5. Discovery Health Personal Health Pathway
  6. Discovery Health WHO Outbreak Benefit
  7. Discovery Health Connected Care
  8. Discovery Health Hospital At Home
  9. Discovery Health Saver Day-to-Day Benefits
  10. Discovery Health Maternity and Early Childhood Benefit
  11. Discovery Health Chronic Benefits
  12. Discovery Health Care Programs
  13. Discovery Health Comprehensive Cancer Cover
  14. Discovery Health Hospital Benefit
  15. Discovery Health Classic Saver Annual Limits
  16. Discovery Health Classic Saver Cover for Day Surgery Network Procedures
  17. Discovery Health Classic Saver Extra Benefits
  18. Discovery Health Classic Saver Value-Added Offers
  19. Discovery Health Classic Saver Exclusions and Waiting Periods
  20. Discovery Health Classic Saver Plan vs Similar Plans from Other Medical Schemes
  21. Our Verdict on the Discovery Health Classic Saver
  22. Discovery Health Classic Saver Frequently Asked Questions

Classic Saver Overview

The Discovery Health Medical Scheme Classic Saver plan starts from R4,850 and is part of a series of comprehensive medical scheme plans offered by Discovery Health. The Saver plans covers hospitalization, chronic medication, day-to-day medical expenses, and preventive care services. Classic Saver also provides access to a network of healthcare providers and hospitals, allowing members to receive quality care at an affordable cost. Gap Cover is available on the Discovery Health Medical Scheme Classic Saver, along with 24/7 medical emergency assistance. According to the Trust Index, Discovery Health has a trust rating of 4.8.   The Discovery Health Medical Scheme Saver Series  offers the following medical aid plans to choose from: Discovery Health Classic Priority Overview

Classic Saver Contributions and Medical Savings Account

Classic Saver Contributions

👤 Main Member👥 +1 Adult Dependent🍼 +1 Child Dependent
R4,850R3,825R1,943
 

Classic Saver Medical Savings Account (MSA)

👤 Main Member👥 +1 Adult Dependent🍼 +1 Child Dependent
R10,872R8,580R4,344
 

💙 Read more about Medical Insurance for kids

Discovery Health Saver Contributions and Medical Savings Account

Discovery Health Medical Scheme Saver Plan Benefits at a Glance

☑️ Day-to-Day Cover-
🟥 Medical Savings Account (MSA)25% of the amount of your monthly contribution
🟧 Day-to-Day Extender Benefit (DEB)The Day-to-Day Extender Benefit (DEB) extends your cover for essential healthcare services in the network daily. You also have coverage for children’s emergency visits.
☑️ Hospital Cover-
🟨 Hospitals you may go toAny private hospital that meets Scheme requirements.
🟩 A defined list of procedures in the Day Surgery NetworkPrivate facility for day surgery within the Day Surgery Network.
🟦 Cover for Healthcare Professionals in-hospitalPaid up to 200% of the Discovery Health Rate (DHR)
 

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Discovery Health Saver Contributions and Medical Savings Account

Classic Saver Benefits and Cover Breakdown

Emergency Cover

In case of a traumatic incident or after a traumatic event, you can get help from a trained professional. Calling Emergency Assist will help you and your loved ones in need. Furthermore, family members can get help after a traumatic event at any time. The survivors of gender-based violence can receive counseling and other support as part of this service.   Discovery Health Medical Scheme Emergency Cover covers the following medical services:
  • ✅ The emergency vehicle (or other medical transport).
  • ✅ The hospital’s account of the incident.
  • ✅ The observations of the physician who admitted you to the hospital.
  • ✅ The anesthesiologist.
  Any additional approved healthcare provider.  

Prescribed Minimum Benefits

All medical schemes are required by the Prescribed Minimum Benefit (PMB) provisions of the Medical Schemes Act 131 of 1998 and its Regulations to cover the costs associated with the diagnosis, treatment, and care of:
  • ✅ A life-threatening medical condition.
  • ✅ A defined listing of 271 conditions.
  • ✅ A list of 27 chronic illnesses.
  To qualify for coverage, your medical condition must be on the Prescribed Minimum Benefit (PMB) conditions list. Furthermore, the necessary treatment must correspond to the treatments listed in the benefits. In addition, you are required to utilize designated service providers (DSPs) within the Discovery Health network.   Once your condition has stabilized, you will be transferred to a hospital or other service providers in the Discovery Health Medical Scheme's network, if necessary, according to the scheme’s rules. Discovery Health Medical Scheme will cover up to 80% of the Discovery Health Rate if you do not use a DSP (DHR). Your responsibility will be the difference between what Discovery Health Medical Scheme will pay and the actual cost of your treatment.   Furthermore, Discovery Health Medical Scheme will pay according to your plan’s benefits if these criteria are unmet.  

