Discovery Classic Core: 2027 contributions and benefits

At a glance

Plan type: Hospital plan
Hospitals: Any private hospital
Hospital and specialists: 200% of Scheme tariff
Day-to-day costs: Your own
Chronic conditions: 27 (Chronic Disease List)
Cancer: R250 000 a year
Children you pay for: Up to 3

Discovery’s 2027 benefits are not in our records yet. Its 2027 contributions are below.

Monthly contributions

2027 rates take effect on 1 January 2027. 2027 contributions: Discovery 2027 contribution table, p2. Its 2027 benefits are not in our records yet. You pay for up to 3 children.

Member	2026	2027	Change
Main member	R3 905	R4 215	+7.9%
Adult dependant	R3 083	R3 328	+7.9%
Child	R1 562	R1 686	+7.9%

Benefits

We hold Discovery’s 2027 contributions; its 2027 benefit rules are not in our records yet. Each row shows the 2026 rule, marked.

Benefits in force for 2026.

In hospital

Hospitals

Any hospital

Hospitals

2027 not in our records yet. 2026: Any hospital

(2026)

Specialists in hospital

200% of Scheme tariff. A specialist who charges more leaves a shortfall.

Discovery classic core plan, p1

Specialists in hospital

2027 not in our records yet. 2026: 200% of Scheme tariff. A specialist who charges more leaves a shortfall.

Discovery classic core plan, p1 (2026)

Chronic and cancer

Chronic conditions

27 conditions, the Chronic Disease List.

Chronic conditions

2027 not in our records yet. 2026: 27 conditions, the Chronic Disease List.

(2026)

Cancer

Up to R250 000 a year.

Discovery annexure 8a oncology treatment programme, p1

Cancer

2027 not in our records yet. 2026: Up to R250 000 a year.

Discovery annexure 8a oncology treatment programme, p1 (2026)

Day to day

Maternity

no managed-care maternity programme — benefit-based, paid from the scheme’s risk benefits, not savings.

Discovery catalogue maternity in hospital rows, per plan

Maternity

2027 not in our records yet. 2026: no managed-care maternity programme — benefit-based, paid from the scheme’s risk benefits, not savings.

Discovery catalogue maternity in hospital rows, per plan (2026)

GP visits

Not covered.

Discovery classic core plan 2026, p21

GP visits

2027 not in our records yet. 2026: Not covered.

Discovery classic core plan 2026, p21 (2026)

Specialist visits

Specialists — Premier Rate providers: Up to a maximum of the Premier Rate. Classic Direct providers: Up to a maximum of the Classic Direct Rate. Other providers: Up to a maximum of 200% of Discovery Health Rate. Unlimited.

Discovery classic core plan 2026, p1

Specialist visits

2027 not in our records yet. 2026: Specialists — Premier Rate providers: Up to a maximum of the Premier Rate. Classic Direct providers: Up to a maximum of the Classic Direct Rate. Other providers: Up to a maximum of 200% of Discovery Health Rate. Unlimited.

Discovery classic core plan 2026, p1 (2026)

Prescribed medicine (acute)

Not covered.

Discovery classic core plan 2026, p21

Prescribed medicine (acute)

2027 not in our records yet. 2026: Not covered.

Discovery classic core plan 2026, p21 (2026)

Basic dentistry

Not covered.

Discovery classic core plan 2026, p20

Basic dentistry

2027 not in our records yet. 2026: Not covered.

Discovery classic core plan 2026, p20 (2026)

Eyes (optometry)

Not covered.

Discovery classic core plan 2026, p20

Eyes (optometry)

2027 not in our records yet. 2026: Not covered.

Discovery classic core plan 2026, p20 (2026)

Basic X-rays

Radiology & Pathology — Up to a maximum of 100% of the Discovery Health Rate. Unlimited.

Discovery classic core plan 2026, p1

Basic X-rays

2027 not in our records yet. 2026: Radiology & Pathology — Up to a maximum of 100% of the Discovery Health Rate. Unlimited.

