Loyal Member Deeply Disappointed

I’ve always been happy with Discovery and have stayed loyal over the years. But now I’m seriously considering leaving. I truly wish the plans still offered meaningful benefits, like savings accounts plus basic cover for things like doctor’s visits, one or two prescriptions per year, or even partial contributions to essential health services.

Right now, it feels like every year I have to decide how I’m going to "survive" medically. You can only live as long as your medical aid allows, and Discovery doesn’t give you much rope. I feel like I’m hanging off the edge.

For example, if I go to the dentist, I can’t afford new glasses. If I do either, I can’t go for anything else. It’s taken me three years to sort out basic health issues, each year prioritising a different part of my body that directly affects my daily life.

I am now sick I can't afford a doctor’s visit or the medication. A GP consult plus basic meds can easily cost over R1,000, and not everyone has that lying around. This is the second year i've gotten sick and cant afford a doc visit.

I chose this plan for the savings and health benefits, but they no longer really exist. Vitality, while great in concept, is honestly not realistic for the average person. The health pathways are frustrating for example, you reward me with R500 for seeing my GP, but the consult costs R560? You offer a R500 reward for a health check at a pharmacy, but the check costs R530. That’s not a reward, it’s just cancelling itself out.

I understand the need to manage costs and keep premiums stable, but please don’t insult our intelligence. We can do the maths, and it’s clear Discovery is still doing well. You can afford to offer more meaningful cover or assistance. People’s lives and health are literally in your hands.

Please reconsider the structure of your plans and bring back benefits that actually help members when they need it most.