Screening and Prevention

This benefit covers certain diagnostic procedures that detect early warning signs of serious diseases. The wellness providers cover a variety of screening tests, including blood glucose, cholesterol, HIV, Pap smear or HPV test for cervical screening, mammograms or ultrasounds, and prostate screenings. After all your membership members have completed their health check, you can access additional screening and preventive healthcare services through the Personal Health Fund.   The Discovery Health Medical Scheme's Screening and Prevention covers the following:
  • ✅ Screening for kids will assess the child’s growth and development, including weight, height and body mass index measurements, blood pressure, and more.
  • ✅ Screening for Adults includes blood pressure, blood glucose, HIV, and more. Discovery Health also covers mammograms, breast ultrasounds, pap smears, and more.
  Screening for Seniors (65>) includes risk screening assessments and referrals to Premier Plus GPs according to the screening results.  

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Discovery Health Classic Delta Plan Benefits at a Glance

Personal Health Pathway

Following the success of the WELLTH Fund in 2024 and 2025, all new joining members will continue to get a once-per-lifetime benefit, built into the Personal Health Fund in 2026. New members who activate Personal Health Pathways and complete their once-off high-value action, will get up to R10,000 per family on Classic plans and R6,000 on Coastal and Essential plans in additional funds in their Personal Health Fund, available immediately.   This is a once-per-lifetime benefit in addition to the annual Personal Health Fund allocation for completed actions. The once-per-lifetime benefit is equal to the maximum Personal Health Fund allocation.   The Discovery Health Medical Scheme's Personal Health fund for the Classic Saver covers the following:
🔴 General HealthYou can access screenings for vision, hearing, dental, and skin conditions as part of your primary care. Additionally, you are eligible for one GP screening consultation
🟠 Physical HealthDieticians, biokinetics, or physiotherapists are available for physical well-being evaluations.
🟡 Mental HealthYou have access to a mental health evaluation to promote mental health.
🟢 Women and Men’s HealthYou have access to various screening and prevention services for women and men. These include, for instance: Consultation with your doctor for gynecological, prostate, or cardiac issues Bone density analysis
🔵 Children’s HealthAs a member, you can take advantage of a wellness visit for your children, which includes assessments of their growth and developmental milestones performed by a professional such as an occupational therapist, speech therapist, or physiotherapist.
🟣 Medical Monitoring DevicesYou have access to medical monitoring devices that assist in measuring, for instance, blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar.
  The Personal Health Fund is available for two benefit years after all beneficiaries over two complete an age-appropriate health check with a Wellness Network provider. Furthermore, the benefit is available to new members in the joining year and subsequent years.   The benefit is available once per lifetime per beneficiary. Cover for eligible healthcare services is limited to the Discovery Health Rate (DHR), subject to the overall benefit maximum.   Your Personal Health Fund maximum is based on the size and composition of your family as stated in your policy:
  • ✅ Limited to R2,500 per adult dependent.
  • ✅ Limited to R1,250 per two-year-old or older child dependent.
  • ✅ Limited to R10,000 per family.
  Furthermore, the Personal Health Fund is available to all registered membership beneficiaries and will not cover healthcare services already covered by other defined benefits.   Personal Health Fund Challenge

Discovery Health - WHO Outbreak Benefit

  The basket of care includes the following:
  • ✅ COVID-19 vaccines and their administration according to the COVID-19 guidelines of the National Department of Health.
  • ✅ Screening consultations with a network general practitioner (virtual, telephone, or in-person).
  • ✅ COVID-19 PCR and Rapid Antigen screening tests if referred by a qualified medical practitioner.
  • ✅ A set of defined pathology tests for COVID-19-positive individuals.
  • ✅ A predetermined assortment of x-rays and scans for COVID-19-positive individuals.
  • ✅ Members at risk who meet the clinical entry criteria will receive supportive care, including medication and a home monitoring device to track oxygen saturation levels.
  • ✅ When you are admitted to the hospital because of symptoms of COVID-19, you will be covered by the Hospital Benefit of the Classic Saver and, if necessary, the PMBs.
  • ✅ Access to the Long COVID Recovery Program.
  How members of the Classic Saver are covered in terms of Monkeypox:
  • ✅ The treatment protocol for confirmed cases consists of a diagnostic PCR screening test
  • ✅ Two visits to a dermatologist or general practitioner.
  Formulary of supportive medications for pain management.   Discovery Health WHO Outbreak Benefit

