Medical Aid Monster

On 7th October, 2021, My wife visited an endocrinologist to deal with her newly diagnosed diabetes. We are with Bonitas Bonsave option and pay over R7500 monthly. On recommendation of our nutritionist, who was recommended by our GP, we made an appointment with Dr. Jocelyn Hellig and obtained an authorization from Bonitas for the appointment beforehand. We were greatly disappointed when we received a bill from the doctor indicating that her consultation was R2050 and that Bonitas was paying only R357.12 of the charges. On speaking to a representative by phone, the response was smugly that Doctor Hellig wasn't on the list of approved practicioners. Overcome by the mood of doing the best for my wife's health, I forgot that in dealing with the Medical Aid monster, I still had to dot all the I's and cross the T's. My response is, of course, I can squeeze out the R2050 to Doctor Hellig, but why in hell then am I paying Bonitas R7529.12 every month for nothing. I believe that Bonitas can and should do better. Next stop the Ombudsman.