Discovery take money without providing cover

During the lockdown period I had to cancel my medical aid as I lost all my income being self employed. I had to reverse the debit order as i could not afford to lose the funds I had. Discovery let me know that my cover was suspended due to non payment. They have subsequently debited the funds from me 6 months later, despite the fact that the cover was not active due to the suspension. Therefore I am now paying a premium for cover that was not given. I have queried this and been told this is 'just the way it works'. At this time when finances are dire due to Covid and the impact that it has had, I would have hoped for something more from a corporation of this magnitude. There was no communication from them as to what they were doing with the debit. I would like to receive either my premium back, or receive a month's cover. They cannot take the money and not provide the cover, this is theft.