In the realm of proactive healthcare, disease prediction through machine learning has emerged as a transformative force. The survey commences by tracing the evolution of machine learning in healthcare, exploring the historical context, and tracking the exponential growth of this field. Subsequently, a diverse range of machine learning algorithms are employed for disease prediction, categorizing them into supervised learning, unsupervised learning, and other emerging techniques. The review comprehensively evaluates the strengths and limitations of each algorithm, shedding light on their applications across various medical domains. There is also underscore on the importance of privacy-preserving techniques in health data analysis, emphasising the necessity of data security and user confidentiality. Ethical considerations, fairness, bias mitigation, and responsible deployment of machine learning in healthcare feature prominently in this discourse. However, as with any frontier, there are challenges. Furthermore, this survey is forward-looking, identifying unexplored research avenues and promising future directions in disease prediction through machine learning. In this synthesis of knowledge, there is not only distilled the essence of the field but also bring to the fore exemplary case studies, showcasing notable projects in disease prediction. These real-world case studies offer practical insights into methodologies, results, and contributions, enriching our understanding of the subject.