Discovery classic core plan 2026, p1 (2026)

Blood tests (pathology)

Radiology & Pathology — Up to a maximum of 100% of the Discovery Health Rate. Unlimited. Pathology is subject to a preferred provider network. Where members use a non-preferred provider payment will be made directly to the member. Point-of-care pathology testing is subject to meeting the Scheme's treatment guidelines and managed care criteria.

Discovery classic core plan 2026, p1

Blood tests (pathology)

2027 not in our records yet. 2026: Radiology & Pathology — Up to a maximum of 100% of the Discovery Health Rate. Unlimited. Pathology is subject to a preferred provider network. Where members use a non-preferred provider payment will be made directly to the member. Point-of-care pathology testing is subject to meeting the Scheme's treatment guidelines and managed care criteria.

Discovery classic core plan 2026, p1 (2026)

Full benefit list

Every benefit we hold for Classic Core, in Discovery’s own wording, from its 2026 documents. Discovery’s full 2027 list is not in our records yet.

In hospital

Day procedures

Health care services reflected in Annexure 9 in a defined list of network facilities — Up to a maximum of 100% of the Discovery Health Rate at the Scheme's defined list of day-surgery providers. A R7 250 Deductible shall be payable by the beneficiary in respect of the hospital account for elective admissions at a facility which is not a network facility.

Discovery classic core plan 2026, p2

Day procedures

Administration of defined intravenous infusions — Up to a maximum of 100% of the Discovery Health Rate at the Scheme's network provider. A 20% co-payment shall be payable by the beneficiary in respect of the hospital account when treatment is received at a provider who is not a network provider.

Discovery classic core plan 2026, p2

Day procedures

For day-case procedures, as reflected in Annexure 9, a R11 100 Deductible shall be payable by the beneficiary in respect of the hospital account for elective admissions at private hospitals which are not part of the defined list of network facilities for day-case procedures. No Deductible shall be payable by the beneficiary in the case of emergency services rendered at private hospitals which are not a "Network Hospital" or the defined list of network facilities for day-case procedures.

Discovery classic core plan 2026, p21

Medicine on discharge

Not covered. Medication and materials billed by hospital as TTO — Save for cover contained in Annexure 7, TTOs are not covered from Hospital Benefits, but paid from Chronic Illness Benefit where applicable.

Discovery classic core plan 2026, p15

HIV/AIDS

HIV/AIDS and AIDS-related treatment — Basis of cover is contained in Annexure 7. Unlimited. Post-exposure HIV prophylaxis following occupational exposure, traumatic exposure or sexual assault — Up to a maximum of 100% of cost. Unlimited. HIV prophylaxis for mother-to-child transmission — Up to a maximum of 100% of cost. Unlimited.

Discovery classic core plan 2026, p15

Hospital stay and theatre

Accommodation, theatre fees, materials used, prescribed medication for duration of hospitalisation — Up to a maximum of 100% of the Discovery Health Rate. Unlimited. Subject to authorisation and/or approval and meeting the Scheme's clinical and managed care criteria.

Discovery classic core plan 2026, p1

Travel cover

International Travel Benefit as set out in Annexure B — Up to 100% of the cost for in- and out-of-hospital treatment. R5 000 000 per person per journey, for both in- and out-of-hospital treatment. The first US$150 or €100 in respect of out-of-hospital treatment per person per journey is payable by the member. The balance will be paid from Health Care Cover.

Discovery classic core plan 2026, p19

Organ and stem cell transplants

Stem cell and organ transplants (pre-transplant work-up, in-hospital treatment, post-transplant treatment, immunosuppressive drugs, and donor costs) — In-hospital: Up to a maximum of 100% of the Discovery Health Rate for the hospital account and up to a maximum of 200% of the Discovery Health Rate for related accounts. Out-of-hospital: Treatment related to transplant covered up to a maximum of 100% of the Discovery Health Rate. Basket of care as set by the Scheme specific to transplant.

Discovery classic core plan 2026, p2

Planned PMB procedures

Hip and knee joint replacements — Up to a maximum of 100% of the Discovery Health Rate at a network provider. Network does not apply to any admissions related to trauma. Up to 80% of the Discovery Health Rate for the hospital account if performed at a non-network facility. Up to a maximum of 200% of the Discovery Health Rate for related accounts paid from Health Care Cover for treatment received at a non-network facility. Unlimited at a network provider.