Connected Care

Discovery Health Medical Scheme provides home-based access to health and wellness services. Connected Care is an integrated ecosystem of benefits, services, and digitally connected capabilities designed to assist you in managing your health and wellness.  
❤️ Health Monitoring DevicesAccess to the most up-to-date medical examination, remote monitoring, and point-of-care devices to facilitate the delivery of quality care at home.
🧡 Electronic PrescriptionsElectronic prescribing for expedited access to medications.
💛 Home NursesHospital-related care is provided at home by registered nurses.
💚 Medicine Ordering and TrackingOrder and track the delivery of your medication from the dispensary to your door.
💙 Online CoachesAt-home consultations with a coach to help you better manage your chronic and acute conditions, including COVID-19.
💜 Condition-Specific InformationEducational content pertinent to your condition is readily accessible.
  ✅ Connected care for members at home Previously unimaginable access to medical professionals is now at your fingertips, thanks to the advent of online consultations. Thanks to the Home Monitoring Device Benefit, you can get various approved home monitoring devices for chronic and acute conditions. You will not see any changes to your regular benefits because of having cover approved for these gadgets.   ✅ Connected care for those with chronic conditions Through Connected Care, you and your doctor can work together to keep your chronic condition under control while you are at home. Eligible members can use various digital services connected to smart remote monitoring, point-of-care devices, and individualized coaching consultations to monitor and control their chronic condition in the comfort of their homes.   Discovery Health Connected Care

Hospital At Home

Hospital at Home patients receive specialized care from a dedicated medical staff in the comfort of their own homes. Each of these benefits and services contributes to your overall health and well-being. They all work together to make your healthcare more efficient and your life safer. Suppose you have a valid pre-authorization for hospitalization. In that case, Discovery Health Medical Scheme will use your Hospital Benefit to cover any services provided as part of the Hospital at Home program. For those who meet the program’s clinical and benefit criteria, this unlocks cover for approved medical devices and services.   Furthermore, Discovery Health Medical Scheme covers the following:
  • ✅ 24/7 clinical oversight from a care team virtually, including nurses, doctors, and allied healthcare professionals.
  • ✅ 24/7 real-time remote monitoring, which is supported by innovative healthcare technology.
  • ✅ Hospital-level diagnostics and intervention to manage post-surgical or medical care at home.
Acute Care at home
  • ✅ This includes cover and treatment for COVID-19, as well as post-discharge care. In addition, you are eligible for the Home Monitoring Device Benefit.
Home Monitoring Devices
  • ✅ The Home Monitoring Device Benefit gives you access to a range of essential and registered home monitoring devices for certain chronic and acute conditions. Approved cover for these devices will not affect your day-to-day benefits.

💙 READ: Hospital plans summerizd

Home Care Cover
  • ✅ Discovery Health Medical Scheme's Home Care is a service that provides you with high-quality care in the comfort of your own home if your doctor recommends it as an alternative to hospitalization. Postnatal care, end-of-life care, intravenous infusions (drips), and wound care are provided. These services are covered by the Hospital Benefit, pending authorization.
  • ✅ Home Care is the designated service provider (DSP) for intravenous infusion administration. Use Home Care for these infusions to avoid a 20% co-payment.
Home-based care for follow-up treatment after hospital admission
  • ✅ Once discharged from the hospital, patients with clinically appropriate conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, chronic cardiac failure, ischemic heart disease, and pneumonia have access to enhanced home-based care.
  If you meet the clinical entry criteria, you are covered for bedside medicine reconciliation before admission discharge, a follow-up consultation with a GP or specialist, and a defined basket of supportive care at home, including in-person and virtual consultations with a Discovery Health Medical Scheme Home Care nurse.   Discovery Health Hospital At Home

Saver Day-to-Day Benefits

Discovery Health Medical Scheme will cover your medical expenses with funds from your Medical Savings Account (MSA) or Day-to-Day Extender Benefit (DEB).   The Medical Savings Account (MSA) Discovery Health Medical Scheme pays for the day-to-day medical expenses of its members, such as consultations with GPs and specialists, medicine (excluding registered chronic medicine), radiology, and pathology, from the available funds in the member’s Medical Savings Account (MSA). Any unused funds will be carried over to the next year. In addition, members can have their claims paid at the Discovery Health Rate (DHR) or at cost.   If the member chooses to have their claims paid at cost and the claims exceed the DHR, the Scheme will automatically fund the excess from the MSA. If the member chooses to have their claims paid at the DHR and wishes to have claims paid more than the DHR from the available funds in their MSA, they can request a special payment.   The Day-to-Day Extender Benefit (DEB) The Day-to-day Extender Benefit (DEB) pays for certain benefits after depleting the MSA funds, including the following:
  • ✅ Video call consultations with network GPs
  • ✅ Pharmacy clinic consultations
  • ✅ Unlimited face-to-face consultations with network GPs referred following a video call consultation or by the pharmacy clinic virtual GP.
  The DEB covers face-to-face consultations up to the DHR, and the type of plan determines access to these services.
  • ✅ Single Member: 3 Consultations
  • ✅ Family: 6 Consultations
  Furthermore, on Classic Plans, kids <10 years old have two casualty visits annually.   Day to Day Benefits Saver

Maternity and Early Childhood Benefit

With the Discovery Health Medical Scheme Classic Saver plan, you get coverage for healthcare services related to your pregnancy and treatment for the first two years of your baby’s life. This applies from the date of activation of the benefit for each pregnancy and each child from birth until they are two years old.  

