Discovery medical aid: Penalised for how long?

In 2005 I joined Discovery medical aid on one of their plans. Because I did not have a medical aid before the normal waiting period app**** with no penalties. In 2006 I upgraded my plan with no problem. (Upgrades can only be done at the end of the year before the 15th of December). Then the recession of 2008 started and as I had my own business I lost everything and had to cancel my medical aid.

My family and I were without a medical aid for three years. Fortunately my wife was able to get employment and then in February 2011 my wife app**** (Main member) again at Discovery as we know their system and were happy with the service they provided. Unfortunately because of my age, then 55 years I was penalised and my contribution was much higher than the advertised amount as dependant 1. (Due to the fact that I did not belong to a medical aid for longer than 2 years keeping in mind that I did contribute for 3 years at the same medical aid company, Discovery).

We had no choice but to join. Now, after being a Discovery member for almost 7 years again with no arrears or miss payments and abiding to Discovery’s rules and regulations we decided to upgrade to a better plan.

Guess what?!!. Discovery is still penalising me for not having had a medical aid for three years 7 years ago at the age of 55. Due to this fact I, as a dependant have to pay more than my wife, the main member. This penalty made the total contribution out of our financial budget to upgrade. Is it fair to be penalised forever? I am extremely unhappy about this as we can only upgrade within the next 2 days. I will recommend potential members to look elsewhere.

I can also guarantee that Discovery will do nothing about it as you communicate with pre-programmed individuals at their call centre.