DB
Dana B

1 reviews | Active since Jun 2010

27 Aug 2025, 11:45

Unacceptable Service from Discovery Medical Aid

I want to express my utter disgust and profound dissatisfaction with the deplorable service provided by Discovery Medical Aid, which I consider to be among the most reprehensible in South Africa’s medical aid industry using all social networks available to me. I hope it will reach a wide audiance as a heads-up of what to expect from Discuvery as a member.

In May 2025, my wife submitted a request for authorization of a critical medical procedure, supported by a detailed report from her specialist and all required documentation as mandated by Discovery. Despite our diligent compliance with your processes, the handling of this matter has been nothing short of disgraceful. Both my wife and her doctor have made repeated efforts to seek updates through countless phone calls and emails. Each interaction has been met with evasive responses, unfulfilled promises of call-back’s, and a series of excuses that cast serious doubt on your organisation’s honesty and competence. Your consistent failure to provide clear communication or follow through on commitments is utterly inexcusable.

Most recently, this month, we were assured a call back within 24 hours. When the call came, it was abruptly disconnected after two rings. Upon contacting your team again, we received yet another empty promise of a response within 24 hours. A week later, we remain without any meaningful communication. This pattern of deceit and disregard for our urgent needs is not only unprofessional but also utterly deplorable.

As a medical aid provider, Discovery has a fundamental obligation to prioritize the well-being of its members. Your failure to provide a decision on this authorization after four months of delays is a shameful betrayal of that responsibility. This level of service is nothing short of disgusting and reflects a profound lack of accountability, integrity, and care.

I demand an immediate resolution to this matter, including a definitive decision on the authorisation request and a full explanation for the mishandling of our case. Should this issue not be addressed with the urgency and professionalism it demands, I will pursue further action, including escalation to regulatory authorities and exploration of all available avenues to hold Discovery accountable for its appalling conduct.

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Replies (6)
Discovery Health
Discovery Health's reply27 Aug 2025, 12:56
Official
Dear Dana B

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
DB
Dana B's update27 Aug 2025, 15:14
Reviewer Update
Thank you I did receive a just now regarding my wife’s medical procedure authorisation request. While we are relieved to finally receive a response from Discovery Medical Aid, I remain utterly appalled by the unacceptable four-month delay and the deplorable service we have endured throughout this process. Your belated response does little to mitigate the profound frustration caused by your organisation’s consistent disregard for its paying members.

To recap, in May 2025, my wife sought authorisation for a hip replacement procedure following a fall, as recommended by her specialist. Initially, her hip pain was manageable without requiring specialised intervention. However, after the fall, her doctor determined that a hip replacement was necessary. Upon learning that my wife had not yet completed 12 months with Discovery, the specialist adhered to your protocols, submitting all required forms and a detailed motivation for the procedure. When informed that the initial email could not be located, the doctor promptly resent the motivation, and Discovery confirmed receipt, promising a follow-up. Yet, for four months, we were met with nothing but excuses, unfulfilled promises of call-backs, and a complete lack of accountability.

Your recent response, while a step forward, does not erase the fact that it took four months of relentless follow-ups to receive even a remblance of communication. The repeated delays, lost documentation and broken promises reflect a shocking disregard for providing timely and reliable service to those who depend on you for critical healthcare needs.

The issue at hand is not solely the outcome of the application but the inexcusable manner in which Discovery has handled this process. Your organisation’s failure to deliver on basic customer service
standards is nothing short of disgraceful. To prevent other members from enduring similar ordeals, I strongly recommend that Discovery undertake a comprehensive customer journey mapping exercise to address the glaring deficiencies in your processes. Prospective and current members deserve
transparency about the substandard service they may encounter, and Discovery
must take immediate steps to restore its reputation and rebuild trust.

Jacky that called today was very professional but all prior engagement was shocking.

It will be nice to receive an explanation of why this process was so grossly mishandled, I suggest Discovery implement meaningful reforms to ensure such failures are not repeated.
Discovery Health
Discovery Health's reply28 Aug 2025, 09:30
Official
Dear Dana B

We have been in touch with you to answer your comments.

Regards 
Discovery Health Servicing Team
DB
Dana B's update28 Aug 2025, 11:08
Reviewer Update
It is true that you contacted me. It is not true that you answered my questions. I received a letter from Discovery and in the ltter your responsible person provided het contact details if I have further questions.

"If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me on ***. "

I called this number a number of times since yesterday and no one answer. Wis this line in your letter to create an impression of care while hoping that I will not call again?
DB
Dana B's update28 Aug 2025, 18:11
Reviewer Update
Impressive response from Jacky at Discovery. She called us back withiout delay ater thsi post and she will correct the letter to be signed.

Thank you Jacky will be nice to experience the same from others at Discovery.
Discovery Health
Discovery Health's reply29 Aug 2025, 15:27
Official
Dear Dana B

Thank you for taking time to give us your feedback. 
   
Regards 
Discovery Health Servicing Team