At a glance
- Plan type
- Hospital plan with a savings account
- Hospitals
- Network hospitals
- Hospital and specialists
- 200% of Scheme tariff
- Savings account
- R235 a month for the main member (7%)
- 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, p1. Its 2027 benefits are not in our records yet. You pay for up to 3 children.
| Member | 2026 | 2027 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main member | R3 350 | R3 616 | +7.9% |
| Adult dependant | R2 840 | R3 066 | +8.0% |
| Child | R1 400 | R1 511 | +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
Network hospitals only (Smart Hospital Network)
Discovery 2026 Hospital network list, p5
Hospitals
2027 not in our records yet. 2026: Network hospitals only (Smart Hospital Network)
Discovery 2026 Hospital network list, p5 (2026)
Specialists in hospital
200% of Scheme tariff. A specialist who charges more leaves a shortfall.
Discovery classic smart 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 smart plan, p1 (2026)
Hospital outside the network
A co-payment of R12 650 if you choose a hospital outside the network for a planned admission.
Discovery classic smart plan, p20
Hospital outside the network
2027 not in our records yet. 2026: A co-payment of R12 650 if you choose a hospital outside the network for a planned admission.
Discovery classic smart plan, p20 (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
Medical savings account
7% of your contribution goes into a savings account for day-to-day costs.
discovery smart saver plan guide, p4
Medical savings account
2027 not in our records yet. 2026: 7% of your contribution goes into a savings account for day-to-day costs.
discovery smart saver plan guide, p4 (2026)
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
Unlimited consultations with GPs in the Smart network (risk-funded day-to-day benefit), with a R75 co-payment per consultation.
discovery smart saver plan guide 2026, p9
GP visits
2027 not in our records yet. 2026: Unlimited consultations with GPs in the Smart network (risk-funded day-to-day benefit), with a R75 co-payment per consultation.
discovery smart saver plan guide 2026, p9 (2026)
Specialist visits
Out-of-hospital specialist consultations are paid from the available money in your Medical Savings Account (MSA), at the DHR or at cost.
discovery smart saver plan guide 2026, p20
Specialist visits
2027 not in our records yet. 2026: Out-of-hospital specialist consultations are paid from the available money in your Medical Savings Account (MSA), at the DHR or at cost.
discovery smart saver plan guide 2026, p20 (2026)
Prescribed medicine (acute)
Cover for defined acute medicine categories prescribed by a Smart network GP. A limit of R1,970 a member a year and R3,300 a family a year for schedule 3 and above medicine, at a network pharmacy.
discovery smart saver plan guide 2026, p9
Prescribed medicine (acute)
2027 not in our records yet. 2026: Cover for defined acute medicine categories prescribed by a Smart network GP. A limit of R1,970 a member a year and R3,300 a family a year for schedule 3 and above medicine, at a network pharmacy.
discovery smart saver plan guide 2026, p9 (2026)
Basic dentistry
One defined dental check-up at any dentist, dental therapist or oral hygienist with a R130 co-payment for the check-up. Covered up to 100% of the Discovery Health Rate.
discovery smart saver plan guide 2026, p9
Basic dentistry
2027 not in our records yet. 2026: One defined dental check-up at any dentist, dental therapist or oral hygienist with a R130 co-payment for the check-up. Covered up to 100% of the Discovery Health Rate.
discovery smart saver plan guide 2026, p9 (2026)
Eyes (optometry)
One eye test at a network optometrist with an upfront payment of R75 for the test.
discovery smart saver plan guide 2026, p9
Eyes (optometry)
2027 not in our records yet. 2026: One eye test at a network optometrist with an upfront payment of R75 for the test.
discovery smart saver plan guide 2026, p9 (2026)
Basic X-rays
Radiology Basic out-of-hospital services funded from the 7% Medical Savings Account per Annexure 1 (Healthcare Services Covered from MSA), then self-funded once the MSA is depleted (no ATB).
Discovery annexure f smartsaver 2026, p2
Basic X-rays
2027 not in our records yet. 2026: Radiology Basic out-of-hospital services funded from the 7% Medical Savings Account per Annexure 1 (Healthcare Services Covered from MSA), then self-funded once the MSA is depleted (no ATB).
Discovery annexure f smartsaver 2026, p2 (2026)
Blood tests (pathology)
Pathology out-of-hospital services funded from the 7% Medical Savings Account per Annexure 1 (Healthcare Services Covered from MSA), then self-funded once the MSA is depleted (no ATB).
Discovery annexure f smartsaver 2026, p2
Blood tests (pathology)
2027 not in our records yet. 2026: Pathology out-of-hospital services funded from the 7% Medical Savings Account per Annexure 1 (Healthcare Services Covered from MSA), then self-funded once the MSA is depleted (no ATB).
Discovery annexure f smartsaver 2026, p2 (2026)
Full benefit list
Every benefit we hold for Classic Smart Saver, in Discovery’s own wording, from its 2026 documents. Discovery’s full 2027 list is not in our records yet.
