Replied to 91% of negative reviews
Reply time on negative reviews: 23h 33m
TrustIndex
3.5
Ranking
#67
in Insurance
Reply Time
19h 33m
NPS Score
-20
Recommended: Unlikely
Replied to 91% of negative reviews
Reply time on negative reviews: 23h 33m
Dec '25 - Nov '26
Frequently Asked Questions About EssentialMED
Is EssentialMED trustworthy?
EssentialMED has a TrustIndex of 3.5 out of 10 on Hellopeter, based on 14 reviews in the last 12 months. They reply to 91% of negative reviews, typically within 23 hours 33 min. Hellopeter has tracked EssentialMED across 723 total reviews. How is the TrustIndex calculated? →
Recent reviews (14)
Used this business recently? Share your experience to help others decide.
Used this business recently? Share your experience to help others decide.
Share Your Experience1 reviews | Active since May 2016
Paying every month, but struggling to access a doctor and facing unexpected bills. ****
Paying every month, but struggling to access a doctor and facing unexpected bills I have been with Essential Med for almost a year, paying approximately R1,300 per month, and I am extremely disappointed with the service. Finding a doctor in my area has been an ongoing struggle. I have complained and contacted practices on their provider list, only to find that some listed doctors cannot be located or are not in the area indicated. What is the point of having cover if you cannot access a doctor nearby? I finally used my doctor consultation benefit for the first time and had to travel quite far. At the appointment, I was told Essential Med would cover part of the consultation and that I needed to pay R250, which I paid. Now I have received another bill requesting additional payment for the same consultation. After paying premiums for almost a year, my personal payments for this single visit are approaching the consultation fee itself. The difficulty accessing providers, unreliable provider information and unexpected additional charges have left me questioning the value of this policy. I want Essential Med to investigate the bill, explain exactly what was covered and why further payment is being requested, and confirm cancellation of my policy. THERE IS NO POINT IN PAYING FOR THIS!
1 reviews | Active since May 2016
Paying every month, but struggling to access a doctor and facing unexpected bills. ****
Paying every month, but struggling to access a doctor and facing unexpected bills I have been with Essential Med for almost a year, paying approximately R1,300 per month, and I am extremely disappointed with the service. Finding a doctor in my area has been an ongoing struggle. I have complained and contacted practices on their provider list, only to find that some listed doctors cannot be located or are not in the area indicated. What is the point of having cover if you cannot access a doctor nearby? I finally used my doctor consultation benefit for the first time and had to travel quite far. At the appointment, I was told Essential Med would cover part of the consultation and that I needed to pay R250, which I paid. Now I have received another bill requesting additional payment for the same consultation. After paying premiums for almost a year, my personal payments for this single visit are approaching the consultation fee itself. The difficulty accessing providers, unreliable provider information and unexpected additional charges have left me questioning the value of this policy. I want Essential Med to investigate the bill, explain exactly what was covered and why further payment is being requested, and confirm cancellation of my policy. THERE IS NO POINT IN PAYING FOR THIS!
1 reviews | Active since Aug 2025
Awesome service
We started our Medical Aid in 2020 I have always worked with Marelize Ackerman she is great. She always assist in the best way possible. Thank you Marelize we appreciate you
1 reviews | Active since Aug 2025
Awesome service
We started our Medical Aid in 2020 I have always worked with Marelize Ackerman she is great. She always assist in the best way possible. Thank you Marelize we appreciate you
1 reviews | Active since Jul 2026
Exceptional Service and Support Throughout, truly Above and Beyond
I would like to commend the EssentialMED team for their outstanding patience, understanding, and commitment in handling my case. Once my waiting period was over obtaining approval was seamless, and they were consistently present every step of the way. From the initial submission through to final authorization — and even beyond — the team demonstrated professionalism and empathy. They followed up diligently, kept me informed, and ensured that I never felt left behind in the process. Their dedication and persistence made a very difficult journey far more manageable, and I am deeply grateful for their support. EssentialMED truly sets the standard for client service in the healthcare insurance space.
1 reviews | Active since Jul 2026
Exceptional Service and Support Throughout, truly Above and Beyond
I would like to commend the EssentialMED team for their outstanding patience, understanding, and commitment in handling my case. Once my waiting period was over obtaining approval was seamless, and they were consistently present every step of the way. From the initial submission through to final authorization — and even beyond — the team demonstrated professionalism and empathy. They followed up diligently, kept me informed, and ensured that I never felt left behind in the process. Their dedication and persistence made a very difficult journey far more manageable, and I am deeply grateful for their support. EssentialMED truly sets the standard for client service in the healthcare insurance space.
