Discovery Health Medical Scheme (DHMS) reaffirmed its financial resilience and commitment to member value at its 2026 Annual General Meeting (AGM) which was held virtually yesterday (25 June 2026), against a backdrop of sustained pressure on household healthcare costs.
The HealthTrend26 Report by Discovery Health is based on more than 60 million life-years of clinical, lifestyle and behavioural data from Discovery Health Medical Scheme, covering over 2.7 million members. Over the past decade, mortality has declined by 5.6%, reflecting deliberate action through earlier diagnosis, better treatment and sustained behaviour change.
Discovery Health has partnered with UK-based digital health innovator Vira Health to introduce Stella – a globally recognised, clinically validated menopause support app – to South Africa for the first time.
Disclaimers
This press statement is issued by Discovery Health (Pty) Ltd, registration number 1997/013480/07, an authorised financial services provider and accredited administrator of medical schemes, on behalf of Discovery Health Medical Scheme, registration number 1125, which it administers.
Personal Health Pathways is brought to Discovery Health Medical Scheme members by Discovery H
Key messages:
HIV-related mortality among DHMS members has almost halved (down 47%) over 13 years, driven by sustained ART adherence, personalised data-driven care, and the strength of Discovery’s HIV Care Programme.
Members living with HIV are living significantly longer, with the average age at death rising by eight years and mortality rates for virally undetect
Johannesburg, 28 October 2025 – New research reveals a sharp rise in mental-health condition prevalence among Discovery Health Medical Scheme’s (DHMS) members over the past 13 years. In 2024, one in seven DHMS members (15% of the overall Scheme population) registered or claimed for a mental health condition – up from one in ten (10%) in 2012 - equivalent to a 46% increase in prevalence over time.
Discovery Health Medical Scheme has announced a 7.2% weighted average contribution increase for 2026. Notably, 65% of members will experience only a 6.9% increase, while contributions for members on Active Smart plans will remain unchanged (0% increase). In an effort to support affordability, the Scheme will defer all contribution increases to 1 April 2026, leveraging its strong solvency position.
Access to the Premium edition of the Parent Sense app provides for medically vetted, expert-led, always-on support delivered to Discovery Health Medical Scheme members navigating pregnancy and parenthood.
[disclaimer] This press statement is issued by Discovery Health (Pty) Ltd, registration number 1997/013480/07, an authorised financial services provider and accredited administrator of medical schemes on behalf of Discovery Health Medical Scheme, registration number 1125, which it administers.
Harnessing the power of advanced, evidence-based data science and artificial intelligence (AI), Discov
[disclaimer] This press statement is issued by Discovery Health (Pty) Ltd, registration number 1997/013480/07, an authorised financial services provider and accredited administrator of medical schemes on behalf of Discovery Health Medical Scheme, registration number 1125, which it administers.
Key highlights:
Launch date: Subject to the approval by the Council for Medical Schemes (CMS), an
Discovery Health Medical Scheme announces a new plan for young professionals, adds to the day-to-day benefits of members through a new Personal Health Fund, and increases contributions by 7.4% to 10.9% across its plan range in alignment with projected medical inflation for 2025.
This press statement is issued by Discovery Health (Pty) Ltd, registration number 1997/013480/07, an authorised finan
Johannesburg, 31 July 2024: Discovery Health Medical Scheme (DHMS) continues to demonstrate strong performance, financial certainty and sustainability for members’ peace of mind.
Presenting at the Scheme’s Annual General meeting (AGM), Discovery Health Medical Scheme Principal Officer, Charlotte Mbewu, reflected on the achievements of the 2023 financial year. Results presented show that the S
University students are likely to experience mental health issues. What are the warning signs? And how can healthy eating, exercise and financial savvy play a role in protecting mental health?
28 June 2024, Johannesburg: Discovery Health Medical Scheme claims data show a 120% increase in the prevalence of mental health conditions among young people (ages 18-24) from 2012 to 2022, compared to an
The WELLTH Fund has already paid out over R600 million to Discovery Health Medical Scheme (DHMS) members since it launched in January 2023. The once-off benefit will be available until 31 December 2024. The top five services DHMS members used their WELLTH Fund benefit for in 2023 were to fund visits to dentists, GPs, physiotherapists, optometrists and to obstetricians and gynaecologists. In 2
Regular cancer screening is lifesaving - the earlier you catch cancer, the better your outcomes
With World Cancer Day commemorated every year on 4 February, latest claims data from Discovery Health Medical Scheme (DHMS) shows an improvement in cancer screening rates following the dip noted during the pandemic period from 2020 to 2022. For the most part they have returned to pre-pandemic levels.
In April 2023, Discovery Health Medical Scheme (DHMS) provided cover to 90 centenarian members (people aged 100 years or older), including two semi-supercentenarians aged 105. These members represent 0.0032% of DHMS lives (32 centenarians per million Scheme members). Ironically, DHMS centenarians are healthier than the average elderly member, with a chronic condition prevalence that is similar
The world’s focus turns to diabetes on 14 November 2023 – World Diabetes Day. This year the theme is Know your risk, Know your response. Clinical leadership from Discovery including Head of Vitality Wellness, Dr Mosima Mabunda and Chief Clinical Officer at Discovery Health, Dr Noluthando Nematswerani, urge a focus on knowing your risk and managing your weight in tackling diabetes.
The new Discovery Health App offers a personalized gateway to the healthcare system for every Discovery Health customer. It enables end-to-end healthcare system navigation and support. The App provides access to cutting-edge digital healthcare technology and services for customers. The App integrates everything to do with one’s health in one place, so that customers can easily check in on their
Across the world and in South Africa, depression is the most common form of mental illness. 1 in 3 people in South Africa experience a mental health issue. Only 1 in 10 people with a mental health issue have access to treatment. What role do healthy eating, exercise, holistic healthcare, and digital therapeutics for mental health play in tackling the unprecedented rise in mental illness – par
Issued on behalf of Discovery Health Medical Scheme (DHMS)
Please note that the announcement below in respect of the Discovery Health Medical Scheme 2024 contributions and/or benefits changes have been submitted to the Council for Medical Schemes and is subject to its approval.
Discovery Health Medical Scheme (DHMS) has announced a weighted average contribution increase across all benefit p
