The short answer

For most South Africans, medical aid does not routinely cover GLP-1 weight-loss treatment. This is mainly because obesity is not yet treated as a chronic condition under most scheme rules, so weight-management medicine usually sits outside the funded benefits. There is movement in this area and cover is slowly expanding, but for now most people pay for their treatment themselves.

The good news: the part that often is claimable — your blood tests — can usually come from your medical savings, and our programme is priced so you always know exactly what each part costs.

Why cover is so limited

Medical schemes fund a defined list of conditions and treatments. Because obesity is not classified as a chronic condition for funding purposes on most plans, GLP-1 weight-loss treatment generally is not included as a covered benefit. Some schemes are reviewing this, and a minority may fund treatment in specific diabetes-related situations, but you should never assume cover — always confirm with your own scheme.

What you can usually still claim: your bloods

Before and during treatment, a doctor reviews your bloodwork. These pathology tests are typically claimable from your medical savings account, which means many patients pay little or nothing out of pocket for them. We send you a free lab form, and you do your bloods at Lancet, Ampath, PathCare or your preferred lab.

How to check your own scheme (5 minutes)

  1. Call your medical aid or open your member app and ask about cover for weight-management treatment and GLP-1 therapy.
  2. Ask whether pathology blood tests are payable from your medical savings account.
  3. Ask for the specific exclusions on your plan so there are no surprises.
  4. Ask whether you can submit an itemised invoice for consideration.
  5. Keep a note of who you spoke to and what they said.

How our programme keeps your costs clear

Our doctor-led programme is a flat R299 a month, which covers your eligibility screening, your consultation with a registered doctor, your treatment plan where appropriate, a free lab form, a clear dose plan, follow-up consultations and ongoing coaching. The two costs that sit outside the programme — your treatment, collected at any pharmacy, and your bloods at the lab — are paid separately and in the open, so nothing is hidden in a bundle. We can also give you an itemised invoice to submit to your scheme.

See the full pricing breakdown or read our FAQs.