Discovery Health gives no warning before suspending account

<p>This morning I received an SMS and an email informing me that my medical aid account had been suspended. This is the first time I have received any communication regarding this matter. <br /><br />After receiving no reply from my response to their email, I called the help centre. The consultant confirmed that my account was in arrears because the last debit order bounced. When I asked if I would receive hospital cover in an emergency, he said no. This is unbelievable. I have been with Discovery for 16 years. However, one payment is 8 days late and now I have no cover and no warning. <br /><br />I do not make the payments for my account personally and I am sure I am not the only one. Discovery needs to give notice that an account is in arrears before suspending it, and not just via SMS or email. This requires a phone call (multiple phone calls if necessary). In addition, to rectify the matter, a direct deposit needs to be made and then a phone call to Discovery for my account to be reactivated on the same day. If I choose to make the payment via debit order or EFT, it will take up to 5 days to reflect. This might be fine for a magazine subscription, but not a medical aid scheme. </p>