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Medical Aid Schemes that Cover Diabetes

💙 Diabetes is a chronic condition requiring ongoing medical care, including routine check-ups, medication, and sometimes hospitalization.

💙 Given its prevalence and the potential complications it can cause, many South African Medical Aid Schemes include diabetes management-specific benefits. This ensures that patients can access necessary treatments and effectively manage their condition.

💙 Understanding diabetes is the first step in effectively managing it, especially in a country like South Africa, where it is prevalent. This article will guide you through the fundamentals of diabetes, from recognizing symptoms to researching treatment options and highlighting the Medical Aid Schemes that provide coverage for this condition.

👉 In this article you will learn:

✅ The Best Medical Aid Schemes that Covers Diabetes (2025) – a List
✅ The Best Medical Aid (Discovery Health, Bonitas, Bestmed) for Diabetics in South Africa
✅ The Best Diabetes Care Programmes and Medical aid schemes that cover Saxenda, Ozempic, and, other chronic medications

Medical Aid Schemes that Cover Diabetes – a Comparison

🔎 Provider	📌 Covers Diabetes	📍 Top Plan Covering Diabetes
🥇 Discovery Health	✅ Yes	Executive
🥈 Bestmed	✅ Yes	Beat 1
🥉 Bonitas	✅ Yes	BonStart
🏅 Cape Medical	✅ Yes	HealthPact Silver
🎖️ CompCare	✅ Yes	Networx
🏆 FedHealth	✅ Yes	FlexiFED Savvy
🥇 Genesis	✅ Yes	Med100
🥈 Sizwe Hosmed	✅ Yes	Essential Copper
🥉 Keyhealth	✅ Yes	Essence
🏅 Makoti Medical	✅ Yes	Primary
🎖️ MediHelp	✅ Yes	MedElect Student
🏆 MedShield	✅ Yes	MediCurve
🥇 Momentum Health	✅ Yes	Ingwe
🥈 Suremed	✅ Yes	Shuttle
🥉 Thebemed	✅ Yes	Energy

Medical Aid Schemes that Cover Diabetes (2025)

☑️ Discovery Health – Overall, the Best Medical Aid Scheme Covering Diabetes in South Africa
☑️ Bestmed – Offers a Diabetes Care Programme and Assistance
☑️ Bonitas – Access to a dedicated Health Coach
☑️ Cape Medical Plan – Offers Comprehensive Medical Aid Plans
☑️ CompCare – Affordable healthcare plans with exceptional value for lower-income employees
☑️ FedHealth – Covers Diabetes as one of the most Common Chronic Conditions
☑️ Genesis Medical Scheme – Doctors and Specialists are covered at 100% of the Scheme Tariff.
☑️ Sizwe Hosmed – Access to the Sizwe Hosmed Wellness Program
☑️ KeyHealth – Offers Cashback to Medical Scheme Members
☑️ Makoti Medical – Affordable Healthcare from R332 ZAR
☑️ MediHelp – Healthcare Management program for patients who suffer from diabetes and high blood pressure
☑️ MediMed – Comprehensive in-hospital cover at the Medimed Scheme tariff
☑️ MedShield – Contracted to the CDE’s Diabetes Management Programme (DMP)
☑️ Momentum Health – Popular Medical Aid Scheme for Beginners
☑️ SureMed – Popular Medical Aid Scheme that covers Diabetes in SA
☑️ Thebemed – Unlimited Private Hospital cover at network hospitals

What is Diabetes?

💙 Diabetes is a long-lasting ailment that significantly impacts individuals and healthcare systems. In South Africa, where the illness is particularly widespread, it is crucial to understand its basics. The objective of this section is to present an outline of diabetes alongside detailing its occurrence rate in South Africa as well as discussing various prognoses for managing and treating it effectively.

Overview of Diabetes

💙 Diabetes is a metabolic dysfunction resulting in prolonged high blood sugar levels due to the inadequate production or utilization of insulin in the human body. There are two main types: Type 1, which involves insufficient insulin production, and Type 2, which occurs when insulin use is ineffective.

💙 Improperly regulated glucose levels can lead to serious health issues if not properly treated promptly; therefore, it’s imperative to prioritize managing them for optimal well-being and quality of life.

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Diabetes Stats in South Africa

💙 Diabetes prevalence in South Africa has risen from 4.7% in 2010 to 12.7% in 2019. This rise varies by population, with age-adjusted rates of type 2 diabetes ranging from 13.1% to 26.3%.

