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Common Ground News

Does Discovery pay for therapy?

Author

Sarah Oconnor

Updated on February 22, 2026

Does Discovery pay for therapy?

We pay claims for allied, therapeutic and psychology healthcare professionals up to a maximum of 100% of the Discovery Health Rate. We pay for allied, therapeutic and psychology healthcare services up to a limit. This is not a separate benefit.

Beside this, does discovery cover mental health?

This programme gives you and your Premier Plus GP access to tools and benefits to monitor and manage your condition to ensure you get high quality and coordinated healthcare. This document gives you more information about the Mental Health Care Programme, which is available on all Discovery Health Medical Scheme plans.

Additionally, does Discovery pay for rehab? Discovery Health Medical Scheme covers alcohol, substance and drug detoxification in full at one of our DSP's for a maximum of three days for each approved admission. We also cover alcohol, substance and drug rehabilitation at one of our DSP's for a maximum of 21 days in hospital each year.

Similarly, it is asked, does Discovery medical aid pay psychologists?

Discovery Health has an agreed rate that they pay the DSPs and this includes cover for: • Accommodation • Therapeutic sessions • Psychologist or psychiatrist consultations • Medicine for withdrawal management and aftercare.

Does medical aid pay for psychologist?

Services rendered by educational psychologist are covered by most medical aids.” Psychologist's' fees and fee structure will vary and some even ask for payment upfront and tell you to claim from your medical scheme yourself, particularly if you are a new customer.

Does medical aid cover depression?

One of the major issues is that most medical aid schemes do not cover medication for depression and anxiety. This means that those who need to take medication for depression and anxiety need to fork out thousands of rand a year in order to function.

Which health insurance covers therapy?

Medi-Cal provides mental health care and substance use disorder services. If you are in a Medi-Cal managed care plan, call your plan or call the Medi-Cal Mental Health Care Ombudsman at 1-800-896-4042.

Is depression a PMB condition?

Bipolar mood disorder, for instance, is eligible for PMB coverage, but other forms of depression are excluded.

Does discovery KeyCare plus cover psychologists?

To access the Mental Health Care Programme, you must consult with a Premier Plus GP or a psychologist in the Mental Health Care Programme network and meet certain criteria. Members on KeyCare plans must choose a doctor who is on both the KeyCare or KeyCare Start and Premier Plus GP network.

Does my medical insurance cover therapy?

Services such as therapist visits, group therapy, and emergency mental healthcare are typically covered by health insurance plans. Rehabilitative services for addiction are also included. Therapy can be expensive, with or without insurance.

Does medical aid pay for vitamins?

Although your medical aid will pay for certain vitamins out of your medical savings, this can be a very costly way to buy your vitamins. Only use your medical savings for doctor's visits, prescribed medication, blood tests, dentistry and optometry.

Does Discovery have a hospital plan?

All Discovery Medical Health Scheme plans offer unlimited private hospital cover. Discovery Health Medical Scheme offers 23 different plan options, ranging from a simple hospital plan like our Core Series, to more comprehensive medical aid plans that include additional day-to-day benefits and cover.

What does Discovery coastal saver cover?

We pay your day-to-day medical expenses such as GP and specialist consultations, acute medicine, radiology and pathology from the available funds allocated to your MSA. Any unused funds will carry over to the next year. A list of medicine we cover in full for the treatment of approved chronic condition(s).

Does medical aid cover educational psychologist?

As a result, some medical aid schemes have realised they are no longer legally bound to cover the costs of educational psychologists. Three educational psychologists (EPs) spoke to News24 to discuss how the unexpected change has affected their day-to-day dealings with patients and in their practices.

Does discovery cover educational psychologist?

We pay claims for allied, therapeutic and psychology healthcare professionals up to a maximum of 100% of the Discovery Health Rate. We pay for allied, therapeutic and psychology healthcare services up to a limit. This is not a separate benefit.

Does Discovery medical aid cover speech?