Discovery classic core plan 2026, p12

Planned PMB procedures

Cataract surgery — Up to a maximum of 100% of the Discovery Health Rate for the hospital account at a network facility. Up to 80% of the Discovery Health Rate for the hospital account if performed at a non-network facility. Up to a maximum of 200% of the Discovery Health Rate for related accounts paid from Health Care Cover. Unlimited.

Discovery classic core plan 2026, p14

Planned PMB procedures

In-and out-of-hospital management for spinal care and surgery for a defined list of clinically appropriate procedures which include Lumbar Fusion, Cervical Fusion, Laminectomy, Laminotomy — Up to a maximum of 100% of the Discovery Health Rate for the hospital account at a network facility. Network does not apply to any admissions related to trauma. Up to 80% of the Discovery Health Rate for the hospital account if performed at a non-network facility. Unlimited at a network provider for in-hospital treatment. Basket of care as set by the Scheme for out-of-hospital conservative treatment.

Discovery classic core plan 2026, p13

Internal prostheses

Shoulder joint prostheses — Up to a maximum of 100% of the Discovery Health Rate. Network supplier: Unlimited if prosthesis is supplied by the Scheme's network provider. Non-network supplier: R46 000 per prosthesis per admission if prosthesis is not supplied by the Scheme's network provider.

Discovery classic core plan 2026, p12

Internal prostheses

Cardiac stents and balloons — Up to a maximum of 100% of the Discovery Health Rate. Network supplier: Unlimited if supplied by the Scheme's network provider. Non-network supplier: Drug-eluting stent: R14 950 per stent per admission; Bare metal stent limit: R10 650 per stent per admission; Drug-eluting balloon: R13 800 per balloon per admission if not supplied by the Scheme's network provider.

Discovery classic core plan 2026, p13

Internal prostheses

Spinal prostheses and/or devices — Up to a maximum of 100% of the Discovery Health Rate. Maximum of one procedure per person per year. Network supplier: Unlimited if prosthesis is supplied by the Scheme's network provider. Non-network supplier: R18 900 per person for one spine level; R37 800 per person for two or more spine levels if prosthesis is not supplied by the Scheme's network provider.

Discovery classic core plan 2026, p14

Internal prostheses

Internal nerve stimulators — Up to a maximum of 100% of the Discovery Health Rate. R192 000 per person per year. The device accumulates to the limit. The balance of the hospital and related accounts do not accumulate to the annual limit.

Discovery classic core plan 2026, p12

Internal prostheses

Intra-ocular lenses for cataract surgery — Up to a maximum of 100% of the Discovery Health Rate. Covered in full when supplied by the Scheme's preferred suppliers, otherwise covered up to the Discovery Health Rate for the lens.

Discovery classic core plan 2026, p14

Mental health admissions

Management of mental health disorders — Up to a maximum of 200% of the Discovery Health Rate for related accounts. Up to a maximum of 100% of the Discovery Health Rate for hospital account in a network facility. Up to a maximum of 80% of the Discovery Health Rate for the hospital and related accounts if a non-network facility is used. Up to 21 days in-hospital for conditions as defined in Annexure A of the Regulations. All other conditions up to 21 days in-hospital.

Discovery classic core plan 2026, p10

MRI, CT and PET scans

MRI and CT Scans — Up to a maximum of 100% of the Discovery Health Rate for in-hospital scans performed in respect of treatment related to an authorised admission. Subject to referral by appropriate specialist. Unlimited.

Discovery classic core plan 2026, p4

Dialysis

Chronic Dialysis — Up to a maximum of 100% of the Discovery Health Rate at the Scheme's network provider. Unlimited. Drugs paid at 100% of the Discovery Health Medication Rate.

Discovery classic core plan 2026, p9

Surgery and anaesthetics

Doctors and allied healthcare service providers while hospitalised — Up to a maximum of 200% of the Discovery Health Rate. Accommodation, theatre fees, materials used, prescribed medication for duration of hospitalisation — Up to a maximum of 100% of the Discovery Health Rate.