1 reviews | Active since Sept 2023
My account at Arwyp Hospital has been handed over due to non payment
I'm not happy in may my son was sick so we went to Arwyp Hospital which I was referred to and authorisation was approve . I'm at taken pillar to post regarding the admission fee at was supposed to pay doctor treating my son. I have been getting calls sending emails till today .my account at Arwyp has been handed over I can't pay them and still settle the doctors bill
1 reviews | Active since Sept 2023
My account at Arwyp Hospital has been handed over due to non payment
I'm not happy in may my son was sick so we went to Arwyp Hospital which I was referred to and authorisation was approve . I'm at taken pillar to post regarding the admission fee at was supposed to pay doctor treating my son. I have been getting calls sending emails till today .my account at Arwyp has been handed over I can't pay them and still settle the doctors bill
1 reviews | Active since Apr 2018
Throwing money into water expecting a boat to rise from the water
It's like throwing money in the water expecting a boat to come from it I pay for the day to day and the hospital cover with the extra heart option and all that. I've gone to a doctor on their network for about 4 times in the last year to get an email from them saying they only cover a certain amount for this doctor and I need to pay the outstanding fees... For a doctor on their own network that should be covered I right now am having an emergency decided to come to the hospital for a doctor to just treat me. Episodic Health had to be phoned and because a network doctor didn't refer me they can only pay R2500 for this doctor/hospital visit and x-rays and blood tests are to be covered by me. It's 18:00 at night, I'm having an emergency and that's the response from them. I did pay for my x-rays that cost me R1464 and I won't be able to claim it back. I pay R1100 a month for this plan and I'm realizing that it's not worth it. 4 doctor trips in a year and now 1 hospital trip to see a doctor. I've been with them for 14 months and I've spent R 15 400 for a medical that at most cost them R4000. You're right if you're thinking I'm cancelling and can't recommend them at all. I cancelled this morning, my fiance cancelled this morning and a friend couple of ours also cancelled this morning. That's 4 cancellations because it's unfortunately a very bad medical scheme that you pay for and thinking everything is covered by their network but it's just not. It's like you're paying them to cover almost nothing
1 reviews | Active since Apr 2018
Throwing money into water expecting a boat to rise from the water
It's like throwing money in the water expecting a boat to come from it I pay for the day to day and the hospital cover with the extra heart option and all that. I've gone to a doctor on their network for about 4 times in the last year to get an email from them saying they only cover a certain amount for this doctor and I need to pay the outstanding fees... For a doctor on their own network that should be covered I right now am having an emergency decided to come to the hospital for a doctor to just treat me. Episodic Health had to be phoned and because a network doctor didn't refer me they can only pay R2500 for this doctor/hospital visit and x-rays and blood tests are to be covered by me. It's 18:00 at night, I'm having an emergency and that's the response from them. I did pay for my x-rays that cost me R1464 and I won't be able to claim it back. I pay R1100 a month for this plan and I'm realizing that it's not worth it. 4 doctor trips in a year and now 1 hospital trip to see a doctor. I've been with them for 14 months and I've spent R 15 400 for a medical that at most cost them R4000. You're right if you're thinking I'm cancelling and can't recommend them at all. I cancelled this morning, my fiance cancelled this morning and a friend couple of ours also cancelled this morning. That's 4 cancellations because it's unfortunately a very bad medical scheme that you pay for and thinking everything is covered by their network but it's just not. It's like you're paying them to cover almost nothing
1 reviews | Active since Oct 2021
Feel so ****med by EssentialMed
When I signed up in 2025 Aug, I was advised that there is a network of doctors that I have to use. I called a GP near to where I live, gave her my policy number essential med details, and she confirmed that she is affiliated with EssentialMED. I thought okay fine, I have a doctor on their network and will make use of it. Months go by and my family and I are still seeing this GP. Then bloods are required, GP gives me the required docs, I go to Lancet and bloods gets done, for both my daughter and I. Weeks later, i received an email from Lancet, Im liable to pay over R5000 for bloods. Naturally, I contact EssentialMED explain everything and then get told, sorry the GP who referred you is not a network doctor so we cannot pay for the bloods. Had it been a network doctor, we would have paid. I tried explaining to them that the doctor confirmed that they are affiliated with you, but EssentialMed says sorry that doc is not on our list. As per EssentialMed, doctors do that just to get the patient. My question is; EM noticed im using this doctor for some time now, nobody bothered to advise that this is not a network doctor. I just get told sorry you have to pay Lancet we cannot assist you there. Totally upset at the lack of service here. Now we work hard for our monies, then we must pay for other medical things on top of that. Before EssentialMed says, we did advise you that you need to use a network GP, Id like to say that what happens if the GP confirms that they are a network doctor. I must now go through your list of doctors. What a schlep. Honestly need to get a better service provider.
1 reviews | Active since Oct 2021
Feel so ****med by EssentialMed
When I signed up in 2025 Aug, I was advised that there is a network of doctors that I have to use. I called a GP near to where I live, gave her my policy number essential med details, and she confirmed that she is affiliated with EssentialMED. I thought okay fine, I have a doctor on their network and will make use of it. Months go by and my family and I are still seeing this GP. Then bloods are required, GP gives me the required docs, I go to Lancet and bloods gets done, for both my daughter and I. Weeks later, i received an email from Lancet, Im liable to pay over R5000 for bloods. Naturally, I contact EssentialMED explain everything and then get told, sorry the GP who referred you is not a network doctor so we cannot pay for the bloods. Had it been a network doctor, we would have paid. I tried explaining to them that the doctor confirmed that they are affiliated with you, but EssentialMed says sorry that doc is not on our list. As per EssentialMed, doctors do that just to get the patient. My question is; EM noticed im using this doctor for some time now, nobody bothered to advise that this is not a network doctor. I just get told sorry you have to pay Lancet we cannot assist you there. Totally upset at the lack of service here. Now we work hard for our monies, then we must pay for other medical things on top of that. Before EssentialMed says, we did advise you that you need to use a network GP, Id like to say that what happens if the GP confirms that they are a network doctor. I must now go through your list of doctors. What a schlep. Honestly need to get a better service provider.