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  Discovery Health Medical Scheme's Maternity Benefit covers the following: During Pregnancy:
  • Scans and Screenings
  • Eight antenatal consultations with a midwife, GP, or gynecologist.
  • 2 x 2D ultrasound scans
  • Nuchal translucency test
  • 3D and 4D scans up to the 2D scan rate.
  • Non-invasive Prenatal Test (NIPT)
  • One flu vaccination during pregnancy.
  • Discovery Health will pay for a defined list of blood tests to confirm pregnancy.
After giving birth:
  • Two visits to a GP and Specialist for up to 2 years.
  • Postnatal care, including complications during delivery, nutritional assessment, etc.
  Prenatal and postnatal care includes Five antenatal or postnatal classes and One Breastfeeding consultation.   Maternity Benefit

Discovery Health Medical Scheme Chronic Benefits

The Chronic Disease List lists 27 conditions for which the Chronic Illness Benefit (CIB) provides cover (CDL). Furthermore, you are protected for 22 additional conditions on the Additional Disease List (ADL).   ✅ Discovery Health Medical Scheme pays for consultations and medicines in the following ways: You must select a primary care physician from the Discovery Health Medical Scheme Network to manage your chronic conditions. You must see a Discovery Health Medical Scheme Network physician to receive full coverage for your doctor visits. Use of a non-network primary care physician will incur a 20% co-payment. Discovery Health Medical Scheme will pay up to the Discovery Health Rate (DHR) for medications purchased at one of the network pharmacies. The DHR for medication consists of the price of the medication and the dispensing fee.   ✅ Minimum Benefit (PMB) Under the Prescribed Minimum Benefits, you can receive treatment for a set of medical conditions (PMBs). The PMBs cover the 27 chronic conditions in the Chronic Disease List (CDL). Furthermore, Discovery Health Health’s Classic Saver Plan provides richer benefits than competitors. However, to gain access to PMBs, certain rules must be followed.   ✅ Medicine covered in terms of the chronic disease list (CDL) You have coverage for all chronic medications on the approved list. Discovery Health Medical Scheme covers you for medications, not on the list up to the Chronic Drug Amount monthly maximum (CDA).  

Classic Saver List of conditions covered:

  • Addison’s disease
  • Asthma
  • Bipolar mood disorder
  • Bronchiectasis
  • Cardiac failure
  • Cardiomyopathy
  • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
  • Chronic renal disease
  • Coronary artery disease
  • Crohn’s disease
  • Diabetes insipidus
  • Diabetes Type 1
  and many more.  

Chronic Medicine

Members can use Discovery Health Health Medical Scheme's designated service providers (DSPs), MedXpress, and MedXpress Network Pharmacies, to avoid paying a 20% co-payment on chronic medication. Through MedXpress, you can order or reorder your medication online and have it delivered to your place of business or residence. Alternatively, you can:  
  • You can order your medication online and pick it up at a MedXpress Network Pharmacy or
  • Fill a prescription as usual at any pharmacy in the MedXpress Network.
✅ Medicine Tracker Furthermore, you can set reminders and prompts to help you take your medication as prescribed and on time. For example, your approved chronic medication will be displayed automatically. You will be prompted to take your medication and confirm each dose.   Discovery Health Chronic Benefits

