The best way to prepare for a healthy year is to do a quick annual reset: review your health cover and what it includes, book your yearly health assessment, catch up on the screenings recommended for your age, get your flu vaccine before winter, schedule dental and eye checks, and set a few realistic health goals. Doing this at the same time every year helps you catch problems early, use the benefits you already pay for and avoid unexpected medical costs.
A new year is a natural moment to take stock of your health. Most of us are good at planning our finances, holidays and work goals, but far fewer put their health on the same yearly calendar. Yet many of the conditions that affect South Africans most, such as high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol, develop quietly and are easiest to manage when they are found early.
This guide from Bloom and our partner Momentum Health4Me brings everything into one place: the healthcare trends worth knowing about, a practical annual health checklist, the screenings to prioritise, and simple goals that make a real difference. If you want cover that makes regular check-ups easier, explore Bloom’s health insurance options.
Key takeaways
| • Chronic lifestyle diseases such as heart disease, diabetes and cancer are a growing health burden in South Africa, and many cases go undiagnosed. |
| • A yearly routine of cover review, a health assessment, age-appropriate screenings, vaccinations and dental and eye checks is one of the simplest ways to protect your health. |
| • Virtual doctor consultations, digital health tools and a stronger focus on mental health are now part of everyday healthcare. |
| • Every Health4Me option includes an annual health assessment, a flu vaccination, unlimited Network GP visits and unlimited Hello Doctor consultations. |
| • Small, consistent goals, such as moving more, eating more fibre, sleeping well and not smoking, add up to lasting benefits. |
Healthcare trends shaping the year ahead in South Africa
Understanding where healthcare is heading helps you make better decisions about your own care and cover. These are the trends with the biggest impact on South African households right now.
1. Chronic lifestyle diseases are on the rise
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including heart disease, diabetes, cancer and chronic respiratory disease, are a growing public health challenge in South Africa, as reported by Statistics South Africa. Many of these conditions are linked to modifiable risk factors. According to the South African Demographic and Health Survey, as verified by Africa Check, around two in three South African women and roughly a third of men are overweight or obese.
A big part of the problem is that these conditions are often silent. The International Diabetes Federation estimates that around three in four adults with diabetes in the African region have not been diagnosed. That is exactly why a yearly health assessment matters: a quick finger-prick test can flag a problem years before symptoms appear. Read more about diabetes and health insurance.
2. Mental health is moving into the mainstream
Mental health is now widely recognised as part of overall health, not separate from it. Research summarised in a review of South Africa’s mental healthcare system shows that around one in six South African adults meets the criteria for depression, anxiety or a substance use disorder in a year, and an estimated 75% of people living with a common mental health condition do not receive treatment. Employers, insurers and schools are increasingly offering counselling and support. Health4Me members have access to an Employee Assistance Programme with telephonic counselling for adults, teenagers and children. Learn why it is important to take care of your mental health.
3. Virtual care is now a normal part of healthcare
Seeing a doctor by phone or video is no longer a novelty. The Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) has updated its telehealth guidelines to allow remote consultations, while requiring that they meet the same standard of care as in-person visits, as explained by Medical Protection. For everyday concerns, this saves travel time, time off work and waiting-room hours.
Health4Me members get unlimited GP consultations through Hello Doctor by chat, phone call or video call. Hello Doctor GPs can issue scripts for formulary-based medication and refer you for pathology and radiology on the applicable Health4Me lists.
4. Prevention, wellness data and rewards
Smartwatches, fitness trackers and health apps have made it easier than ever to track steps, sleep and heart rate. At the same time, health funders are rewarding people for knowing their numbers and staying active. Health4Me members have free access to Multiply Engage, where completing the digital health and fitness assessment on the Momentum App unlocks rewards from a range of partners, and the More4Me programme rewards members based on their Healthy Heart Score from an in-person health assessment. Data from a wearable is a useful prompt, but it does not replace a proper check-up with a healthcare professional.
5. Affordable cover is more important than ever
According to the Council for Medical Schemes, only about 17% of South Africans are covered by a medical scheme. With private healthcare costs rising, more people are looking for affordable ways to access private GPs, medication and emergency care. Options include health insurance such as Health4Me for day-to-day care, medical aid for broader cover, and gap cover to help with shortfalls on in-hospital bills for medical aid members. Reviewing which combination fits your needs is a key part of yearly healthcare prep.
