Discovery Health Essential Smart Saver 2026

What Essential Smart Saver covers

Hospitals you can use

Smart Hospital Network (restricted network)

In hospital

Unlimited — Smart Hospital Network only (R12,650 upfront outside the network). Not covered except as PMB: joint replacements, back/neck surgery, knee and shoulder surgery, cochlear implants, refractive eye surgery, bunions

Day-to-day

Medical Savings Account (R2,316/yr main member) + PHF up to R6,000 base (up to R12,000 with challenge boosts). Plus unlimited Smart network GP visits (R130 co-payment each), OTC medicine up to R605/family; acute medicine from MSA/PHF

Chronic medication

Full CDL — 27 conditions in full on formulary at a network pharmacy; non-formulary covered up to the reference price. 20% co-payment if you don't use a network pharmacy

Maternity

Fully covered — 8 antenatal consults, 2 scans, postnatal care, 2 GP/paediatrician visits for baby under 2

Dental

One check-up a year at any dentist (R195 co-payment); other basic dentistry from MSA/PHF; hospital dental R8,950 upfront (13+ yrs)

Optical

One eye test a year at a Smart network optometrist (R130 upfront); frames and lenses from MSA/PHF

Mental health

21 days inpatient or 15 outpatient consults per year; full cover at a network facility

PMBs (prescribed minimum benefits)

Full PMB cover (legally required)

Emergencies

Covered at any hospital (PMB)

Gap cover

Yes — specialist shortfalls likely (100% DHR only)

Summarised from Discovery Health's official 2026 brochure. Always confirm the details with the scheme or an accredited broker before you join.

Similar plans to compare

Other hospital + savings plans close to R2 750 a month.

BonitasBonFitR2 698per month, main memberView plan BonitasBonPrimeR3 255per month, main memberView plan KeyHealthEquilibriumR3 296per month, main memberView plan