Disappointment in Discovery Health Services

My dependent had an emergency ACUTE LIMB ISCHAEMIA on 31 August 2017.

The duration of his admission was 30 August to 6 September.

To my dismay, Discovery Health has refused to pay the doctors, specialists and hospital.

I have been a loyal client of Discovery Health since 1990. In 2014 I was retrenched,however, I continued to pay my monthly contributions to Discovery Health despite having insufficient funds. When I called Discover Health in 2014 to request a reduction in my monthly contributions, I was refused any assistance. Due to insufficient funds and no income I was forced to cancel the medical aid.

Now that I am re-employed I have joined Discover Health, however, my dependent had to be placed on a waiting period yet again.

On 31 August My dependent had to be rushed to Hilton Private Life hospital as it was the closest hospital from Estcourt.

A letter of motivation has been forwarded from The surgeon to Discovery Health Reference number: ********** 321

I am truly disappointed with the inefficiency and lack of concern from Discovery Health. I had to make numerous calls to Discovery Health to enquire the progress of my claim. Discovery Health has not maintained the level of service that I expected, inspite of being a member for over 27 years. Clearly, the client is not valued.

Discovery Health has been insensitive and has ignored the fact that I have been a client since 1990.

Discovery Health has inconvenienced the patient to the extent that he could not return to the Specialist to remove his staples(which should have been removed 2 weeks ago) from the operation due to payment not made to the service providers.

I do not have over R150 000 to pay the service providers. This is the reason why I have a medical aid, to cover medical expenses especially in unforseen circumstances.

Discovery Health is taking a monthly contribution however, are not providing the services. My patient has been denied post operative treatment due to Discovery Health's inefficiency.

The patient required a home oxygen machine. Due to payment not made from Discovery Health, the service provider has requested for the machine to be returned.

Discovery Health has caused more emotional stress and harm to the patient and myself. Since the operation we have had no peace of mind and constant payment requests from the service providers.

A Medical Aid should be assisting clients when it is needed the most, especially during an emergency situation however, Discovery Health has caused more inconvenience and has caused further harm to the health of the patient.

I would like to request Dicovery Health and the Medical board to review this matter as I have not received any satisfaction from the numerous calls and enquiries that I have made.

Thanking you