Quick answer: Yes. Momentum Medical Scheme covers alcohol and drug rehabilitation as part of its mental health benefit: 21 days of in-hospital treatment a year, or 15 outpatient consultations instead. You need pre-authorisation at least 48 hours before admission. Which facility you may use depends on your option. Some options require a SANCA facility and others use a private network facility.
Last reviewed: October 2026, based on Momentum Medical Scheme’s published mental health benefit information.
What does Momentum pay for rehab?
| Rule | How it works on Momentum |
|---|---|
| Days covered | 21 days of in-hospital treatment per year, or 15 outpatient consultations |
| Shared limit | Rehab days form part of the 21-day mental health limit |
| Where | A SANCA facility on some options, a private network facility on others |
| Pre-authorisation | Required for in-hospital and out-of-hospital benefits |
| Facility outside the network | Paid up to the Momentum Medical Scheme Rate, and co-payments apply |
| Late or no authorisation | The scheme pays 70% of the negotiated tariff |
Why does it matter that the 21 days are shared?
On Momentum, alcohol and drug rehabilitation forms part of the same 21-day limit as other mental health admissions. If you have already spent time in a psychiatric clinic this year, for example for depression, those days come off the same total. Ask the scheme how many days you have left before you plan an admission.
Which rehab facilities can I use on Momentum?
It depends on your option. On some options the benefit must be used at a SANCA facility, and the full 21 days must be completed there. On other options the 21 days are at a private facility in Momentum’s network. If you choose a facility outside the network, the scheme pays up to its own rate and you are responsible for co-payments. Confirm the rule for your option before choosing a centre.
How do I get Momentum to approve rehab?
- Log in to the Momentum App, or call the member call centre on 0860 11 78 59.
- Ask for pre-authorisation at least 48 hours before the admission date, unless it is an emergency.
- Ask which facilities your option allows, and how many of your 21 days are left.
- Write down the authorisation number and give it to the rehab centre.
See our guide to getting medical aid to approve rehab.
What if I do not get authorisation in time?
Momentum pays 70% of the negotiated tariff if you did not get authorisation in time, provided the admission would have been approved under the scheme’s rules. You pay the rest, so get the number before admission.
Frequently asked questions
How many days of rehab does Momentum cover?
21 days of in-hospital treatment a year. Rehab days form part of the scheme’s 21-day mental health limit.
Does Momentum cover outpatient rehab?
The mental health benefit offers 15 outpatient consultations as the alternative to the 21 in-hospital days. Pre-authorisation is required.
Do I have to use a SANCA facility on Momentum?
On some options, yes. On others the benefit is at a private network facility. Ask Momentum which rule applies to your option.
How far ahead must I get Momentum’s authorisation?
At least 48 hours before admission, unless it is an emergency.
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 Momentum before admission.