Discovery Health Medical Scheme Care Programs

Discovery Health Medical Scheme will cover preventative and condition-specific care programs that assist with managing diabetes, mental health, HIV, and heart-related conditions. You must be registered with these condition-specific care programs to access additional benefits and services. On a personalized dashboard, you and your Premier Plus GP can identify the next steps to manage your condition and optimally maintain your health over time.  
🟥 Discovery Health Disease Prevention ProgramPremier Plus GPs can enroll you in the Disease Prevention Program if you have cardiometabolic risk syndrome. Your GP, dietitian, and health coach will coordinate care. Consultations, pathology tests, and medicine are covered for enrolled members. Health coaching will help you manage your condition daily.
🟧 Discovery Health Mental Health Care ProgramOnce enrolled by your network psychologist or Premier Plus GP, you have defined major depression cover. The program provides medication coverage, virtual and in-person psychotherapy, and additional GP visits for treatment evaluation, tracking, and monitoring. Relapse prevention programs cover psychiatry consultations, counseling, and care coordination for qualifying members.
🟨 Discovery Health Diabetes Care ProgramYour Premier Plus GP can enroll you in the Diabetes Care Program if you receive the Chronic Illness Benefit (CIB) for diabetes. The program covers extra glucometer strips and dietitian and biokinetics visits. A nurse educator may help you manage your condition.
🟩 Discovery Health HIV Care ProgramPremier Plus GPs register HIV patients for care, including social worker cover. Always confidential. Avoid a 20% co-payment by getting your medicine from a DSP.
🟦 Discovery Health Cardio Care ProgramIf your Premier Plus GP refers you to the Cardio Care Program and you are registered on the Chronic Illness Benefit (CIB) for hypertension, hyperlipidemia, or ischemic heart disease, you can receive a defined basket of care and an annual cardiovascular assessment.
🟪 Depression Risk Management Programme If you are identified as being at risk of depression, you will have access to a 6-month long care programme with a defined basket of care. This includes a consultation with a Premier Plus GP or network psychologist, coaching sessions with a social worker to coordinate your care, consultations with a dietitian, and a clinically appropriate digital mental wellbeing course. Cover is subject to clinical entry criteria treatment guidelines and protocols.
  The cover is subject to the Scheme’s clinical entry requirements, treatment protocols, and guidelines.  

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Discovery Health Care Programs

Comprehensive Cancer Cover

You have access to comprehensive cancer treatment coverage. This includes access to expensive medications, innovative treatments, and extended coverage once certain thresholds are reached.  
🎗️ Discovery Health Prescribed Minimum Benefits (PMB)PMB cancer treatment is always covered. PMB treatment costs total the cover. Discovery Health will cover PMB cancer treatment even if it exceeds the cover amount.
💛 Discovery Health Oncology BenefitAfter Discovery Health has approved your cancer treatment, the Oncology Care Program covers you. Discovery Health will cover approved cancer treatment for 12 months. Discovery Health covers the first R250,000. Discovery Health will cover up to 80% of additional costs if your treatment exceeds the cover amount. Discovery Health Rate covers up to 100% of cancer-related healthcare services (DHR). If your doctor charges more, you may have a co-payment.
🟨 Discovery Health Oncology Innovation BenefitSubject to the Scheme’s clinical entry criteria, the Oncology Innovation Benefit covers a subset of innovative cancer medicine. Members must pay 50% of these treatments.
🟡 Discovery Health – Covering MedicineTo avoid a 20% co-payment, get your approved oncology medicine from a DSP on the Scheme’s medicine list. Ask your doctor if they use the Scheme’s DSPs for your in-room or facility treatment.
🥰 Discovery Health Advanced Illness BenefitMembers receive comprehensive palliative care. This program covers unlimited home care, care coordination, counseling, and supportive care for appropriate end-of-life clinical and psychologist services. Your palliative care treatment plan includes GP consultations.
    Oncology Care Saver

