LvdW
Laura van der Westhuizen

1 reviews | Active since Jan 2025

09 Jul 2025, 11:23

DIAGNOSED BY MEDICAL AID

I had to go to hospital yesterday, 8/07/25, for constant vomiting and disorientation. The hospital were very professional. Unfortunately, they wanted to admit me and do an mri scan, as they felt it might be a neurological problem. I was in a bed, over a vomit bowl, with a needle in my arm, all day, only to be told that Bestmed would not authorize admission, or the mri. They insisted it was a pre existing condition. I did not rush there for high blood pressure, or depression, I could have seen my gp for that. I went to hospital, because I was extremely scared. I had already collapsed twice last Friday, once at work, with no memory of what had happened. Fortunately we have camera footage, but this doesn't help me, now I need medical care. Bestmed took it upon themselves to diagnose me...absolutely shocking. I am still in bed, over a vomit bowl and feeling disorientated, yet I could have had an answer yesterday and avoided further costs. Who knows if I'll recover without medical help? I feel so let down. If only we had the NHS.

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Replies (6)
Bestmed Medical Scheme
Bestmed Medical Scheme's reply09 Jul 2025, 11:49
Official
  
Dear Laura V 

Thank you for reaching out and sharing your concerns. We sincerely apologise for the frustration and inconvenience you have experienced. 

Please be advised that, in line with the scheme’s rules, all new membership applications are subject to an underwriting process. This process ensures fair practice and helps maintain a balanced risk pool within the scheme, benefiting all members. 

Regarding your hospital authorisation, we still require the following to proceed with the review: 

  • A 12-month GP history
  • A member letter detailing the signs, symptoms, and date of occurrence
These documents are necessary for our medical advisers to make an informed decision. An email requesting this information has also been sent to you for your convenience. 

 Kind Regards 
GM 

LvdW
Laura van der Westhuizen's update09 Jul 2025, 12:07
Reviewer Update
Theses documents have been submitted.
Bestmed Medical Scheme
Bestmed Medical Scheme's reply10 Jul 2025, 12:06
Official
 Thank you for confirming. Kindly await further feedback from our hospital department. They will be in touch as soon as the review is complete. 

LvdW
Laura van der Westhuizen's update11 Jul 2025, 07:59
Reviewer Update
It has been a week since my collapse. It has been 3 days since the hospital wanted to admit me and do an mri. It is day 4. I have submitted everything requested of me, but still no assistance from Bestmed. I have had to take a huge loan, to try and cover the cost of the mri today, that is very much needed. I am still over a vomit bowl, wondering how much more I can possibly take. This is so unfair and so unprofessional.
Bestmed Medical Scheme
Bestmed Medical Scheme's reply11 Jul 2025, 09:03
Official
 Kindly await further feedback from our hospital department. They will be in touch as soon as the review is complete. 
LvdW
Laura van der Westhuizen's update11 Jul 2025, 09:10
Reviewer Update
I cannot wait any longer. I will end up in a buriel box. My mri is in an hour. Unless it is authorized within that time, I have no choice but to cough up the money, on top of my monthly contributions.