Discovery will consider applications for additional cover from the following allied healthcare professionals only: ¦ Acousticians ¦ Audiologists ¦ Biokineticists ¦ Chiropractors ¦ Occupational therapists ¦ Physiotherapists ¦ Psychologists (clinical, counselling and educational) ¦ Speech therapists Page 2 We will not

Does KeyCare plus cover chiropractic?

or chiropractors. You have access to the following day-to-day cover on KeyCare Plus and KeyCare Start plans. On KeyCare Start your chosen KeyCare Start GP must refer you and you must use providers in your chosen KeyCare Start network.

Does medical aid cover marriage Counselling?

Marriage counselling is generally a short-term process, it being on average, about 8-12 sessions in duration. In terms of the account, most medical aids do cover marriage counselling. If the couple is on medical aid, the counsellor will submit the account directly, and the medical aid will pay the counsellor directly.

What can I buy with my discovery medical aid?

We pay your day-to-day medical expenses such as GP and specialist consultations, medicine, except for registered and approved chronic medicine, radiology and pathology from the available funds allocated to your Medical Savings Account (MSA).

What is the waiting period for Discovery medical aid?

There are general waiting periods and condition-specific waiting periods. Discovery Health Medical Scheme's general waiting period is for three consecutive months, while the condition-specific waiting period is 12 consecutive months.

Which is the best medical aid in South Africa?

Bestmed has the most loyal customers at 70.6%, above industry par of 68.8%, followed by Medihelp at 70.4%. Discovery (69.9%) and Bonitas (68.2%) are on par, while Gems (60%) and Momentum (59.5%) have the least loyal customers, with Momentum showing a 4% decline in customer loyalty scores from 2019.

Do we cover discovery?

Discovery Health Medical Scheme covers each procedure according to the benefits available on your health plan. Discovery Health Medical Scheme members can see if their procedure or treatment is covered with our 'Do We Cover” tool. If you need to go to hospital, you must call us to confirm your admission to hospital.

Does discovery cover pap smear?

The preventive tests, including the mammogram, Pap smear, prostate specific antigen and HIV tests are paid up to the Discovery Health Rate. The Screening and Prevention Benefit does not cover the cost of any related consultations. Consultations are covered from the available funds in your day-to-day benefits.

How do I claim back from Discovery medical aid?

Submit your claim fast and easy in any of these 3 digital ways
  1. Upload your claim. Scan and upload your claims. Upload your claim now.
  2. Email your claims. Scan and email your claims to claims@discovery.co.za.
  3. Discovery app. Use your smartphone.

Does discovery KeyCare plus cover dentist?

Cover for basic dental treatment

On KeyCare Plus and KeyCare Start plans, we cover consultations, fillings and tooth removals at a dentist in our dentist network.

Does discovery KeyCare plus cover optometrist?

KEYCARE SERIES

You must go to an optometrist in the KeyCare Optometry Network. This cover is only available every two benefit years (24 months from last date of service) when making use of a network optometrist who is part of the KeyCare Network optometrists.

What does KeyCare plus cover?

On KeyCare Plus, we cover wheelchairs, wheelchair batteries and cushions, transfer boards and mobile ramps, commodes, long-leg calipers, crutches and walkers on the medical equipment list, if you get them from a network provider.

How much is Bonitas medical?

The cost for the plans are R1,452 and R1,731 respectively for the principal member.

How much does it cost to be a psychologist?

Median annual tuition costs to earn your doctorate degree in Clinical Psychology (public institution): In-state residents: $11,000. Non-residents: $24,000.

Does Bonitas pay for therapy?

Bonitas covers the full cost of the programme so it won't impact your savings or day-to-day benefits. Please call us on 0860 105 104 to be referred to your nearest treatment centre. You will need to complete an assessment to determine if you are a suitable candidate for the programme.

Does Bupa cover mental health?

Bupa By You covers all mental health conditions except dementia and learning, behavioural and developmental problems. Review your cookie settings to access all features. There are times when you may not feel like yourself.

Does Discovery coastal saver cover psychology?

We pay for out-of-hospital allied, therapeutic and psychology healthcare services from the available funds allocated to your Medical Savings Account and from the Above Threshold Benefit, once your claims add up to the Annual Threshold.