Discovery Does Not Recognise My Customary Marriage

I am extremely disappointed by my experience with Discovery Health.

My husband and I have been in a recognised customary/traditional marriage since 2018 and have raised our children together as a family. We attempted to move my son onto my husband’s medical aid membership, but Discovery declined the request because we do not have a civil marriage certificate.

We explained that our customary marriage meets the requirements recognised under South African law and offered affidavits and supporting documentation, but this was still rejected.

It is deeply concerning that many South African families in customary marriages may effectively be excluded unless they have formal Home Affairs registration, despite customary marriages being legally recognised in this country.

We have never experienced issues with spouse recognition anywhere else until now.

I hope Discovery reviews its processes to better accommodate the realities of South African families and customary marriages.