Discovery Capital Disability Claim Denied Despite Clear Inability to Perform My Occupation

I am submitting this complaint regarding my Capital Disability Benefit claim with Discovery, which has been handled in an extremely disappointing and unacceptable manner.

I sustained a serious leg injury in 2024 and submitted a claim under my Capital Disability Benefit. As part of the claims process, I was required to consult the specialist who operated on me, pay for an assessment, visit my GP for further assessments, and compile and submit a large volume of supporting documentation. All documentation was submitted as requested.

Despite this, Discovery never proactively contacted me to provide updates on my claim. I had to repeatedly phone in myself just to find out what was happening. At no point was there clear communication or guidance.

My first operation took place in March 2025. Since then, I have been unable to return to work. I am employed in the used car motor industry, where my role requires me to drive to clients to source stock. I need to drive manual vehicles and require full use of my left leg to operate the clutch. Due to my injury, I have been medically unable to drive and therefore unable to perform my job.

I later had to undergo a second operation on the 22 January 2026, I am still at home and unable to work. Multiple assessments, personal expense, and ongoing follow-ups from my side, I received a letter from Discovery stating that my claim has been denied......

According to Discovery’s own website, the Capital Disability Benefit states the following:

“Inability to perform your nominated occupation: Pays out 100% of the insured amount if you are unable to perform your nominated occupation due to injury or illness.”

Given the physical requirements of my role, I fail to understand how my situation does not meet this definition. My job requires me to travel to view vehicles, physically inspect them for issues such as oil leaks and mechanical faults, and test drive them before purchase. These duties are essential to my nominated occupation and cannot be performed without the ability to drive and use my left leg. As a result of my injury and subsequent surgeries, I have been unable to carry out these core functions of my job.

This outcome raises serious concerns about the purpose and value of paying for a Capital Disability Benefit if, when a legitimate claim arises, it is rejected after prolonged delays and poor communication. I also have a Retirement Annuity with Discovery, which makes this experience even more concerning and leaves me questioning whether these products genuinely offer the protection they promise.