In hospital
Dialysis
Cover for Chronic Renal Dialysis as stipulated for the Essential Smart Plan will extend to the Classic Smart Saver and Essential Smart Saver plans.
Discovery annexure f smartsaver 2026, p3
Day procedures
This Annexure applies to Members on both options in the Smart Saver Series and the same deductible applicable to the Classic Smart Option will apply to the Classic Smart Saver and Essential Smart Saver Options.
Discovery annexure f smartsaver 2026, p3
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 at PMB level via DSP (ICON/SAOC); voluntary non-network use funded at 80% DHR (20% co-payment).
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
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. Subject to authorisation and/or approval and meeting the Scheme's clinical and managed care criteria. Unlimited
Discovery classic smart plan 2026, p1
Surgery and anaesthetics
Doctors and allied healthcare service providers while hospitalised — Up to a maximum of 200% of the Discovery Health Rate. Unlimited. 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 the Discovery Health Rate.
Discovery classic smart plan 2026, p1
Day procedures
For day-case procedures, as reflected in Annexure 9, a R12 650 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.
Discovery classic smart plan 2026, p20
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 smart plan 2026, p2
Day procedures
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 the Discovery Health Rate. For beneficiaries younger than 13 years a Deductible of R3 470 for admissions to hospital or a Deductible of R1 550 for admissions to day-case facilities shall be payable by the beneficiary.
Discovery classic smart plan 2026, p7
Day procedures
Gastroscopies, colonoscopies, proctoscopies, sigmoidoscopies performed in-hospital — Save for the cover contained in Annexure 8, or where indicated and approved for dyspepsia or for children aged 12 and under, the first R4 650 in respect of the hospital account when performed in a day clinic, or R8 000 in respect of the hospital account when performed in acute facilities, per admission paid by the beneficiary. Where performed in an acute facility by a doctor who is part of the Scheme's value-based network, the first R6 650 in respect of the hospital account is paid by the beneficiary.
Discovery classic smart plan 2026, p5
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. Subject to Chronic Illness Benefit
Discovery classic smart plan 2026, p14
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 smart plan 2026, p14
Travel cover
International Travel Benefit as set out in Annexure B — Basis of cover contained in Annexure B. Up to 100% of the cost for in- and out-of-hospital treatment and where such treatment is paid in a foreign currency, the cost will be paid at an exchange rate for such currency as set by the bank at which the Scheme has its account. 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. R5 000 000 per person per journey, for both in- and out-of-hospital treatment
Discovery classic smart plan 2026, p18
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 smart plan 2026, p2
Planned PMB 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 R12 650 Deductible shall be payable by the beneficiary in respect of the hospital account for elective admission at a facility which is not a network facility. Up to a maximum of 200% for the Discovery Health Rate for related accounts. Medicines paid at 100% of the Discovery Health Medication Rate.
Discovery classic smart 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 smart plan 2026, p11
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 smart plan 2026, p13
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
Discovery classic smart plan 2026, p12
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. The prostheses accumulate to the limit. The balance of the hospital and related accounts do not accumulate to the annual limit.
Discovery classic smart plan 2026, p11
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 smart plan 2026, p12
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 smart plan 2026, p11
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 smart plan 2026, p13
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 smart plan 2026, p13
Mental health admissions
Management of mental health disorders — Up to a maximum of 100% of the Discovery Health Rate for the hospital account in a network facility. Up to a maximum of 80% of the Discovery Health Rate for the hospital account 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 smart plan 2026, p9
Mental health admissions
Alcohol and drug rehabilitation — Basis of cover is contained in Annexure 7. 21 days in-hospital treatment per person per year
Discovery classic smart plan 2026, p9
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. If done for conservative back or neck treatment or unrelated to admission, the first R4 000 paid by the member and the balance from Health Care Cover up to a maximum of 100% of the Discovery Health Rate. Unlimited
Discovery classic smart plan 2026, p4
Dialysis
Chronic Dialysis — Up to a maximum of 100% of Discovery Health Rate at the Scheme's network provider. Subject to authorisation and/or approval and the treatment meeting the Scheme's treatment guidelines and clinical criteria. Drugs paid at 100% of the Discovery Health Medication Rate. Unlimited
Discovery classic smart plan 2026, p9
Palliative care
Advanced Illness Benefit — Up to a maximum of 100% of the Discovery Health Rate. Subject to authorisation and the treatment meeting the Scheme's guidelines and managed care criteria. Unlimited
Discovery classic smart plan 2026, p14
Fertility treatment
Not covered. Assisted Reproductive Therapy Benefit not available on this plan — the benefit is available on the Executive Plan and Comprehensive Series only.
discovery- 2026 - assisted reproductive therapy benefit, p2
Day to day
Chronic medicine (other conditions)
Not covered. This Annexure is not applicable to Members on the Smart Saver Series.