Hospital Benefit

The Classic Saver includes hospitalization coverage. Furthermore, there is no limit on the total amount covered by the Hospital Benefit.  
  • ✅You are covered for planned hospital stays.
  • ✅The funding of newly licensed facilities is subject to Scheme approval.
  • ✅Your Hospital Benefit is used to cover planned hospital stays. In addition, Discovery Health will pay for hospitalization-related services, including all healthcare professionals, services, and medications authorized by the Scheme.
  • ✅If you utilize Discovery Health Health’s contracted physicians, specialists, and other healthcare professionals. Discovery Health will pay in full for these services. On Classic plans, Discovery Health will cover up to 200% of the Discovery Health Rate (DHR).
✅ Pre-operative Management Program for major surgeries
  • ✅For arthroplasty, colorectal surgery, coronary artery bypass graft, radical prostatectomy, and mastectomy, you are covered for a pre-operative nurse assessment, a consultation (face-to-face, virtual, or telephonic) with your treating healthcare professional, and specific laboratory, pathology, and radiology tests.
  • ✅Clinical entry and treatment guidelines govern cover.
✅ How Discovery Health Medical Scheme will pay for approved hospital admissions on the Classic Saver:
🟥 The Hospital AccountWe pay the full account, at the agreed rate with the hospital.
🟧 Upfront payments for a defined list of procedures that are performed outside the Day Surgery NetworkClassic, Essential and Coastal: you will pay an upfront payment of R7,250
🟨 A defined list of procedures that are performed in specialist roomsWe pay up to the agreed rate, where authorised by the Scheme
🟩 Specialist with whom Discovery Health has an arrangementThe full account is paid according to the agreed rate.
🟦 Specialists with whom Discovery Health does not have an arrangement, and other healthcare professionalsPaid up to 200% of the Discovery Health Rate (DHR).
🟪 Radiology and PathologyPaid up to 100% of the Discovery Health Rate (DHR).
🟥 MRI and CT scansWe pay up to the Discovery Health Rate if the scan is related to your hospital admission from your Hospital Benefit If it is not related to your admission or for conservative back and neck treatment, we pay the first R4,000 from your available day-to-day benefits and the balance from your Hospital Benefit, up to the Discovery Health Rate. Limited to one scan per spinal and neck region.
🟫 Cataract Surgery at a network providerWe pay the full account at the agreed rate at a network facility for cataract surgery. We pay the hospital account at up to 80% of the Discovery Health Rate at any other facility.
  ✅ Classic Saver Scopes You are responsible for the following amount depending on where your scope is performed. Your Hospital Benefit will cover the remaining hospital and related charges.  
🔎 Medical Aid Plan🅰️ Day Clinic Account🅱️ Hospital Account
1️⃣ Classic SaverR4,650 R8,000. This co-payment will reduce to R6,650 if performed by a doctor who is part of the Scheme’s value-based network.
2️⃣ If a gastroscopy and colonoscopy are performed during the same admission--
3️⃣ Classic SaverR5,700R9,950. This co-payment will reduce to R8,250 if performed by a doctor who is part of the Scheme’s value-based network.
  Furthermore, the following will apply to scopes on the Classic Saver:
  • ✅ Scopes performed outside the Day Surgery Network will require an upfront payment of R7,250, except for procedures performed at a hospital outside the Day Surgery Network.
  • ✅ Then, the upfront payment will be R8,000.
  • ✅ If a gastroscopy and colonoscopy are performed, an up-front fee of R9,850 will be required.
  If scopes are performed in the doctor’s office as part of a confirmed Prescribed Minimum Benefits (PMB) condition or if the patient is under 12 years old, no upfront payment is required. Furthermore, the Hospital Benefit covers the bill.   Saver series Hospital cover

Classic Saver Annual Limits

🦻 Cochlear Implants, Auditory Brain Implants, and processorsR252,000 per person per benefit.
🧬 Internal Nerve StimulatorsR192,000 per person
🩺 Major Joint SurgeryNo limit for planned hip and knee joint replacements if you use a provider in the network, or up to 80% of the Discovery Health Rate (DHR) if you use a provider outside the network, up to R31,850 per prosthesis per admission. Emergency and trauma surgeries are excluded from the network.
🩹 Shoulder Joint SurgeryIf you use a provider outside the network, you can pay up to R48,500 for your prosthesis.
🍹 Alcohol and Drug RehabilitationDiscovery Health will cover 21 days of rehabilitation per person per year. Three days for detoxification per approved admission.
🧠 Mental healthTwenty-one days for admissions or 15 out-of-hospital consultations per person for major affective disorders, anorexia, and bulimia, and 12 for acute stress disorder with recent significant trauma. Three days for attempted suicide admissions. Other mental health admissions are 21 days. Network facilities cover all mental health admissions. If you go elsewhere, the Scheme will pay up to 80% of the Discovery Health Rate (DHR) for the hospital account.
☑️ Prosthetic Devices used during Spinal SurgeryThe preferred prosthesis suppliers have no limit. If you do not use a preferred supplier, the first level is R21,600, and two or more levels are R43,150, limited to one procedure per person per year. The spinal surgery network covers approved spinal surgery admissions. The hospital account will receive up to 80% of the Discovery Health Rate (DHR) for planned admissions outside the Scheme’s network.
🦷 Dental Treatment in the hospitalDental Limit: No overall dental limit. However, your Medical Savings Account pays 100% of the Discovery Health Rate (DHR) for dental appliances, prostheses, orthodontic treatment, and orthognathic surgery (MSA). Severe Dental and Oral Surgery In-Hospital: The Severe Dental and Oral Surgery Benefit covers procedures without upfront payment or limit. This benefit requires authorization and Scheme Rules. Basic Dental Trauma: The Basic Dental Trauma Benefit covers unexpected dental injuries requiring emergency treatment after an accident. Dental appliances and prostheses and their placement are covered up to R70,800 per year if clinical entry criteria are met. Dental Treatment In-Hospital: Dental admissions require prepaying your hospital or day clinic bill, except for severe dental and oral surgery. Age and treatment location determine this amount. Your Hospital Benefit pays the hospital bill up to 100% of the Discovery Health Rate (DHR). The benefit covers related bills, including the dentist’s, up to 100% of the Discovery Health Rate (DHR). Anesthetists receive 200% of Discovery Health Rate on Classic plans (DHR). Upfront Payments for Dental Admission: Hospital Account – R8,950 for members 13> and R5,750 for members <13 Day Clinic Account – R3,470 for members 12> and R1,550 for members <13
 

