Medical Aid

In today’s world, healthcare costs are soaring, and a single day in a private hospital or one unexpected operation can quickly drain your emergency savings. While you may feel fit and healthy, accidents and medical emergencies can happen when you least expect them.

Today, having medical aid is not just important—it’s essential. When you’re unwell, you need immediate access to a doctor without long waits or delays. Medical aid ensures you receive professional care when you need it most, providing peace of mind and security for you and your family.

Compliance with Shariah Principles

In alignment with all guiding principles, the Discovery Health Medical Scheme Shariah-Compliant Arrangement has been meticulously designed to fully adhere to Shariah principles, including:

In accordance with Shariah principles regarding interest, the Shariah-Compliant Arrangement ensures that no interest is earned or paid. Instead, funds will be invested in a Shariah-compliant manner, allowing members the opportunity to earn a profit on MSA balances.
Participating members can be assured that their contributions, as well as any remaining balances after claims and relevant expenses, will be invested in Shariah-compliant investments.

What makes us different?

Shariah is the religious legal framework of Islam, guiding all aspects of life, including financial transactions. Shariah-compliant financial arrangements adhere to the principles of Shariah Law, ensuring ethical and fair dealings. Key requirements of Shariah-compliant finance include:
✅ No Interest (Riba): Profit must be earned through shared risk between parties.
✅ No Ambiguity (Gharar): Contracts must be clear, transparent, and free from uncertainty

Shariah-compliant financial arrangements adhere to ethical principles that govern permissible transactions. Key requirements include:
✅ No Investment in Non-Permissible Sectors: Funds cannot be directed toward industries such as non-Halal meat production, gambling, or weapon manufacturing.
✅ Profit and Loss Sharing: Both parties must share in the risks and rewards of financial transactions.
✅ Shariah Oversight: An independent Shariah Board is engaged to review and audit contracts and operations, ensuring continued compliance with Shariah principles.

Benefits

It provides financial protection against unexpected, high medical costs when you need it most
You can safeguard your family’s health by focusing on early treatment rather than waiting until illness becomes severe.
You have the freedom to choose a private hospital over a crowded public facility, ensuring faster and more personalized care.
With medical aid, you can rest assured that financial constraints won’t delay your medical treatment, ensuring timely care when you need it most
Medical Tax Rebates – The government encourages medical aid coverage by offering rebates, making it more affordable for you.

Discovery Health Medical Scheme is the largest open medical scheme in South Africa, providing comprehensive healthcare coverage and financial protection to its members.

With an open market share of 56.7% (as per the Council for Medical Schemes Quarterly Report, June 2019) and 2,808,106 beneficiaries as of December 31, 2019, Discovery Health Medical Scheme (DHMS) stands as a leading medical scheme in South Africa.

As a non-profit entity, DHMS operates under the Medical Schemes Act 131 of 1998 and is regulated by the Council for Medical Schemes (CMS). It is an open medical scheme, meaning any member of the public can join, subject to the Scheme rules.

The Scheme is owned by its members and governed by an independent Board of Trustees, ensuring transparency, accountability, and the best interests of its members.