Request for intervention

Johannah S Sikosana Health Plan Protector Policy Number: *** • I have been a member of the Discovery Life Health Plan Protector for more than fifteen (15) years. • The product is linked to my Discovery Health Medical Aid which to which I have been a member since 1st March 2000. • The product was sold to me on the following basis: o covers all Dread diseases which the Medical Aid does not cover o If I die before reaching retirement age, my Dependants on the Medical Aid will continue being covered for a period of ten (10) years thereafter. o On reaching retirement age, and I have not claimed for any dread disease, the policy will be treated like a normal retirement savings which will allow me to be reimbursed premiums paid to date. • I am in possession of a letter dated 27th November 2016 confirming the policy value as R253,781.89 • I have recently been laid off from work due to the Covid-19 pandemic that is ravaging global economies, and South Africa is no different. • Realising that I will be unable to continue paying for this cover due to unemployment, I informed Discovery Life in an effort to avoid the policy lapsing due to non-payment, and also to submit a claim to recoup the premiums paid to date as promised when the policy was sold to me as I am currently 55 years old. • Discovery Life is now reneging on this promise as I was informed that that I will not receive anything as my notice will be treated as notice of discontinuation, effectively rendering the policy as having lapsed. • I find this response from Discovery Life as totally dishonest, disconcerting and despicable to say the least, as I took the trouble of informing them of my plight, which is occasioned by the current state of our economy, as opposed to having resigned willingly or voluntarily. • I am 55 years of age, I haven’t claimed a cent from this policy, the policy was sold on the basis that if I reach retirement age without claiming I will be reimbursed. All that has happened, so I believe that I am entitled to reimbur*****t as per what was promised at the time of the sale. • I am currently unemployed and will not be able to afford paying the premiums as required and this will lead to the policy lapsing as a result, an undesirable situation by any measure. I have honoured my obligation to pay the premiums as expected religiously for the past 15 years and more, and I would’ve expected Discovery Life to honour their side of the promise especially considering all the circumstances as mentioned earlier. • I am writing to you, making an impassioned plea for your intervention and assistance in this matter as I believe that you are well positioned to make the necessary intervention accordingly, and rid this company of its bullying tactics. Please find the attached annexures for ease of reference: 1) Copy of Cancellation letter sent to Discovery Life 2) Update letter sent by Discovery Life 3) Discovery response letter I look forward to your assistance. Best regards, Johannah S “Dede” Sikosana ***)