Your yearly healthcare prep checklist
Set aside an hour at the start of each year, or around your birthday if that is easier to remember, and work through these steps:
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Review your health cover Check what your current option includes, whether your needs have changed (a new baby, a new chronic condition, a change in income) and whether your dependants are up to date. You can compare Health4Me options or compare medical aid options, and a Bloom consultant can talk you through the differences. |
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Book your annual health assessment Every Health4Me option includes one health assessment per member per year, covering blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar finger-prick tests, plus height, weight and waist measurements. It is done at a wellness day or pharmacy clinic, preferably at Dis-Chem, Clicks or MediRite. |
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Schedule the screenings for your age Use the screening guide below to see which tests are due, such as a Pap smear, mammogram or PSA test, and book them with your GP or a screening clinic. |
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Plan your flu vaccination Get your flu vaccine in autumn, before the winter flu season. Health4Me covers one flu vaccination per member per year at any pharmacy clinic. Here is why the flu shot matters. |
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Book dental and eye checks Health4Me Silver and Gold include basic dentistry at a Network dentist and a basic optometry benefit every two years at a Network optometrist. Waiting periods apply. |
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Get on top of chronic medication If you have a chronic condition, check that your registration, prescriptions and medication are in order. Health4Me Gold includes a chronic benefit covering 27 conditions, subject to pre-authorisation and waiting periods. |
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Save important numbers Save Hello Doctor on WhatsApp (+27 860 10 29 03) and download the Momentum App. If you have accident and emergency cover, save Netcare 911 (082 911) for emergency transport. Read how to prepare for accidents and emergencies. |
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Set two or three realistic health goals Choose a few specific, achievable goals rather than a long list of resolutions. The ideas below are a good place to start. |
Health screenings to prioritise every year
Screening tests find health problems early, often before you notice any symptoms, when they are easiest to treat. The right schedule depends on your age, sex, family history and personal risk, so use this as a general guide and confirm your plan with your doctor.
Essential checks for everyone
| Check | Why it matters | How often |
|---|---|---|
| Blood pressure | High blood pressure raises the risk of heart attack, stroke and kidney disease, and usually has no symptoms. Learn more about heart health. | At least once a year, more often if it is raised |
| Cholesterol | High cholesterol causes no symptoms but increases the risk of heart disease. The Heart and Stroke Foundation SA recommends every adult has a cholesterol test from around age 20. See our guide on how to lower cholesterol. | Yearly finger-prick screening; a full lipogram as your doctor advises |
| Blood sugar | Screens for diabetes and pre-diabetes, which are often undiagnosed. | Yearly, more often if you are at risk |
| Weight and waist measurement | Excess weight, especially around the waist, increases the risk of diabetes, heart disease and some cancers. | Yearly |
| HIV test | Knowing your status allows early treatment, which protects your health and the people close to you. | At least once a year, or as advised |
| Eye test | Detects vision changes and eye conditions such as glaucoma, which can cause permanent sight loss if untreated. Read about caring for your eyes. | Every two years, more often from 40 or with a family history |
| Dental check-up | Finds decay and gum disease early, before costly treatment is needed. Here is why oral health matters. | At least once a year |
Checks for women
| Check | Why it matters | How often |
|---|---|---|
| Breast self-examination | Helps you notice changes such as lumps, dimpling or nipple changes early. | Monthly from age 20, as advised by CANSA |
| Mammogram | An X-ray screening test for breast cancer. The Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) advocates a yearly mammogram from age 40. Women with a family history should ask their doctor about starting earlier. | Yearly from 40, or as your doctor advises |
| Pap smear | Detects abnormal cervical cells before they become cancer. Public clinics offer three free Pap smears in a lifetime from age 30, ten years apart, and you can ask for screening sooner if you have symptoms. | Regularly, as advised by your GP or clinic |
| Bone density scan | Checks for osteoporosis, which makes bones brittle and more likely to break, especially after menopause. | Ask your doctor, particularly from 65 or earlier if you are at higher risk |
Checks for men
| Check | Why it matters | How often |
|---|---|---|
| Prostate (PSA) test | Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in South African men. CANSA recommends an annual PSA blood test from age 50, or from 40 to 45 for men at higher risk, including those with a family history. | Yearly from 50, earlier if at higher risk |
| Testicular self-examination | Helps detect lumps or changes early, particularly in younger men. | Monthly |
Not sure which tests you need?