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Discovery Health Classic Saver Annual Limits

Classic Saver Cover for Day Surgery Network Procedures

  Discovery Health Medical Scheme will provide cover for certain day surgery procedures. A day surgery may take place in a hospital, a day clinic, or an independent facility. Furthermore, these services are covered by your Hospital Benefit. Discovery Health Medical Scheme will pay for hospitalization-related services, including all authorized healthcare professionals, services, and medications.   Discovery Health Medical Scheme will cover the costs of doctors, specialists, and other healthcare providers with which the scheme has an arrangement. For other healthcare professionals, Discovery Health Medical Scheme will pay 200% of the Discovery Health Rate (DHR) on the Classic Saver plan. However, if you visit a facility that is not in your plan’s Day Surgery Network, you will be required to pay a co-payment of R7,250.   The following list provides the procedures that can be performed in a Discovery Health Medical Scheme Day Surgery Network:
  • ✅ Biopsies
  • ✅ Breast Procedures
  • ✅ Ear, nose, and throat procedures
  • ✅ Eye Procedures
  • ✅ Ganglionectomy
  • ✅ Gastrointestinal scopes and procedures
  • ✅ Gynecological Procedures
  • ✅ Orthopedic Procedures
  • ✅ Removal of a foreign body
  and more.   Saver series cover for procedures

Classic Saver Extra Benefits

Discovery Health Medical Scheme Classic Saver provides the following additional benefits.   In-Room Procedures
  • ✅The cover is limited to specialist room procedures.
  • ✅Hospital Benefit covers up to the Scheme-authorised rate.
Advanced Illness Benefit
  • ✅Members receive comprehensive palliative care.
  • ✅This program covers unlimited home care, care coordination, counseling, and supportive care for appropriate end-of-life clinical and psychologist services.
  • ✅Your palliative care treatment plan includes GP consultations.
Claims Relating to Traumatic Events
  • ✅Trauma Recovery Extender Benefit covers out-of-hospital trauma claims.
  • ✅The Trauma Recovery Extender Benefit pays claims for the rest of the year and the year after.
  • ✅For the year the trauma occurred and the year after, you and your dependents on your health plan can receive six counseling sessions per person per year from a psychologist, clinical social worker, or registered counselor.
  • ✅To qualify, members must apply for this benefit.
Africa Evacuation Cover
  • ✅Emergency medical evacuations from sub-Saharan African countries to South Africa are covered.
  • ✅Excludes pre-existing conditions.
International Travel Benefit
  • ✅While traveling outside South Africa, you are covered for emergency medical costs up to R5 million per person.
  • ✅The cover lasts 90 days after leaving South Africa.
  • ✅This benefit excludes pre-existing conditions.
  • ✅Suppose the elective treatment is freely available in South Africa and covered by your plan. In that case, Discovery Health might cover it at equivalent local costs.
International Second Opinion Services
  • ✅The Clinic by Cleveland Clinic provides second opinions for life-threatening and life-changing conditions through your specialist.
  • ✅Discovery Health will pay 100% for second opinions.
  Finally, Conservative spinal treatment out-of-hospital includes virtual and face-to-face consultations with an appropriately registered allied healthcare professional.   Discovery Health Saver Extra Benefits

Classic Saver Value-Added Offers

  • ✅Healthy Care at Clicks or Dis-Chem offers discounts on various personal and family care products. Healthy Care includes baby care, dental care, eye care, foot care, sun care, hand care, first aid, and over-the-counter medicine.
  • ✅Your plan’s optometrists offer 20% off frames and lenses when you pay immediately.
  • ✅Expectant parents can cryogenically store their newborn baby’s umbilical cord blood and tissue stem cells at a discounted rate with Netcells’ exclusive offer.
  • ✅Vitality, the world’s leading science-based wellness program, rewards healthy living. As a result, Discovery Health Vitality members live longer and healthier lives.
  Discovery Health Medical Scheme collaborates with myHealthTeam, a global leader in online patient communities. This gives members with diabetes, heart disease, and long-term COVID access to a digital community of patients to manage their conditions.   Discovery Health Saver Value-Added Offers

