NS
Nqobile S

1 reviews | Active since Feb 2022

03 Oct 2022, 08:04

Discovery medical aid charged me twice in one month!!

In June 2022 I registered for a new medical aid subscription at Discovery Health. I am the premium payer but my son is the main member ( and daughter is a dependent). It was communicated that the waiting period would be 3 months, making October the first month my children would be able to access their services. It came into effect on July 1st with the initial payment being R3877, as per the signed contract. In July, the premium payment was made on the 1st, however, I requested from my broker Elizabeth that from August going forward I would like the payment to be made on the 15th day of the month, as that is when I get my salary. Our broker agreed and we signed forms confirming the date. In July, August, and September I had to manually deposit the premium payment into the Discovery account as they had tried to deduct the money from my account on the 1st day of the respective months. Thus, my request was not processed. This has been an inconvenience on my part as I have had to reserve funds for medical aid on a date that does not work for me, even after I sent a request several times to change the payment date. I have also been overcharged for all of these months an amount that was not agreed to, with no explanations provided. On September 15th money was deducted from my account as a payment to the medical aid. Discovery had already received money from me on the 6th of September, which means that I WAS CHARGED TWICE FOR SEPTEMBER'S PREMIUM. We have spent the last 2 weeks trying to contact our broker to fix the issue and get a refund. Elizabeth has been ignoring my calls and messages every single time. I was eventually contacted by a lady named Rakgadi, who told me that I would only receive help after my son, the main member, has given consent for me to have access to information on the medical aid subscription. I understand this is in line with the POPI Act. However, the issue has not yet been resolved and I have not yet received my refund. They have claimed to call my son but my son has not received any calls from Discovery. This is a big inconvenience and has had a domino effect on my finances. My other financial commitments have been compromised as I do not have money only 2 weeks after pay day. The customer service I have received from Discovery has been appalling. I would not recommend them to anyone. 0 OUT OF 10 for horrible customer service!!!

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Replies (4)
Discovery Health
Discovery Health's reply03 Oct 2022, 09:56
Official
Dear Nqobile S

We’ve noted your concerns and we’re investigating the matter. We’ll contact you with feedback as soon as possible. 
  
Regards 
Discovery Health Servicing Team
Discovery Health
Discovery Health's reply03 Oct 2022, 13:37
Official
Dear Nqobile S

We have been in touch with you to answer your comments.
 
Regards 
Discovery Health Servicing Team
NS
Nqobile S's update04 Oct 2022, 08:13
Reviewer Update
Yesterday someone named Elliot from Discovery contacted my son, and gave an explanation for why we were charged twice for September's premium. According to Discovery, the second payment was an advance payment for October's premium. However, NO ONE CONTACTED THE PREMIUM PAYER OR THE MAIN MEMBER FOR PERMISSION TO MAKE AN ADVANCE PAYMENT FOR OCTOBER!!! Once again, Discovery took action on our subscription without our consent and without informing us ahead of time.
I am tired of the back and forth with Discovery as it does not solve anything and I still have not received my refund.
Any communication going forward should be with the premium payer!!!
Discovery Health
Discovery Health's reply06 Oct 2022, 11:20
Official
Dear Nqobile S

We have been in touch with you to answer your comments.
 
Regards 
Discovery Health Servicing Team