Appalling service!!

<p>Every year, my GP does a series of preventive blood screening tests as I have a family history of 2 chronic conditions. This is not a requirement but purely voluntary. Last year, while I was on the Classic Comprehensive Savings scheme, I did the same tests. This was in September. In spite of having more than sufficient funds in my savings account (I had barely touched my savings) Discovery rejected 2 tests on the screening. Bear in mind the cost of the rest of the tests was paid out of my savings. After a series of conversations between myself, Discovery and my GP writing to Discovery, they only paid out 1 of the 2 rejected claims, stating that the unpaid blood test was no longer supported by Discovery. The test cost was R156.10 and I had savings in excess of R35,000. After several conversations with call centre operatives who did not fully understand the complicated set of rules themselves and kept going round in circles (after all I was simply asking them to pay the outstanding balance from my ample savings and they still declined to do so), I was asked to fill out a form requesting for the test to be paid out from my savings. This process took several weeks and after the submission I received no confirmation from Discovery on the status/outcome of my claim. Months later in January I received a call from the pathologists that the claim was still outstanding. Shocked as I was, on 13th January I sent an email to Discovery with the full history. They said (as they always do) it will take 2-3 days to process (ref: ********** 085). It's over 15 days and I still have not heard back. I have now paid my claim from my own funds. What I find appalling is you have absolutely no control over the cash savings you make in YOUR account allocated to YOUR healthcare. The Comprehensive plan has one of the highest premiums yet even as someone who barely uses healthcare, I was unable to access the benefits. Lesson learnt: have your own interest bearing savings account for medical expenses and choose a basic hospital plan if you're a reasonably healthy individual.</p>