Discovery classic core plan 2026, p1

Step-down and sub-acute care

Home-based support programme following prolonged NICU admissions — Up to a maximum of 100% of the Discovery Health Rate. Basket of care as set by the Scheme. Home-based virtual care for the elderly — Up to a maximum of 100% of the Discovery Health Rate, for members 65 years and older. Basket of care as set by the Scheme.

Discovery classic core plan 2026, p3

Fertility treatment

Not covered. All claims not paid by Health Care Cover or Chronic Illness Benefit are for beneficiary's account.

Discovery classic core plan 2026, p21

Palliative care

Advanced Illness Benefit — Up to a maximum of 100% of the Discovery Health Rate. Unlimited. Subject to authorisation and the treatment meeting the Scheme's guidelines and managed care criteria.

Discovery classic core plan 2026, p15

Cancer treatment

Non-PMB oncology (Oncology Treatment Programme): 100% of DHR up to a Threshold Claim Amount of R250,000 per person per 12-month cycle, then 80% of DHR with no overall limit. PMB oncology unlimited via DSP; non-network 80% DHR (20% co-pay).

Discovery annexure 8a oncology treatment programme 2026, p1

Specialised (biological) medicine in hospital

Not covered. The Specialised Medicine and Technology Benefit is not available on this plan.

Discovery 2026 specialised medicine and technology benefit, p2

Travel cover

International clinical review service — Up to a maximum of 75% of the cost of the consultation. Unlimited. Subject to the Scheme's preferred provider, protocols and clinical entry criteria.

Discovery classic core plan 2026, p18

Planned PMB procedures

Benefit for out-of-hospital management and appropriate supportive treatment of specific global World Health Organisation (WHO) recognised disease outbreaks: COVID-19, Mpox — In addition to cover contained in Annexure 7, up to a maximum of 100% of the Discovery Health Rate. Basket of care as set by the Scheme per condition.

Discovery classic core plan 2026, p19

Day to day

Prescribed medicine (acute)

Not covered. All claims not paid by Health Care Cover or Chronic Illness Benefit are for beneficiary's account.

Discovery classic core plan 2026, p21

Alternative healthcare

Not covered. All claims not paid by Health Care Cover or Chronic Illness Benefit are for beneficiary's account.

Discovery classic core plan 2026, p21

Medical appliances

External Medical Items (EMI) including those supplied by orthotists and prosthetists — Up to a maximum of the Discovery Health Rate. Unless part of a defined benefit those listed in Annexure 6 are for member's own account. ... Those not listed in Annexure 6: Unlimited. No cover for out-of-hospital

Discovery classic core plan 2026, p15

Medical appliances

Home-monitoring devices for clinically appropriate chronic and acute conditions — Up to a maximum of 100% of the Discovery Health Rate paid from Health Care Cover. Up to R4 850 per person per year.

Discovery classic core plan 2026, p3

Auxiliary services

Not covered. All claims not paid by Health Care Cover or Chronic Illness Benefit are for beneficiary's account.

Discovery classic core plan 2026, p21

Chronic medicine (Chronic Disease List)

Medication for the chronic Prescribed Minimum Benefit conditions — Save for medication contemplated in clause 15.18 of the Main Body of the Rules, basis of cover contained in Annexure 7. Subject to the Scheme's protocols, clinical entry criteria and drug utilisation review.

Discovery classic core plan 2026, p22

Chronic medicine (other conditions)

Not covered. All claims not paid by Health Care Cover or Chronic Illness Benefit are for beneficiary's account.

Discovery classic core plan 2026, p21

Contraceptives

Not covered. All claims not paid by Health Care Cover or Chronic Illness Benefit are for beneficiary's account.

Discovery classic core plan 2026, p21

Specialised dentistry

Dentistry — A Deductible of R8 950 for admissions to hospital or a Deductible of R5 750 for admissions to day-case facilities shall be payable by the beneficiary in respect of the hospital/day-case facility account. The balance of the hospital/day-case facility account will be paid from Health Care Cover up to a maximum of 100% of Discovery Health Rate. ... All dental appliances and prostheses and the placement of such appliances/prostheses as well as orthodontics (surgical and non-surgical) are paid by the beneficiary.

