****mers

I stopped being a member March 2024 after being a dependant from June 2009, as I finished my learnership and could no longer afford to help with the medical aid. Fast forward to August 2024, I reapp**** as I got a learnership to further my studies and after the application process found out I'm 2-3 months pregnant. I explained this to someone on the Facebook platform to which they said after the 3 months waiting period I'll be eligible for full coverage and thanks for disclosing. Fast forward to January 2025, mind you I've been doing everything on cash and have simultaneously also been paying the main member for medical aid and was finally told to register on the maternity program, after doing so, the main member got an email and a phone call saying I'm registered and everything will be covered for me. I went to my second last gynae appointment (every other appointment before that was covered by me on cash) and very relieved I was going to be covered. Gems rejected my claim and when I called to enquire, they said that I'm on a waiting period till September 2025 and my maternity benefits has been rejected. They might as well refund the R20 000+ that I've paid them for medical aid for nothing so that I can pay the hospital and gynae directly. It is so ridiculous that at 36 weeks pregnant they decide to put stress on a pregnant woman, what on earth should I do with glasses benefits but not maternity benefits when I'm pregnant? I am not high risk but recently due to all the stress my blood pressure has seen a tremendous increase which is very dangerous during this sensitive time. I will definitely not leave this issue and I've sent an email but no response. I will personally hold Gems responsible should anything happen to me or my child.