Discovery Health

So this morning I woke up with a terrible migraine and needed doctors assistance I'm on the key care plus option that gives me a list of the doctors in my area. I called the doctor without avail, then contacted the medical aid for an emergency number as only 1 prescribed doctor is in my area. I called the number to find out that the doctor is no longer practicing in the area, I saw him 3 weeks ago.

So I called the medical aid back and they advised me that I do have 4 out of network visits and that I can go and see an alternative doctor. So I called about 5 no one would see me without cash payment after consultation ranging from R550 to R650 not including the injection I need. The other doctors are about 30 minutes drive that are on the list.

I called the medical aid back and I lost my cool with the call center manager I demanded to be put through to. Basically I was told that there are doctors willing to see me and it's not their problem that I don't have the cash to pay up front to see the doctors and they will reimburse me within 4 working days, but only medical aid rates. Plus I'm on that specific plan so it was my choice.

Now my question is, why am I even on a medical aid ? Why do I pay R1600.00 per month to this scheme, why is it now my problem that the doctor they had on the list no longer covers the area. Why do I now need to drive 30 minutes in my condition to go see a doctor in an emergency, or pay up front. Am I unreasonable to have my needs met in a emergency scenario.