Discovery Health
Discovery Health Essential Saver 2026
Hospital + savingsMost popular Saver plan
Essential Saver is a hospital + savings plan from Discovery Health. In 2026 it costs R3 886 a month for the main member, R2 914 for an adult dependant and R1 556 for a child.
Best for: Families wanting open hospital access + MSA buffer at a mid-range premium
From Discovery Health's official 2026 brochure
What Essential Saver covers
- Hospitals you can use
- Open — any Discovery-approved private hospital
- In hospital
- Unlimited — any approved private hospital (open network)
- Day-to-day
- Medical Savings Account 10% of contribution (R4,581/yr main member) + PHF up to R6,000
- Chronic medication
- Full CDL in full on formulary; non-formulary covered to Generic Reference Price
- Maternity
- Fully covered — 8 antenatal consults, scans, postnatal care
- Dental
- Basic dental from MSA; hospital dental available
- Optical
- From MSA; 20% discount at network optometrist
- Mental health
- 21 days inpatient or 15 outpatient consults per year
- PMBs (prescribed minimum benefits)
- Full PMB cover (legally required)
- Emergencies
- Covered at any hospital (PMB)
- Gap cover
- Yes — specialist shortfalls likely (100% DHR)
Summarised from Discovery Health's official 2026 brochure. Always confirm the details with the scheme or an accredited broker before you join.
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Is Essential Saver right for you?
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