💙 In 2019, 52.4% of South Africans aged 20 to 79 with diabetes went undiagnosed, indicating a significant gap in disease management. Diabetes is now a leading cause of death, particularly among women. According to projections, diabetics will increase from 4.2 million in 2021 to 7.5 million by 2045, with healthcare costs expected to double.

💙 Furthermore, there are disparities in access to diabetes care, particularly among those with lower socioeconomic status, which may skew prevalence and inequality estimates.

Can diabetes be cured, and how?

💙 Diabetes is a condition that has no known cure at present. However, it can be well managed by utilizing medication, lifestyle changes, and consistent monitoring.

💙 Individuals diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes are often given insulin injections as part of their treatment plan. At the same time, those suffering from Type 2 may only require alterations to their diet or exercise routines but also tend to use medication regularly.

💙 Clinical studies on experimental treatments like pancreatic islet transplantation show potential promise for the future, although they are not widely accessible right now.

Diabetes Curability and Management

💙 Though diabetes cannot be cured, it can certainly be controlled. Managing this condition effectively necessitates a comprehensive strategy that includes monitoring blood sugar levels regularly, taking medication as prescribed, and making requisite adjustments to one’s lifestyle, such as consuming healthy meals and engaging in regular physical activity.

💙 Many Medical Aid Schemes across South Africa offer specialized programs for managing diabetes, which aid patients in controlling their ailment efficiently by providing educational resources, discounted medications, and follow-up visits to track the disease’s development over time.

Diabetes Symptoms

💙Early detection and appropriate treatment of diabetes hinge on recognizing its symptoms. In South Africa, where the disease poses a significant health risk, awareness of these signs could prove life-saving. The following are some of the common symptoms of diabetes:

✅ Darkened Skin Areas
✅ Fatigue and Weakness
✅ Increased Thirst and Frequent Urination
✅ Blurred Vision
✅ Slow-healing sores or Frequent Infections
✅ Tingling or Numbness in Hands or Feet
✅ Unexplained Weight Loss
✅ Increased Hunger
✅ Dry Skin and Itchy Patches

Darkened Skin Areas

💙 Insufficient blood circulation and reduced moisture retention from elevated blood sugar levels can cause dry, irritated skin. Despite being commonly ignored, this sign may lead to more serious skin issues if disregarded.

Fatigue and Weakness

💙 When blood sugar levels are elevated, the body’s effectiveness in utilizing glucose for energy is compromised. This reduced efficiency can result in sensations of fatigue and weakness, impacting the capacity to carry out daily routines and diminishing overall well-being.

Increased Thirst and Frequent Urination

💙 Polydipsia (increased thirst) and polyuria (frequent urination) are two of the most common diabetes symptoms.

💙 Elevated blood sugar levels cause fluids to be drawn from tissues, resulting in dehydration and increased thirst. This sets off a vicious cycle in which the individual drinks more water, which leads to more frequent urination.

Blurred Vision

💙 Elevated blood glucose levels may result in the enlargement of the eye lens, hindering a person’s vision clarity. If inadequately addressed, diabetes can aggravate this situation to diabetic retinopathy and potentially lead to blindness.

Slow-healing sores or Frequent Infections

💙 Diabetes impairs the body’s ability to heal and defend itself against infections. Elevated blood sugar levels can impair blood circulation and weaken the immune system, making it more difficult for the body to heal minor cuts and sores and fight off infections.

Tingling or Numbness in Hands or Feet

💙 Long-term high blood sugar levels can cause nerve damage, known as diabetic neuropathy. Tingling, numbness, or even pain in the extremities, particularly the hands and feet, is a common symptom.

Unexplained Weight Loss

💙 Losing weight unexpectedly may indicate diabetes, particularly Type 1. When insulin is insufficient for the body to use glucose as energy, muscle and fat are broken down instead, leading to weight loss even if your food intake remains high.

Increased Hunger

💙 When the body cannot use glucose as a source of energy effectively, it experiences hunger as it seeks alternative energy sources. If not treated properly, this symptom, polyphagia, can lead to overeating and other complications.

Dry Skin and Itchy Patches

💙 Diabetes is frequently associated with a condition known as acanthosis nigricans. It appears as darkened, velvety patches of skin, most commonly in body folds and creases such as the neck and armpits.

💙 This symptom is more common in Type 2 diabetes patients and is frequently an early warning sign of insulin resistance.