Discovery classic core plan 2026, p7

Specialised dentistry

Severe dental and oral procedures reflected in Annexure 3 — Up to a maximum of 200% of the Discovery Health Rate for related accounts. Up to a maximum of 100% of the Discovery Health Rate for hospital account. Where such event is also subject to Annexure 9, the higher Deductible amount shall be payable by the beneficiary in respect of the hospital account for elective admissions at a facility which is not a network facility.

Discovery classic core plan 2026, p8

Basic dentistry

Not covered. Excludes OTC medicines (inclusive of schedule 0, 1 and 2 drugs whether prescribed or not), optometry, antenatal classes and dentistry (other than severe dental and oral procedures contemplated in Annexure 3).

Discovery classic core plan 2026, p20

Casualty visits

Emergency Medical Services local — Up to a maximum of 100% of the Discovery Health Rate. Inter-hospital transfers subject to authorisation. Unlimited.

Discovery classic core plan 2026, p19

Casualty visits

Virtual urgent care consultations — In addition to the cover contained in Annexure 7, up to a maximum of 100% of the Discovery Health Rate paid from Health Care Cover for virtual urgent care consultations. 4 consultations per family per year.

Discovery classic core plan 2026, p11

GP visits

Not covered. All claims not paid by Health Care Cover or Chronic Illness Benefit are for beneficiary's account.

Discovery classic core plan 2026, p21

Hearing aids

Cochlear implants and auditory brain implants (including processors) and processor upgrades — Up to a maximum of 100% of the Discovery Health Rate. R252 000 per person per year. Processor upgrade limited to R190 000 per person every three years.

Discovery classic core plan 2026, p11

Hearing aids

Bone Anchored/Transcutaneous Hearing Aids (BAHA) and processor upgrades — Up to a maximum of 100% of the Discovery Health Rate. R150 000 per person per year. Processor upgrade limited to R78 000 per person every three years.

Discovery classic core plan 2026, p11

Hearing aids

Not covered. All claims not paid by Health Care Cover or Chronic Illness Benefit are for beneficiary's account.

Discovery classic core plan 2026, p21

Maternity care (out of hospital)

Out-of-hospital healthcare services related to pregnancy and delivery — Up to 100% of the Discovery Health Rate, or agreed rate. Paid from Health Care Cover and is subject to applicable limits. antenatal classes and/or postnatal visits: 5 consultations or classes per pregnancy and/or delivery; antenatal consultations: 8 per pregnancy; prenatal screening, including chromosome testing or Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT): 1 per pregnancy; pregnancy scans: 2 per pregnancy; blood tests: 1 routine basket of pregnancy tests per pregnancy; postnatal consultations for complications post delivery: 1 per delivery; dietician nutrition assessment: 1 during pregnancy or after delivery; mental health consultations: 2 during pregnancy or after delivery; consultations for infants: 2 per child.

Discovery classic core plan 2026, p21

Psychologist and counselling visits

Management of mental health disorders — Up to 21 days in-hospital, or 15 out-of-hospital consultations, for conditions as defined in Annexure A of the Regulations.

Discovery classic core plan 2026, p10

Eyes (optometry)

Discovery classic core plan 2026, p20

Over-the-counter medicine

Discovery classic core plan 2026, p20

Blood tests (pathology)

Discovery classic core plan 2026, p1

Physiotherapy and other therapists

Not covered. All claims not paid by Health Care Cover or Chronic Illness Benefit are for beneficiary's account.

Discovery classic core plan 2026, p21

Care after a hospital stay

Home-based healthcare for clinically appropriate chronic and acute treatment and conditions that can be treated at home — In addition to cover contained in Annexure 7, up to a maximum of 100% of the Discovery Health Rate. Basket of care as set by the Scheme.

Discovery classic core plan 2026, p3

Basic X-rays

Radiology & Pathology — Up to a maximum of 100% of the Discovery Health Rate. Unlimited.

Discovery classic core plan 2026, p1

MRI, CT and PET scans

Not covered. If done for conservative back or neck treatment or unrelated to admission, MRI/CT scan payable by member.

