Various systems in your body need to work together and work well for you to be healthy. The problem is that you can't always judge how healthy you are, just by how well you feel. The Scheme has noticed that during the COVID pandemic, members have put off having their routine screenings. This means that several of our members may not know that they have a health condition that requires treatment.

Take control of your health with routine screening tests included in your yearly Screening & Prevention Benefit.

The Screening & Prevention Benefit covers certain tests at a Discovery Wellness Network provider. We help make your Medical Savings Account last longer by paying for tests and screenings that form part of the Screening & Prevention Benefit from the Major Medical Expenses Benefit (limited to one approved test per beneficiary per year). Find a network provider here.

When you go for routine screening tests, you're rewarded with better knowledge about your health and a chance to improve it. You can earn Vitality points as well, if you are a member of this wellness programme.

Screening tests for cancer

Breast cancer and cervical cancer are two of the most common cancers among women in South Africa. Luckily, there's a good chance of recovery if you catch them early. By knowing your body, what's normal for you and going for regular screenings, you can prevent cancer from sneaking up on you.

Pap smears can detect cervical cancer early

Early cervical pre-cancers or cancers often have no signs or symptoms, which is why having a pap smear every three years is so important after you turn 18. Female members of Tsogo Sun Group Medical Scheme have cover for a pap smear every three years from the Major Medical Expenses Benefit.

An abnormal cervical screening test does not mean you definitely have cancer. Most abnormal results are caused by an infection or the presence of treatable pre-cancerous cells, rather than cancer itself.

Mammograms reveal breast lumps that could be breast cancer

Women often detect breast lumps themselves before a doctor does. That's why it is so important to examine your breasts each month for abnormalities. A mammogram every two years can detect breast lumps before you feel them. If you meet the criteria for those at higher risk for breast cancer, you have cover for a mammogram every year.

A Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) test shows early signs of prostate cancer

Cover for this blood test is available to male members of the Tsogo Sun Group Medical Scheme. The Scheme covers one test per male beneficiary per year. The tests are usually indicated for males aged 40 and above, and can give an early warning of a possible cancer diagnosis. Sometimes your doctor may decide that the test is necessary even before age 40, and in this case a special decision will be made based on the clinical information provided.

Catch other conditions before they start

You can ward off certain conditions before they take hold. The Screening & Prevention Benefit gives you cover for tests that measure your blood sugar, blood pressure, cholesterol and calculates your body mass index (BMI). These screening tests determine your risk for conditions like chronic high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol and obesity.

Your health is unique to you. So, we use the results of your individual Screening & Prevention Benefit to refer you to personalised condition-specific healthcare programmes if you need it. Our programmes give members and their Premier Plus GPs the tools they need to monitor and manage health conditions.

Don't delay. Have your screening tests to catch conditions early before they have the chance to cause you harm.