Discovery annexure f smartsaver 2026, p2
GP visits
Unlimited consultations with GPs in the Smart network (risk-funded day-to-day benefit), with a R75 co-payment per consultation.
discovery smart saver plan guide 2026, p9
Specialist visits
Out-of-hospital specialist consultations are paid from the available money in your Medical Savings Account (MSA), at the DHR or at cost.
discovery smart saver plan guide 2026, p20
Prescribed medicine (acute)
Cover for defined acute medicine categories prescribed by a Smart network GP. A limit of R1,970 a member a year and R3,300 a family a year for schedule 3 and above medicine, at a network pharmacy.
discovery smart saver plan guide 2026, p9
Basic dentistry
One defined dental check-up at any dentist, dental therapist or oral hygienist with a R130 co-payment for the check-up. Covered up to 100% of the Discovery Health Rate.
discovery smart saver plan guide 2026, p9
Specialised dentistry
Dentistry Advanced out-of-hospital services funded from the 7% Medical Savings Account per Annexure 1 (Healthcare Services Covered from MSA), then self-funded once the MSA is depleted (no ATB).
Discovery annexure f smartsaver 2026, p2
Eyes (optometry)
One eye test at a network optometrist with an upfront payment of R75 for the test.
discovery smart saver plan guide 2026, p9
Basic X-rays
Radiology Basic out-of-hospital services funded from the 7% Medical Savings Account per Annexure 1 (Healthcare Services Covered from MSA), then self-funded once the MSA is depleted (no ATB).
Discovery annexure f smartsaver 2026, p2
MRI, CT and PET scans
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 per year.
discovery smart saver plan guide 2026, p10
Blood tests (pathology)
Pathology out-of-hospital services funded from the 7% Medical Savings Account per Annexure 1 (Healthcare Services Covered from MSA), then self-funded once the MSA is depleted (no ATB).
Discovery annexure f smartsaver 2026, p2
Physiotherapy and other therapists
Cover for sports-related injuries: basic X-rays, two specialist visits and a total of four visits to a physiotherapist, biokineticist, occupational therapist or chiropractor when activated and referred by a Smart network GP. You will have to pay R130 for each X-ray or for each visit. We will cover up to 100% of the Discovery Health Rate for these visits and for specialists who we don’t have a payment arrangement with.
discovery smart saver plan guide 2026, p9
Auxiliary services
Auxiliary Services out-of-hospital services funded from the 7% Medical Savings Account per Annexure 1 (Healthcare Services Covered from MSA), then self-funded once the MSA is depleted (no ATB).
Discovery annexure f smartsaver 2026, p2
Medical appliances
Appliances External out-of-hospital services funded from the 7% Medical Savings Account per Annexure 1 (Healthcare Services Covered from MSA), then self-funded once the MSA is depleted (no ATB).
Discovery annexure f smartsaver 2026, p2
Over-the-counter medicine
Cover for over-the-counter (OTC) medicine obtained from a network pharmacy, up to a yearly limit of R905 per family per year.
discovery smart saver plan guide 2026, p9
Contraceptives
Cover for contraceptive medicine prescribed by a Smart Network GP and obtained from a network pharmacy. Up to a yearly limit of R2,600 per female beneficiary.
discovery smart saver plan guide 2026, p9
Casualty visits
Cover for kids 12 years old and younger: one casualty visit for qualifying injuries. You will have to pay R75 on the Classic Smart Saver for the casualty visit. We will cover the balance of the consultation and related claims up to the Discovery Health Rate.
discovery smart saver plan guide 2026, p9
Conditions
The Chronic Disease List conditions are Prescribed Minimum Benefits on every medical aid. How each one works on a medical aid:
- Addison's Disease
- Asthma
- Bipolar Disorder
- Bronchiectasis
- Dysrhythmia
- Heart Failure
- Cardiomyopathy
- COPD
- Chronic Kidney Disease
- Coronary Artery Disease
- Crohn's Disease
- Type 1 Diabetes
- Type 2 Diabetes
- Epilepsy
- Glaucoma
- Haemophilia
- HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus)
- High Cholesterol
- Hypertension
- Hypothyroidism
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Parkinson's Disease
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Schizophrenia
- Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)
- Ulcerative Colitis
Discovery’s 2026 documents name no chronic conditions beyond the Chronic Disease List on Classic Smart Saver.
Questions about Classic Smart Saver
Answered from Discovery’s documents.
How much does Classic Smart Saver cost in 2027?
From 1 January 2027: R3 616 a month for the main member, R3 066 for an adult dependant and R1 511 for a child. You pay for up to 3 children.
How much is Classic Smart Saver going up for 2027?
For the main member, from R3 350 to R3 616 a month, +7.9%.
What happens if I use a hospital that isn't on the network?
For a planned admission at a hospital outside Discovery's network, the scheme charges a co-payment of R12 650.
Does Classic Smart Saver have a medical savings account?
Yes. 7% of your contribution goes into a savings account, which pays for day-to-day costs such as GP visits and medicine.
How many chronic conditions does Classic Smart Saver cover?
27, the conditions on the Chronic Disease List.
Will I have a shortfall if my specialist charges more?
Classic Smart Saver 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.
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.