Quick answer: Yes. Discovery Health Medical Scheme covers in-hospital alcohol and drug rehabilitation as a Prescribed Minimum Benefit on every plan: up to 21 days a year at a network facility, plus up to three days of detox for each approved admission. You need pre-authorisation. At a facility outside the network, Discovery pays up to 80% of its rate and you pay the rest. Rehab outside hospital is not covered.
Last reviewed: October 2026, based on Discovery Health Medical Scheme’s published benefit guide.
What does Discovery pay for rehab?
| Benefit | What Discovery pays |
|---|---|
| Detox | In full at a network detox facility, for up to three days per approved admission |
| Inpatient rehabilitation | Up to 21 days per person per year at a network facility |
| Facility outside the network | Up to 80% of the Discovery Health Rate. You pay the difference |
| Admission without pre-authorisation | Up to 70% of the Discovery Health Rate. You pay the difference |
| Outpatient rehab | Not covered |
What is included in the 21 days?
At a network facility, the rate Discovery pays covers:
- accommodation at the facility
- therapy sessions
- consultations with a psychologist or psychiatrist
- medicine for withdrawal and aftercare
Does this apply to all Discovery plans?
Yes. Because rehab is a Prescribed Minimum Benefit, the cover applies on every Discovery Health Medical Scheme plan, from KeyCare to Executive. What differs is which facilities are in the network for your plan, so check before you choose a centre.
How do I get Discovery to approve rehab?
- Call Discovery on 0860 99 88 77 or use the Discovery Health app before the admission.
- Ask for pre-authorisation for alcohol or drug detoxification and rehabilitation.
- Ask which network facility is closest to you. Discovery confirms this when it authorises the admission.
- Write down the authorisation number and give it to the rehab centre.
- Ask how many of your 21 days are left for the year.
Many rehab centres will handle the pre-authorisation call with you. See our step-by-step guide to getting medical aid to approve rehab.
What if there is no network facility near me?
If there is no network facility close to where you live or work, or in an emergency, Discovery allows you to use another accredited provider. Phone for pre-authorisation first, and Discovery will confirm how the claim can be paid in full without a co-payment.
What happens when the 21 days are used up?
The 21 days are the maximum for each person each year. Once they are used, Discovery does not cover further rehab or detox admissions for the rest of that year. Your options are in what to do when your rehab days are used up.
Frequently asked questions
How many days of rehab does Discovery pay for?
Up to 21 days of inpatient rehabilitation per person per year, plus up to three days of detox for each approved admission.
Does Discovery KeyCare cover rehab?
Yes. Rehab is a Prescribed Minimum Benefit, so it is covered on every plan, including KeyCare, at a network facility and with pre-authorisation.
Does Discovery cover outpatient rehab?
No. Discovery Health Medical Scheme does not cover rehabilitation that takes place out of hospital.
What will I pay at a rehab outside Discovery’s network?
Discovery pays up to 80% of the Discovery Health Rate and you pay the difference. If the centre charges more than that rate, your share is more than 20%.
How Rehab Bridge can help
Rehab Bridge is not a rehab centre and is not affiliated with any medical scheme. We listen to your situation, explain your options and connect you to rehab centres in Gauteng and Cape Town that work with your medical aid. Contact us, send us a WhatsApp or email info@rehabbridge.co.za.
Benefits and scheme rules change every year. This article is general information, not advice. Confirm your cover with Discovery before admission.