Knowledge is power
Bankmed continues to partner with BioFITT Wellness for at-home wellness screenings and RecoMed for online booking for wellness consultations at Clicks, Alpha Pharm, ICPA (Independent Community Pharmacy Association) or Dis-Chem pharmacies.
How do I book my appointment for at-home testing?
You have three options:
- Make your appointment when one of our BioFITT Wellness consultants calls you during the year
- Call BioFITT Wellness on 021 820 4858 on weekdays between 08:00 and 17:00
- Book via the BioFITT Wellness dedicated WhatsApp line 074 978 9836 (provide your name, membership number and physical address)
How do I book my appointment for in-pharmacy testing? *
Book online through RecoMed to have your screening done at a Clicks, Alpha Pharm, ICPA (Independent Community Pharmacy Association) or Dis-Chem pharmacy.
Need help booking online? E-mail support@recomed.co.za
Bankmed, in partnership with Recomed, offers you access to health screenings at selected Clicks, Alpha Pharm, ICPA and Dis-Chem pharmacies.
* The RecoMed platform cannot be used to book a COVID-19 vaccination and all members should enrol on the Electronic Vaccination Data System (EVDS).
Will Bankmed cover wellness screenings?
Claims for your Personal Health Assessment (PHA) are paid from your Insured Benefits and will not reduce your day-to-day benefits or the funds in your Medical Savings Account (if your Plan includes one). Any additional health checks will be covered depending on the benefits included in your Plan.
Get the support you need
If your screening results show that you may be at risk of an underlying condition, it is important to visit your Healthcare Professional for confirmation. If you are diagnosed with a chronic condition, you will need to enrol in the appropriate Managed Care Programme to access the Chronic Illness Benefit. Following your treatment plan on the Managed Care Programme is essential to maintain your health and reduce the risks linked to poorly managed chronic conditions. For a brief overview of the Managed Care Programmes available, please see the Bankmed Care Programmes infographic.
Bankmed covers chronic medical conditions through the Chronic Illness Benefit. For more information on which 27 chronic conditions are covered and how to register for the Chronic Illness Benefit, visit the website or contact us on 0800 BANKMED (0800 226 5633).
Get tested. Get vaccinated. Follow treatment
Get tested regularly for HIV, and if you experience any symptoms, get tested for COVID-19 and tuberculosis (TB). Make sure to get vaccinated against COVID-19 and follow your Healthcare Professional prescribes for these conditions.
HIV is a manageable condition just like other chronic conditions such as diabetes or asthma. HIV can be managed with proper treatment, regular blood tests and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
How to learn your HIV status
As a Bankmed member, you have three options to choose from for HIV testing:
1. Self-testing in the privacy of your own home
Bankmed offers quick and convenient HIV self-testing that you can do privately at home. Whether you use a self-testing kit or a finger-prick test, a positive result will always require a confirmatory test with your Healthcare Professional. We encourage you to seek counselling before and after testing. Visit our website or e-mail us at hiv@bankmed.co.za to learn how the HIV self-test works and how to order a kit online.
2. Book online at your nearest Clicks, Dis-Chem, Alpha Pharm or ICPA (Independent Community Pharmacy Association) pharmacies
You can book an HIV test online at your nearest Clicks, Dis-Chem, Alpha Pharm or ICPA. These pharmacies provide testing together with pre- and post-test counselling.
3. Visit your Healthcare Professional (GP)
Find a Healthcare Professional on our network who can guide you and support your healthcare needs.
You have cover for HIV/AIDS care and treatment
Bankmed members diagnosed with HIV have access to our HIV Programme which offers comprehensive benefits for clinically appropriate treatment. Find out more about the support available to you.
How to register:
- E-mail hiv@bankmed.co.za or
- Call 0800 BANKMED (0800 226 5633)
Your status and treatment remain strictly confidential. Your information is protected and only accessible to assigned consultants involved in the HIV Programme, ensuring you receive the support you need.
Commit to protecting yourself and your community
According to the UNAIDS Global AIDS statistics, HIV remains a global health crisis. In 2024, 40.8 million people worldwide were living with HIV, and 9.3 million were not receiving treatment.
Remember to take these important steps to prevent HIV infection:
- Practice safe sex and always use a condom. Make sure you and your partner know your HIV status.
- If you are pregnant, it is essential to test for HIV, if you test positive, you must take antiretroviral therapy (ARVs) will help reduce the risk of transmission from you to your baby.
- Speak to your Healthcare Professional about pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP). PrEP is medication given to HIV-negative people who may be at risk of contracting HIV. PEP is a medication given to people who have been exposed to HIV to reduce the risk of contracting HIV.
We care about your health and encourage you to be responsible and stay safe!
All Bankmed members and dependants aged 16 years and older have access to the Wellness and Preventative Care Benefits which cover services related to preventative tests and health assessments. For children aged nine to 15 years, a screening benefit is available to assess children for obesity risk. If a condition is left untreated or symptoms go unnoticed without identifying the root cause, it may progress to a stage equiring serious intervention. Such treatment could involve costly surgery and intensive medical care. The Wellness and Preventative Care Benefits, provide access to essential tests for early diagnosis and preventative care.
