Your 2026 Health Reset: The Check-Ups and Screenings to Book Now
Make the most of your remaining 2026 medical aid benefits with essential check-ups, preventative screenings and achievable healthy habits
Summer is approaching, but your medical aid benefits may be heading in the opposite direction.
If your annual check-ups are still sitting somewhere between “I really should” and “maybe next month”, now is the time to act. There are still several months left in 2026. That is enough time to catch up on preventative care, reset a few daily habits and plan for next year.
Stay healthy, beautiful and increase longevity by visiting our Beauty & Wellness portal regularly.
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Start With a General Health Check
Begin with a visit to your GP. Ask about your blood pressure, cholesterol, blood glucose, weight and any changes you have noticed in your physical or mental health.
Then turn to the appointments that are easy to postpone. When last did you have an eye test or dental check-up?
Many South African medical schemes include certain preventative tests through wellness, screening or risk benefits. What is covered depends on your scheme and benefit option, so check before booking.
Medshield members, for example, may have access to an annual Health Risk Assessment. This reviews medical history, lifestyle factors and basic clinical measurements. Members should confirm the applicable benefits and provider requirements for their specific plan.
Discuss The Right Screenings With Your Doctor
Preventative screening can identify certain risks before obvious symptoms appear. However, your age, family history and personal risk factors should guide which tests you need.
Speak to your healthcare provider about:
- Blood pressure, cholesterol and blood glucose testing.
- Cervical screening, mammograms and HPV vaccination.
- PSA testing and prostate health.
- Eye examinations for vision changes, glaucoma and signs of diabetes.
- Vaccinations, including seasonal influenza and pneumococcal vaccination when appropriate.
- TB testing following possible exposure.
- Childhood vaccinations that may need updating.
The important word here is “appropriate”. More testing is not automatically better. The right screening, at the right time, is what counts.
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Put Your Remaining Benefits to Work
Before paying from your savings account or pocket, download your latest benefit statement. Look for unused wellness benefits, preventative screenings, optical benefits and dental allocations.
Also check whether your scheme requires a designated provider, referral or pre-authorisation. Medical-aid fine print is rarely thrilling reading, but neither is discovering that you visited the wrong provider after the bill arrives.
Build a Healthier Runway Into Summer
Appointments provide useful numbers. Daily habits determine what happens between them.
Adults should generally aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity each week. A brisk walk counts. You do not need a punishing gym session or a fitness watch that sends passive-aggressive reminders. World Health Organization
Add more vegetables and minimally processed foods to your plate. Drink enough water and cut back on heavily processed food and added sugar. World Health Organization
Sleep also matters. Most adults need at least seven hours a night, although individual requirements differ. Make room for stress management too, whether that means exercise, therapy, stronger boundaries or simply stepping away from your phone.
Finally, bring sunscreen back into the daily routine and check your skin for new or changing marks.
Start Planning for 2027
Medical schemes usually communicate new contributions and benefit changes before the new benefit year begins.
Review how you used your cover during 2026. Consider whether your family circumstances or healthcare needs have changed. A new baby, planned procedure, chronic diagnosis or regular medication could mean your current option is no longer the best fit.
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Do not wait for January to make another heroic list of health resolutions. Book one overdue appointment this week, check your available benefits and choose one daily habit you can sustain. Quiet consistency tends to achieve more than an expensive gym contract and three furious weeks of kale.
This article provides general information and does not replace personalised advice from a qualified healthcare professional or your medical scheme.
For more tips on how to keep healthy and happy during 2026 and beyond, click here.
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