Diabetes Treatment Options

✅ Diabetes can be treated in the following ways:
✅ Diabetic Foot Care
✅ Diabetes Education and Support
✅ Oral Medications
✅ Lifestyle Changes (Diet and Exercise)
✅ Insulin Therapy
✅ Continuous Glucose Monitoring Systems
✅ Bariatric Surgery
✅ Artificial Pancreas
✅ Herbal Remedies and Supplements
✅ Blood Sugar Monitoring

Diabetic Foot Care

💙 Foot care is an important aspect of diabetes management due to nerve damage and poor circulation risk. Regular check-ups, proper hygiene, and appropriate footwear can help avoid complications such as ulcers and infections.

Diabetes Education and Support

💙 Knowledge of the disease, its management, and potential complications is essential for effective treatment. Diabetes education programs are available from many healthcare providers in South Africa, and support groups can also help with emotional well-being.

Oral Medications

💙 Various groups of oral drugs are accessible to regulate blood glucose levels in individuals diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes.

💙 These comprise metformin, sulfonylureas, and DPP-4 inhibitors. Every group of medications operates uniquely by boosting insulin sensitivity or production and delaying carbohydrate absorption.

Lifestyle Changes (Diet and Exercise)

💙 Both types of diabetes require dietary changes as well as regular exercise. A well-balanced diet high in fiber, protein, and healthy fats can aid in blood sugar regulation.

💙 Aerobic and strength training exercises can improve insulin sensitivity and contribute to weight loss, which is especially beneficial for Type 2 diabetes management.

Insulin Therapy

💙 Insulin therapy is frequently used as the primary treatment for Type 1 diabetes and may also be used to treat Type 2 diabetes if oral medications are insufficient.

💙 Insulin is delivered via injections or insulin pumps and is available in various forms, including rapid-acting, long-acting, and intermediate options. Individual needs and lifestyle dictate the type and dosage.

Continuous Glucose Monitoring Systems

💙 These glucose monitors that can be worn provide precise and prompt measurements of blood sugar levels, resulting in improved glucose management. They are particularly beneficial for people with Type 1 diabetes who face challenges regulating their condition using conventional methods.

Bariatric Surgery

💙 Gastric bypass, a form of bariatric surgery, may be considered for individuals with severe obesity and Type 2 diabetes. This surgical procedure results in significant weight loss, which can improve insulin receptiveness and even lead to the remission of diabetes in some patients.

Artificial Pancreas

💙 Future diabetes management holds promise with the development of an artificial pancreas called a closed-loop insulin delivery system.

💙 The technology automatically tracks blood sugar levels and dispenses required amounts of insulin when necessary; however, its current availability remains limited.

Herbal Remedies and Supplements

💙 To manage diabetes, certain individuals resort to herbal remedies and supplements like cinnamon, fenugreek, and berberine.

💙 Despite this practice’s prevalence, scientific research does not consistently support the effectiveness of these therapies. Therefore, they should never replace standard treatments for diabetic management.

Blood Sugar Monitoring

💙 Regular blood sugar monitoring is essential for effective diabetes management. This is typically accomplished through finger-prick tests with a glucometer. Testing frequency varies according to the type of diabetes, medications used, and individual lifestyle factors.

Medical Aid Schemes that Include Benefits for Diabetes

Discovery Health

💙 Discovery Health has a reputation for innovation, and its services are constantly evolving to meet the changing healthcare needs of its members. Diabetes is covered by Discovery Health, including continuous glucose monitoring sensors for members with type 1 diabetes.

💙 The following Discovery Health Medical Aid Plans provide benefits and cover for diabetes – the Executive Plan, the Classic Series, Health Essential Options, and KeyCare Plans.

Bestmed

💙 Bestmed, known for its financial stability, offers its members peace of mind through robust healthcare solutions. Bestmed covers diabetes as part of their Diabetes care program designed to assist diabetic members and their dependents.

💙 Benefits and coverage for diabetes are provided Through the Beat 1 – 4, Pace 1 – 4, and, Rhythm 1 and 2 plans.

Bonitas

💙 Bonitas is well-known for its customer-centric approach, which places a premium on member satisfaction and well-being above all else. Bonitas covers diabetes and even offers specialized care programs for diabetes management.