Discovery classic core plan 2026, p4

Specialist visits

Discovery classic core plan 2026, p1

Procedures in the doctor’s rooms

Gastroscopies, colonoscopies, proctoscopies and sigmoidoscopies performed in-rooms — Up to a maximum of 200% of the Discovery Health Rate when performed at an in-rooms network provider. Save for the cover contained in Annexure 8, where indicated and approved for dyspepsia, and for children aged 12 and under, the first R1 800 is paid by the beneficiary. Where both a gastroscopy and colonoscopy are performed, the first R3 100 is paid by the beneficiary. The balance of the account will be paid from Health Care Cover up to a maximum of 200% of the Discovery Health Rate.

Discovery classic core plan 2026, p6

Screening and prevention

Screening and prevention

Screening Benefit A - Group of tests consisting of blood glucose test, blood pressure test, cholesterol test and Body Mass Index (BMI) — Up to a maximum of 100% of the Discovery Health Rate for group of tests at a network provider. Unlimited. Defined diabetes and cholesterol screening tests — Up to a maximum of 100% of the Discovery Health Rate for test code. Unlimited.

Discovery classic core plan 2026, p15

Screening and prevention

Screening Benefit B - Consist of appropriate tests (including self-sampling kits, where appropriate) and as determined by the Scheme: HIV screening, Mammogram, Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA), colorectal and cervical cancer screening — Up to a maximum of 100% of the Discovery Health Rate for test code. One Mammogram every 2 years, one Pap Smear every 3 years or one HPV test every 5 years and one PSA test per person per year. One faecal occult blood test or immunochemical test every 2 years per person for persons between the ages of 45 to 75 years.

Discovery classic core plan 2026, p16

Screening and prevention

Screening Benefit C - Group of age appropriate tests including but not limited to growth assessment, blood pressure and health and milestone tracking — Up to a maximum of 100% of the Discovery Health Rate at a network provider, for children between the ages of 2 and 18. Unlimited. Screening Benefit D – Group of age appropriate screening tests — Up to a maximum of 100% of the Discovery Health Rate at a network provider, for members 65 years and older. Unlimited.

Discovery classic core plan 2026, p16

Screening and prevention

Preventative Benefit - Seasonal Influenza Vaccination — Up to a maximum of 100% of the Discovery Health Medication Rate for the vaccination. One seasonal influenza vaccine per person per year. Preventative Benefit - Pneumococcal Vaccination — Up to a maximum of 100% of the Discovery Health Medication Rate for the vaccination. Up to 2 pneumococcal vaccine doses per person per lifetime.

Discovery classic core plan 2026, p17

Screening and prevention

Additional screening assessment or consultation — Up to a maximum 100% of the Discovery Health Rate at an accredited network provider. One consultation per person per year.

Discovery classic core plan 2026, p16

Conditions

The Chronic Disease List conditions are Prescribed Minimum Benefits on every medical aid. How each one works on a medical aid:

Discovery’s 2026 documents name no chronic conditions beyond the Chronic Disease List on Classic Core.

Questions about Classic Core

Answered from Discovery’s documents.

How much does Classic Core cost in 2027?

From 1 January 2027: R4 215 a month for the main member, R3 328 for an adult dependant and R1 686 for a child. You pay for up to 3 children.

How much is Classic Core going up for 2027?

For the main member, from R3 905 to R4 215 a month, +7.9%.

What is the difference between Classic Core and Classic Delta Core?

Classic Delta Core uses Discovery’s hospital network; Classic Core lets you use any hospital. In 2027 the main member pays R4 215 on Classic Core and R3 374 on Classic Delta Core.

Does Classic Core pay for GP visits and day-to-day costs?

No. Classic Core is a hospital plan, so day-to-day costs are your own.

How many chronic conditions does Classic Core cover?

27, the conditions on the Chronic Disease List.

Will I have a shortfall if my specialist charges more?

Classic Core pays specialists in hospital at 200% of the Scheme tariff. If a specialist charges more than that, the difference is a shortfall. Gap cover is the product that pays shortfalls.

Compare my picks →On this plan? Get help with it →Classic Delta Core →All Discovery plans →Discovery 2027 price changes →Gap cover →

Factual information from Discovery Health Medical Scheme’s published documents. It is not advice. Compiled by Eldon de Waal, CFA, the licensed advisor behind AURA. Catalogue v175, built 2026-10-19.