Start with your annual health assessment, then speak to a Network GP or a Hello Doctor GP about your age, family history and lifestyle. They can refer you for pathology tests on the applicable Health4Me pathology list and help you plan the right screenings for the year.
Realistic health goals for the year ahead
Big resolutions often fade within a few weeks. Small, specific habits are easier to keep and still make a measurable difference. Pick two or three from this list:
| • Move for at least 150 minutes a week. The World Health Organization recommends 150 to 300 minutes of moderate activity, such as brisk walking, or 75 to 150 minutes of vigorous activity each week, plus muscle-strengthening exercises on two or more days. |
| • Eat more whole foods and fibre. Build meals around vegetables, fruit, whole grains and legumes, and cut back on ultra-processed snacks, sugary drinks and fatty or processed meat. |
| • Make water your main drink. Swapping fizzy drinks, energy drinks and sweetened juice for water is one of the easiest ways to cut added sugar. |
| • Prioritise sleep. Most adults need seven to nine hours a night. A consistent bedtime and less screen time before bed can help. |
| • Stop smoking or vaping. Quitting is one of the best things you can do for your heart and lungs. Read about the effects of smoking on your health. |
| • Drink less alcohol. Cutting back lowers your risk of high blood pressure, liver disease and some cancers. |
| • Check in on your mental wellbeing. Build in time to rest, stay connected with people you trust, and reach out for support early if you are struggling. |
How Health4Me supports your yearly health plan
Health4Me is built around day-to-day care, which makes it well suited to preventive health. Here is how the benefits line up with your yearly checklist:
| Benefit | What it covers | Available on |
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| Health assessment | One screening per member per year: blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar finger-prick tests, height, weight and waist circumference. | Bronze, Silver and Gold |
| Network GP visits | Unlimited visits to a Network GP, including minor procedures in the rooms. | Bronze, Silver and Gold |
| Hello Doctor | Unlimited virtual GP consultations by chat, phone or video, with scripting and referrals according to the applicable Health4Me lists. | Bronze, Silver and Gold |
| Flu vaccination | One flu vaccination per member per year at any pharmacy clinic. | Bronze, Silver and Gold |
| Basic pathology and radiology | Unlimited cover for pathology and black-and-white X-rays on the applicable Health4Me lists when referred by a Hello Doctor or Network GP. | Bronze, Silver and Gold |
| Employee Assistance Programme | Counselling and support services for adults, teenagers and children, including trauma counselling. | Bronze, Silver and Gold |
| Dentistry | Basic and emergency dentistry at a Network dentist, such as fillings, extractions, cleaning and polishing. | Silver and Gold |
| Optometry | An eye test and one pair of standard lenses with a standard frame every two years at a Network optometrist. | Silver and Gold |
| Specialist benefit | Up to two specialist visits a year, subject to a Network GP referral and pre-authorisation. | Gold |
| Chronic benefit | Medication for 27 chronic conditions, including diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidaemia and asthma, according to the Network chronic formulary. Pre-authorisation is required. | Gold |
| Accident and emergency cover | Private hospital cover for qualifying accidents, heart attacks and strokes, including emergency transport, subject to per-event limits. | Major medical event benefits, added to any day-to-day option |
Waiting periods, network rules and formularies apply to some benefits. For full details, browse the Health4Me benefits or view the Bronze, Silver and Gold option pages.
Start the year with the right coverFrom your annual health assessment and flu vaccine to unlimited GP and Hello Doctor consultations, Health4Me makes it easier to stay on top of your health all year. Leave your details and a Bloom consultant will call you back. |
Frequently asked questions
What health checks should I do every year?
What are the biggest healthcare trends in South Africa?
When should I get my flu vaccine?
What does the Health4Me annual health assessment include?
How often should women have a mammogram and Pap smear?
When should men start prostate screening?
Can I see a doctor online with Health4Me?
Should I review my health cover every year?
Final thoughts
A healthy year does not start with a dramatic resolution. It starts with a few practical steps: knowing your numbers, keeping up with screenings, getting vaccinated and making sure you have cover that gets you to a doctor when you need one. Put these on your calendar every year and you will be far more likely to catch problems early and stay well.
Explore affordable health insurance from Bloom and Momentum Health4Me, compare the options, or browse the full range of benefits. To get started, leave your details and a Bloom consultant will call you back.
Medical content disclaimer: This article is for general information only and does not constitute medical advice. It is not a substitute for an independent professional medical opinion, diagnosis or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional about your own health.
