The short version
- Preventive screening is part of your medical aid option and, on most options, doesn't come out of your savings.
- Rewards programmes are optional extras with their own fee. They are not medical scheme benefits.
- Rewards only pay back if you use them: gym visits, screenings, discounts, flights or cashback.
- Choose your medical aid option on its cover first. Decide on a rewards programme separately.
Preventive and wellness benefits in the 2026 brochures
Verbatim mentions from each scheme's own 2026 brochure summary.
Extensive screening and prevention benefits
Extensive screening and prevention benefits
Screening and Prevention Benefit for important health checks
Screening and Prevention Benefit for important health checks
Screening and Prevention Benefit for important health checks
Screening and Prevention Benefit for important health checks
Screening and Prevention Benefit for important health checks
Health and wellness screenings included
106 of 114 plans in our 2026 data don't mention this in the brochure summary we hold. That doesn't mean they exclude it — check the plan's own brochure.
Use the free part first
- Blood pressure, cholesterol, glucose and BMI checks at a network pharmacy.
- Pap smear or HPV test, mammogram and prostate screening, within the age rules.
- Flu vaccine.
- HIV test.
- Bone density screening for older members.
Which tests, how often and from what age is set by each option. Your scheme's app or website lists them.
Is a rewards programme worth it?
Add up what you'd realistically use in a year: gym, discounts at shops you already use, flights or cashback. Compare that with twelve months of the programme fee. If you won't hit the activity targets, the reward levels you'll actually reach are lower than the headline ones.
Questions people ask
Is Vitality part of Discovery medical aid?
No. Vitality is a separate programme with its own monthly fee, offered alongside Discovery Health Medical Scheme. You can belong to the scheme without joining Vitality.
Are health screenings free on medical aid?
On most options, a set of screening tests is paid from a preventive benefit rather than savings, as long as you use a network provider and meet the age rules.
Do all medical aids have a rewards programme?
No. Some schemes don't offer one. Compare the medical aid cover on its own merits.
Related on Medical Aid Online
Sources
This guide is general information, not financial or medical advice. Medical Aid Online is not a medical scheme. Scheme rules and benefits change every year, so check the scheme's own rules and brochure before you decide.
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