1 reviews | Active since Jun 2026
Horrible service!!!
I'm only giving one star because I have to give some sort of rating. They don't even deserve that one star. My family called for 2 hrs to get pre authorization with no assist. The phone just rings unanswered. I almost died. They are so dam useless. I'm finding a new service provider first thing tomorrow morning. What a useless bunch.
1 reviews | Active since Jun 2026
Horrible service!!!
I'm only giving one star because I have to give some sort of rating. They don't even deserve that one star. My family called for 2 hrs to get pre authorization with no assist. The phone just rings unanswered. I almost died. They are so dam useless. I'm finding a new service provider first thing tomorrow morning. What a useless bunch.
1 reviews | Active since Nov 2010
UNPROFESSIONAL BAD BEHAVIOR AND DISRESPECT TO THE HAND WHICH PAYS EPISODIC AND ESSENTIAL-MED FOR SERVICES
It has come to my attention Episodic and Essential-Med are disrespecting their clients since I joined in 2023 I never had any problems but nowadays you're out of line in February/March there was a problem with my new born son and I paid extra while I paid the doctor R360 and you R300 for nothing now is another story with my partner. My partner (Policy No: E161794) went to the doctor to find out her cover was terminated by mistake by your own unprofessional administrator who doesn't know how to read their emails and we paid Cash to the doctor as she was very sick and we couldn't return back home under that condition. Now I'm adding her on my cover (E150037) we're told by Episodic department Elize van der Merwe to make the payment for June while you terminated and reactivated without our knowledge while on the other other side I took the money from my pocket and paid the doctor. My question based on the measure since we paid cash to the Doctor under your ********* and inappropriate bad service we have to pay you for what reasons? what the hell are you saying? What kind of a game is this? NO APP TO COMMUNICATE NO EMAILS TO COMMUNICATE NO MONTHLY STATEMENT WHAT KIND OF BUSINESS IS THIS? Why should we suffer while paying monthly I feel very disappointed and mistreated by all your department. I'm the one paying for this policy and i won't tolerate your failures to display the standard of behavior and business ethics please do the right thing! WE DON'T ***** THE MONEY PAID TO YOU MONTHLY WE WAKE-UP EVERYDAY JUST LIKE YOUR EMPLOYEES AND WORK HARD SO WHY SHOULD I ALWAYS PAY DOUBLE? I PAID YOU AND THE DOCTOR FOR MY SON AND NOW I HAVE TO DO THE SAME FOR MY PARTNER? WHAT KIND OF THE ORGANIZATION IS THIS?
1 reviews | Active since Nov 2010
UNPROFESSIONAL BAD BEHAVIOR AND DISRESPECT TO THE HAND WHICH PAYS EPISODIC AND ESSENTIAL-MED FOR SERVICES
It has come to my attention Episodic and Essential-Med are disrespecting their clients since I joined in 2023 I never had any problems but nowadays you're out of line in February/March there was a problem with my new born son and I paid extra while I paid the doctor R360 and you R300 for nothing now is another story with my partner. My partner (Policy No: E161794) went to the doctor to find out her cover was terminated by mistake by your own unprofessional administrator who doesn't know how to read their emails and we paid Cash to the doctor as she was very sick and we couldn't return back home under that condition. Now I'm adding her on my cover (E150037) we're told by Episodic department Elize van der Merwe to make the payment for June while you terminated and reactivated without our knowledge while on the other other side I took the money from my pocket and paid the doctor. My question based on the measure since we paid cash to the Doctor under your ********* and inappropriate bad service we have to pay you for what reasons? what the hell are you saying? What kind of a game is this? NO APP TO COMMUNICATE NO EMAILS TO COMMUNICATE NO MONTHLY STATEMENT WHAT KIND OF BUSINESS IS THIS? Why should we suffer while paying monthly I feel very disappointed and mistreated by all your department. I'm the one paying for this policy and i won't tolerate your failures to display the standard of behavior and business ethics please do the right thing! WE DON'T ***** THE MONEY PAID TO YOU MONTHLY WE WAKE-UP EVERYDAY JUST LIKE YOUR EMPLOYEES AND WORK HARD SO WHY SHOULD I ALWAYS PAY DOUBLE? I PAID YOU AND THE DOCTOR FOR MY SON AND NOW I HAVE TO DO THE SAME FOR MY PARTNER? WHAT KIND OF THE ORGANIZATION IS THIS?