Medical aid loyalty programmes offer members a bit extra for the right behaviour. Usually, they incentivise their members for making healthier lifestyle choices. In consideration, medical scheme members receive discounts, cashbacks, and exclusive privileges based on their participation and engagement with the programme. If you’re looking for a medical aid loyalty programme in South Africa, this blog outlines what to expect from some of the top options that are out there.
How do medical aid loyalty programmes work?
Medical aid loyalty programmes in South Africa are essentially set to encourage and reward their members for healthier behaviours. Here’s a brief summary of how these programmes work:
- Most work on a points basis. Members earn points by being active; for participating in health assessments; and by making healthy lifestyle choices.
- Points can be redeemed for rewards at partner retailers, including gyms, cinemas, fuel stations, and even on flights and electricity purchases.
- Many clients that take part in medical aid rewards programmes will have been allocated a status tier in the system (e.g. Discovery levels from Blue to Diamond) whereby the more points you earn; the higher your status, and the better your rewards.
Do I need to be a medical aid member to join a loyalty programme?
Not all medical aid loyalty programmes require you to be a medical aid member. Some can be accessed through other policies:
- Discovery Vitality is offered to certain life insurance holders.
- Momentum Multiply links with medical aid.
- Eligibility changes for each product, so you should check whether yours qualifies.
Do loyalty programmes influence medical aid choices?
For many South Africans, the availability of medical aid rewards programmes can be a deciding factor when choosing a medical aid scheme. Some key considerations include:
- Programmes like Discovery Vitality and Momentum Multiply provide significant rewards, making them attractive options.
- Those who actively engage with these programmes may find the savings and medical aid loyalty programme benefits outweigh the costs.
- Consumers looking for lifestyle and health incentives often prefer schemes that include robust medical aid rewards programmes.
Do loyalty programmes track physical activity and health screenings?
Yes, tracking health metrics is a core aspect of medical aid loyalty programmes. These programmes monitor:
- Physical exercises by using mobile apps and wearable devices.
- Health examination tests such as cholesterol, BMI and blood pressure assessments.
- Personal lifestyle habits including the smoking status, hydration and possibly driving behaviour.
How can I redeem my loyalty points or benefits?
Redemption methods vary across programmes, but most include:
- Discounts at affiliated shops, such as grocery stores, pharmacies, and clothes shops.
- Cashbacks on health-related purchases and subscriptions like gym memberships and wellness goods.
- Savings on flights, fuel, and even discounts on utility bills.
Do loyalty points expire?
While points themselves may not expire, status levels can drop if members do not maintain engagement. This means:
- A decline in physical activity or health screenings may reduce the level of rewards earned.
- Staying consistent with healthy behaviours ensures continued access to the best medical aid loyalty programme benefits.
Can I join a loyalty programme with a hospital plan only?
Yes, hospital plan members are typically eligible to participate in medical aid loyalty programmes. However, the specific medical aid loyalty programme benefits may differ from those available to comprehensive medical aid members.
Do these programmes offer free or subsidised health assessments?
- Some medical aid loyalty programmes provide free online health assessments.
- In-person health checks may be subsidised but are often included as part of preventative care benefits within the medical aid scheme.
What happens to my loyalty rewards if I cancel my medical aid?
- When a loyalty programme is linked to a medical aid, cancelling such a scheme may lead to the loss of loyalty rewards.
- Contrarily, in instances where the programme is engaged with another product, for instance, life cover, one may still retain membership and benefits.
What are the most popular medical aid loyalty programmes in South Africa?
Several well-known medical aid loyalty programmes operate in South Africa, including:
- Discovery Vitality – One of the very large medical aid wellness programmes with which there’s a discount on gym membership, flight tickets, and groceries.
- Momentum Multiply – Focuses on financial health wellness benefits through discounts and cashbacks awarded to members.
- Sanlam Reality – Offers various tiers of membership, including discounts on lifestyle and financial products.
Final thoughts
Medical aid loyalty programmes in South Africa provide one-of-a-kind incentives for those choosing to adopt a healthier lifestyle. They certainly add that extra bit of flavour to your health care journey, but are not the only benefits to consider when selecting a medical aid scheme. Compare the various loyalty programmes with Checkmed.co.za before joining to ensure that you gain maximum benefit.
