Scheme reviews
LA Health: plans, benefits and who it suits
By Naledi Mokoena · 6 min read · Updated 24 June 2026
- Administrator
- Discovery Health (restricted scheme)
- Plan types
- Network, core, savings, comprehensive
- Known for
- Local government scheme, Discovery administration
- Day-to-day
- Savings or structured benefits depending on plan
- Network option
- Yes - network and core plans
- How to join
- lahealth.co.za, employer HR or a broker
LA Health Medical Scheme is a restricted scheme largely associated with local government employees in South Africa and administered by Discovery Health, offering a plan range from network and core cover up to comprehensive options. It suits qualifying local government employees and their dependants who want a scheme on the Discovery network and administration platform.
Because it is administered by Discovery Health, members benefit from a large provider network and the Discovery administration platform, while the scheme itself is restricted to its eligible membership.
Confirm your eligibility, the plan benefits and the standard waiting periods on the scheme's own site before applying.
Eligibility and plan range
LA Health is a restricted scheme largely tied to local government employment. The plan range runs from network and core cover up to comprehensive options, with savings and structured day-to-day benefits on the higher plans. Because Discovery Health administers it, members use a large provider network and the Discovery platform. If you are not eligible, an open scheme is the route to take.
Indicative contribution bands
Contributions below are indicative bands to show where a plan type usually sits. They are not quotes. Always confirm the current year's rates on the scheme's own site before you decide. Members often receive an employer subsidy.
| Plan type | Entry contribution (indicative, per adult) | Hospital cover | Day-to-day | Network restriction |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Network / core | from roughly R1,400 to R2,200 | Network hospitals | Limited / network | Yes |
| Savings | from roughly R2,800 to R4,500 | Private hospitals | Savings account | Partly |
| Comprehensive | from roughly R5,500 upward | Private hospitals | Extended benefits | No |
Benefits and chronic cover
LA Health covers the 26 PMB chronic conditions, with extended chronic and broader day-to-day cover on the higher plans. Because Discovery Health administers it, members use a large provider network and the Discovery platform. Read the current benefit schedule for the limits and any co-payments on the plan you choose.
Waiting periods, applying and your rights
Standard waiting periods can apply to new members, up to 3 months general and 12 months condition-specific, with a possible late-joiner penalty after age 35 without prior cover. Apply through lahealth.co.za, your employer's HR or a registered broker, and pre-authorise planned hospital admissions.
If a scheme does not resolve a complaint, you can escalate to the Council for Medical Schemes (CMS) at medicalschemes.co.za, the statutory regulator for all registered medical schemes in South Africa.
Frequently asked questions
Who can join LA Health?
LA Health is a restricted scheme largely tied to local government employment. You generally need to qualify through eligible employment to join. Confirm the current rules on lahealth.co.za before applying.
Is LA Health administered by Discovery?
Yes. LA Health is administered by Discovery Health, so members use a large provider network and the Discovery administration platform. The scheme itself is restricted to its eligible membership, separate from Discovery's own open scheme.
How do I contact LA Health?
Use the contact details and member portal on lahealth.co.za. Avoid third-party numbers in search results. If a complaint is not resolved, you can escalate to the Council for Medical Schemes.
What plans does LA Health offer?
LA Health offers network, core, savings and comprehensive plans. The exact line-up and rates are published yearly, so check lahealth.co.za for the current plans and benefits before choosing.
Are there waiting periods on LA Health?
Yes. A 3-month general and up to a 12-month condition-specific waiting period can apply to new members under the Medical Schemes Act, and a late-joiner penalty may apply after age 35 without prior cover.
Is LA Health the same as Discovery?
No. LA Health is a separate restricted scheme that Discovery Health administers. It is not the Discovery Health Medical Scheme open plan range. Eligibility and benefits differ, so check LA Health's own plans.
