Discovery's retrospective withdrawal and changing explanations are preventing me from obtaining medical cover

Discovery withdrew my medical-aid membership retrospectively to 30 June ***, despite claims having been processed after that date. Discovery has confirmed in writing that I did not request cancellation—the Scheme withdrew the membership because it alleged that contributions were not received in full.

Discovery initially claimed R***, comprising R*** in reversed claims and R*** relating to the Medical Savings Account. My R8,000 payment was initially described as a partial July contribution, but Discovery later reallocated it against the claimed amount, reducing the alleged balance to R***.

I formally disputed the matter, and Discovery acknowledged my dispute on 16 October ***. No substantive outcome has yet been provided.

I have now joined a new employer that offers Discovery medical aid. However, I am receiving conflicting explanations about what is required:

My employer was told that four months' contributions are "outstanding";

I have been told that I must pay R*** for July to October to apply for reinstatement;

A further R*** would become due for November;

Reinstatement would still require health declarations and Discovery's approval;

If reinstatement is approved, the claim reversals and MSA adjustment would apparently fall away;

The R8,000 would then need to be reversed again and restored as a membership credit; and

If I do not reinstate, Discovery continues to claim the disputed R***.

The four months' contributions are therefore not simply an additional debt. They are the cost Discovery requires to restore the membership retrospectively. This distinction was not properly explained to my employer.

Retrospective reinstatement at more than R*** is not financially possible. I need to know whether I can join my employer's Discovery group as a new member without prejudicing or withdrawing my existing dispute.

I require Discovery to:

Issue a substantive written outcome on my formal dispute;

Correctly record that I did not voluntarily cancel the membership;

Clarify whether the R*** remains formally disputed;

Confirm whether a new employer-group application can proceed;

Confirm that a new application will not withdraw or prejudice my dispute;

Explain the treatment of my R8,000 payment consistently; and

Stop providing conflicting information to me, my previous intermediary and my employer's intermediary.

This matter now affects my family's access to medical cover and requires urgent, accountable resolution.