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!