Classic Saver Exclusions and Waiting Periods

Exclusions include the following:
  • ✅Reconstructive surgical procedures and treatments, including cosmetic procedures and treatments
  • ✅Otoplasty for bat ears, blepharoplasty, and port-wine stains (eyelid surgery)
  • ✅Breast reductions or augmentations and gynecomastia are considered cosmetic procedures.
  • ✅Obesity
  • ✅Unless included in Prescribed Minimum Benefits (PMBs) or Assisted Reproductive Therapy, infertility is not covered (ART) Benefit
  • ✅Frail care
  • ✅Abuse of alcohol, drugs, or solvents
  • ✅Willful and significant infraction of the law
  • ✅Willful participation in a war, a terrorist act, a riot, a civil disturbance, a revolt, or an uprising.
  • ✅Injuries incurred or medical care rendered during travel to or within a country at war.
  • ✅Experimental, unproven, or unregistered treatments or practices
  • ✅Rescue and search.
Discovery Health Medical Scheme’s waiting periods are as follows:
  • ✅During your waiting periods, you will not have access to the Prescribed Minimum Benefits (PMBs) if you are subject to waiting periods due to never having belonged to a medical scheme or a break in membership of more than 90 days before joining Discovery Health Medical Scheme, including emergency admission cover.
  If you had less than a 90-day break in cover before enrolling in Discovery Health Medical Scheme, you might be eligible for Prescribed Minimum Benefits (PMBs) during waiting periods.   Discovery Health Saver Exclusions and Waiting Periods

Medical Aid Comparisons : Discovery Health Medical Scheme Classic Saver Plan vs Similar Plans from Other Medical Schemes

🔎 Medical Aid Plans🥇 Discovery Health Classic Saver 🥈 Medimed Medisave Max 🥉 CompCare SaverCare Plus
🌎 International CoverR5 millionEmergency medical Assistance OnlySubject to benefits per individual benefit category.
👤 Main Member ContributionR4,850R4,460 – R5,230R4,394
👥 Adult Dependent ContributionR3,825R4,460 – R5,230R3,670
🍼 Child Dependent ContributionR1,943R820 – R920R1,316
🔁 Gap Cover✅ Yes✅ YesNone
💙 Hospital CoverUnlimitedUnlimitedUnlimited
↪️ Pre and Postnatal Care✅ YesOnly PrenatalNone
💶 Medical Savings Account✅ Yes✅ Yes✅ Yes
🧸 Maternity Benefits✅ Yes✅ Yes✅ Yes
  Personal Health Fund and Medical Savings Account

Our Verdict on the Discovery Health Classic Saver

👉🏾 The Discovery Health Medical Scheme Classic Saver Plan is an overall great medical aid plan offered by the Discovery Health Medical Scheme in South Africa. The plan is designed to provide affordable coverage for medical expenses while offering various benefits and services. One of the plan’s unique features is the HealthyFood benefit, which gives members a cash-back reward for buying healthy food items.   👉🏾 This benefit encourages members to make healthier choices and improve their health and well-being. In terms of premiums, the Classic Saver Plan is priced competitively compared to other entry-level medical aid plans in South Africa. However, it is important to note that the plan has some limitations regarding covering certain medical expenses and procedures.   You might also consider the following options that Discovery Health Saver Series  offer:

Discovery Health Classic Saver Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Classic Saver plan?

The Discovery Health Medical Scheme Classic Saver plan is an entry-level medical aid offered by the Discovery Health Medical Scheme in South Africa. It provides affordable coverage for medical expenses while offering various benefits and services.  

What does Discovery Classic Saver Cover?

Classic Saver will pay for your daily medical expenses, such as GP and specialist consultations, acute medicine, radiology, and pathology, using the available MSA funds. Furthermore, any unused funds will be carried over to the following year.  

Is Discovery Classic Saver a hospital plan?

The Classic Saver is not a hospital plan only.  However, it guarantees full hospital cover for specialists with whom Discovery Health has a payment arrangement, up to 200% of the Discovery Health Rate (DHR) for Classic plans and up to 100% of the DHR for Essential and Coastal plans.  

Does Classic Saver cover MRIs?

Classic Saver will cover MRI, and CT scans that are clinically related to the reason for your admission and performed during an approved admission. If the scan is not related to an approved admission, Discovery Health will pay for it in the same manner as an outpatient scan, with applicable co-payments.  

Does the Classic Saver plan cover chronic medication?

Yes, the plan covers chronic medication as part of its benefits package.  

What kind of medical expenses does the Classic Saver plan cover?

The plan covers a range of medical expenses, including hospitalization, chronic medication, day-to-day medical expenses, and preventive care services.  

Does the Classic Saver plan provide access to a network of healthcare providers and hospitals?

Yes, the plan provides access to a network of healthcare providers and hospitals, allowing members to receive quality care at an affordable cost.  

How does the Classic Saver plan compare to other entry-level medical aid plans in South Africa?

The plan is priced competitively compared to other entry-level medical aid plans in South Africa, making it an affordable option for individuals and families.  

Are there any limitations to the Classic Saver plan cover provided by the plan?

Yes, the plan does have some limitations in terms of cover for certain medical expenses and procedures. Therefore, it is important to carefully read through the plan guide and consult with a financial advisor or healthcare professional before deciding about medical aid coverage.
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