Medical aid in South Africa provides financial cover for medical expenses for members who pay a monthly contribution for this cover.
These contributions are paid to medical aid schemes (including Discovery Health Medical Scheme) and are pooled and safeguarded. These schemes are operated on a not-for-profit basis.
Medical aid covers members' healthcare costs such as hospitalisation, treatments and medicine. These costs are covered according to the rules of the medical scheme and the member's medical aid plan type. These rules ensure that members are fairly cared for.
All medical schemes in South Africa are governed in accordance with the Medical Schemes Act 131 of 1998, and are regulated by the Council of Medical Schemes.