👉 The following Bonitas Medical Aid Plans provide benefits and cover for diabetes:

🏆 Bonitas BonEssential Select Medical Aid Plan
🏆 Bonitas BonEssential Medical Aid Plan
🏆 Bonitas BonComprehensive Medical Aid Plan
🏆 Bonitas BonComplete Medical Aid Plan
🏆 Bonitas BonClassic Medical Aid Plan
🏆 Bonitas BonCap Medical Aid Plan

Cape Medical Plan

💙 As a reputable medical aid provider, Cape Medical Plan provides various options to meet various healthcare requirements. Its dedication to affordability and quality distinguishes it in the industry. Cape Medical Plan covers diabetes.

💙 The Cape Medical Plan website states that their chronic formularies cover chronic medicine for the 29 diseases on their Chronic Disease List at 100% of the Medical Scheme Rate.

👉 The Myhealth 100 Saver and MyHealth 200 Cape Medical Plans provide benefits and cover for diabetes.

CompCare

💙 CompCare provides medical aid plans as diverse as their members’ needs. They offer everything from basic coverage to premium plans. Cape Medical Plan does provide information on living with diabetes, suggesting that it is a condition they cover.

The following CompCare Medical Aid Plans provide benefits and cover for diabetes:

Fedhealth

Fedhealth has consistently raised the bar for quality and affordability as a pioneer in the medical aid industry. Fedhealth covers diabetes and provides a Diabetes Care program to members who have registered their chronic condition.

The following Fedhealth Medical Aid Plans provide benefits and cover for diabetes:

✅ FlexiFED Savvy
✅ MyFED
✅ FlexiFED 1
✅ FlexiFED 2
✅ FlexiFED 3
✅ FlexiFED 4
✅ Maxima EXEC
✅ Maxima PLUS

Benefits and Coverage for diabetes are also provided via the Maxima EXEC and PLUS plans.

Genesis Medical Scheme

Genesis Medical Scheme provides comprehensive in- and out-of-hospital coverage, ensuring that planned and emergency admissions are properly handled and that day-to-day cover is available for chronic conditions like diabetes.

The MED100, MED200, and MED200 Plus Plans provide benefits and cover for Diabetes.

Sizwe Hosmed

Sizwe Hosmed has established itself as a trusted name in the South African medical aid landscape after decades of experience.

Sizwe Hosmed covers diabetes. Sizwe Hosmed Benefits Guide 2032 states that the system covers diabetes diagnosis, treatment, and management, including medication, at 100% of the medical system Rate (MSR) for Prescribed Minimum Benefit (PMB) conditions.

The following Sizwe Hosmed Medical Aid Plans provide benefits and cover for diabetes:

✅ Essential Copper
✅ Silver Hospital
✅ Access Saver-25
✅ Access Saver-15
✅ Gold Ascend
✅ Gold Ascend EDO
✅ Value
✅ Value Core EDO
✅ Platinum Enhanced
✅ Platinum Enhanced EDO
✅ Plus
✅ Titanium Executive

The Sizwe Hosmed Platinum Enhanced, and, Platinum Enhanced EDO Medical Aid Plans also provide benefits and cover for diabetes

Keyhealth

Keyhealth, as a medical aid provider, prioritizes the well-being of its members, distinguishing it from competitors. KeyHealth covers diabetes as a manageable chronic condition. According to Keyhealth, all benefit choices cover 27 Prescribed Minimum Benefit (PMB) Chronic Disease List (CDL) diseases, including diabetes.

The following Keyhealth Medical Aid Plans provide benefits and cover for diabetes:

✅ Essence
✅ Origin
✅ Equilibrium
✅ Silver
✅ Gold
✅ Platinum

The Keyhealth Silver, Gold, and, Platinum Medical Aid Plans also provide benefits and cover for diabetes.

Makoti Medical Scheme

Makoti Medical Scheme is known for its dedication to grassroots healthcare, making it a standout in the medical aid industry. Makoti Medical Scheme covers diabetes as part of the CDL. According to the 2025 Makoti Medical Scheme brochure, both benefit choices include acute, over-the-counter, and chronic medicine, including diabetes.

The Makoti Primary and Comprehensive Medical Aid Plans provide benefits and cover for diabetes.

Medihelp

Medihelp, with a reputation for adaptability, has become a go-to choice for those looking for adaptable medical aid solutions. Medihelp covers the cost of diagnosis, treatment, and care of diabetes.

The following Medihelp Medical Aid Plans provide benefits and cover for diabetes:

✅ MedElect Student
✅ MedVital Elect
✅ MedVital
✅ MedMove!
✅ MedAdd Elect
✅ MedAdd
✅ MedSave

The Medihelp MedElect, MedPrime Elect, MedPrime, MedElite, and, MedPlus Medical Aid Plans provide benefits and cover for diabetes.