As part of your Personal Health Assessment, a Healthcare Professional will measure your cholesterol, blood pressure and blood glucose, and calculate your body mass index and waist circumference.
Find out more about the Personal Health Assessment here.
What is the Mental Health Care Programme?
The Mental Health Care Programme, together with your Premier Plus GP, can help you actively manage episodes of major depression. This Programme gives you and your Premier Plus GP access to tools and benefits to monitor and manage your condition and ensure you get high quality, coordinated healthcare and the best outcomes.
Complete your Mental Wellbeing Assessment and read more about the Mental Health Care Programme.
Bankmed encourages you to be proactive during the flu season - get your flu vaccine to remain healthy. The flu vaccine will keep your immune system strong, especially during the pandemic.
Bankmed provides you with a range of options to book for your flu vaccine:
Online bookings - Clicks, Dis-Chem, Alpha Pharm and ICPA (Independent Community Pharmacy Association) pharmacies
Step 1: Click on the booking link https://bankmedbooking.datafree.co/
Step 2: Search for a Clicks, Alpha Pharm, ICPA or Dis-Chem pharmacy by location e.g. Sandton
Step 3: Select your preferred pharmacy
Step 4: Select your preferred date and timeslot (availability is highlighted in red)
Step 5: Complete your personal information
Step 6: Select the flu vaccine from the 'Select a reason' drop down list
(if the option is not on the list, it is not available at that pharmacy)
Step 7: Accept the 'Terms & Conditions'
Step 8: Select 'Request appointment now'
On confirmation of your booking, you will receive an SMS and e-mail with your appointment details.
At-home bookings
You can schedule an appointment using one of the following methods:
- Call BioFITT Wellness on 021 820 4858 during office hours between 08:00 to 17:00
- Book via the BioFITT Wellness dedicated WhatsApp line 081 848 8938 (provide your name, membership number and physical address)
Make an appointment with a Bankmed General Practitioner
- Click here to access the Bankmed Health Professionals Network
Getting the flu vaccine will not reduce your day-to-day benefits; it is covered from your Wellness and Preventative Care Benefits (Insured Benefits). If a nurse administers the vaccine and charges a consultation fee, it is subject to the nurse consultation benefit.
For more information on our Preventative Care Benefits click here.
Breast cancer can be treated if it's detected early.
It is important to remember that breast cancer does not only affect females. One in every 992 men develops breast cancer. Both women and men aged 40 and over should have a yearly breast cancer screening called a mammogram. A mammogram is specialised imaging test that uses low-dose X-rays to evaluate the internal structure of the breast.
Get answers to common questions about mammograms and breast cancer.
Where do I go for a mammogram?
Mammograms are usually done at radiology units. Healthcare Professionals refer members for mammograms to screen for breast cancer.
Does Bankmed pay for mammograms?
If you are 40 years or older, you automatically have cover for one mammogram each year.
We want to make sure you receive the treatment you need before symptoms develop. For members aged 40 years or older, mammogram costs are covered in full from your Insured Benefit when using a radiologist within the Bankmed Network. These tests do not use your day-to-day benefits or Medical Savings Account
We understand you might need a mammogram even if you are younger than 40. If your Healthcare Professional suggests a mammogram, contact us on 0800 BANKMED (0800 226 5633) to get approval.
We offer an interactive tool, the Breast Cancer Risk Calculator on our website to estimate your risk of developing breast cancer. If the calculator shows you are at high risk and your Healthcare Professional agrees, Bankmed provides access to additional screenings, such as a breast MRI scan. Please ensure you obtain approval before undergoing the scan.
Bankmed's Oncology Programme
If you are diagnosed with cancer, our Oncology Programme pays for cancer treatment we approve. For more information on how to register, read about our programme.
We encourage you to have your health screenings and stay safe!
Join our Pill Squad and have your contraceptive pill delivered directly to you!
Bankmed is always looking for innovative ways to show that we are your true partner in health and wellness. Part of that promise is making it easier for you to stay healthy while managing a busy lifestyle.
As a female Bankmed member, you can use The Pill Squad, a convenient platform that lets you to order your monthly contraceptive pill and have it delivered straight to your home or workplace.
Who can join the Pill Squad?
Female members on the Core Saver, Traditional, Comprehensive and Plus Plans qualify for the enhanced Contraceptive Benefit. Bankmed covers oral contraception at our Medicine Rate, up to the yearly contraception benefit limit. If your contraceptive pill costs more than this, you will need to pay the difference by credit card or EFT. Once you reach the limit, we will inform you and you will be responsible for the cost of the medication yourself.
How does delivery work?
Our Pill Squad delivers prescriptions from Monday to Friday between 08:00 and 17:00. There are no deliveries on weekends and public holidays. The pills are sent in a brown box in an unmarked flyer bag.