Medimed Medical Scheme

As a Medimed member, you gain more than just medical coverage; you gain a healthcare companion. All four of Medimed’s healthcare plans cover chronic illnesses, including diabetes.

Medshield

Medshield stands out due to its dedication to transparency, which ensures members know all available medical options in managing chronic conditions like diabetes. Diabetes is covered by Medshield as part of their disease management program.

The following Medshield Medical Aid Plans provide benefits and cover for diabetes:

✅ MediCurve
✅ MediPhila
✅ MediSwift
✅ MediValue
✅ MediValue Compact
✅ MediCore
✅ MediPlus Prime
✅ MediPlus Compact
✅ MediSaver
✅ MediBonus
✅ PremiumPlus

The Medshield MediSaver, MediBonus, and, Premium Plus Medical Aid Plans also provide benefits and cover for diabetes.

Momentum Health

Momentum Health stands out because it is dedicated to making healthcare plans unique to each person’s needs. Momentum Health covers diabetes as part of their Chronic Benefit. The Momentum Health website states that the Chronic Benefit supports continuous treatment for chronic diseases, including diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.

The following Momentum Health Medical Aid Plans provide benefits and cover for diabetes:

✅ Ingwe
✅ Evolve
✅ Custom
✅ Incentive
✅ Extender
✅ Summit

The Momentum Health Incentive, Extender, and Summit Medical Aid Plans also provide benefits and cover for diabetes.

Suremed

Suremed is a leader in fusing technology into healthcare, enhancing the effectiveness and usability of medical aid. Suremed covers diabetes. The Suremed website offers 10% to 50% off diabetes testing products and a free, fully-audible blood glucose meter with their first buy.

The Suremed Shuttle, Explorer, Navigator, and, Challenger Medical Aid Plans provide benefits and cover for diabetes.

Thebemed

Thebemed is a medical aid company that stands out in a crowded market thanks to its reputation for quality care. Thebemed covers diabetes. According to Thebemed Benefits 2025, the policy covers chronic medicine for all CDL illnesses, including diabetes.

The Thebemed Universal, Universal EDO, Energy, and, Fantasy Medical Aid Plans provide benefits and cover for diabetes.

In Conclusion

Diabetes is a chronic condition requiring ongoing medical care, including routine check-ups, medication, and sometimes hospitalization, and selecting the right Medical Aid Scheme is crucial. Patients should select a medical scheme that includes diabetes management-specific benefits, ensuring that they can access necessary treatments and effectively manage their condition.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best medical aid for diabetics in South Africa?

Individual needs dictate the “best” medical aid, but Discovery and Momentum are frequently cited for their comprehensive diabetes care programs.

Does medical aid cover diabetes?

Yes, most South African Medical Aid Schemes cover diabetes as part of their Chronic Disease Management programs.

Does Discovery cover diabetes?

Yes, diabetes is covered by Discovery Medical Aid’s Chronic Illness Benefit, which includes consultations and medications.

What services are available for diabetics?

Services include blood sugar monitoring, dietary counseling, medication, and regular consultations with healthcare providers.

How much does diabetes care cost in South Africa?

The cost of medication and monitoring supplies can range from R500 to R2000 per month, excluding consultations.

Is diabetes medication free in South Africa?

No, diabetes medication is not typically free, but it may be covered or subsidized by Medical Aid Schemes.

How can I lower my blood sugar quickly?

Exercise and hydration are quick fixes, but it is critical to consult a healthcare provider for personalized advice.

Is diabetes a PMB in South Africa?

Yes, diabetes is a Prescribed Minimum Benefit (PMB) condition in South Africa, which means that medical aid must cover its diagnosis and treatment.

What foods should people with diabetes avoid?

People with diabetes should avoid sugary foods, processed carbohydrates, and high-fat foods.

What is the cheapest Type-2 diabetes medicine in South Africa?

Metformin is frequently cited as a low-cost treatment for Type 2 diabetes in South Africa.

How much does insulin cost in South Africa?

The price of insulin varies, but it typically ranges between R300 and R1000 per vial, depending on the type and brand.

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Adriaan Schoeman

Adriaan holds an MBA and specializes in medical aid research. With his commitment to perfection, he ensures the accuracy of all data presented on medicalaid.com every three months. When he is not conducting research, Adriaan can be found indulging in his passion for trout fishing amidst nature.