1 reviews | Active since Mar 2017

05 May 2020, 11:13

Sanlam Gap Cover - No contract, wrong policy, wrongful debit

I signed up for Fedhealth Medical Aid in January of this year. In February, I received a call from Sanlam, offering gap cover. The consultant really knew her stuff and convinced me to go for the cover, offering me the personal cover at R200 per month. She then said that I could go for the Family cover at R352 per month, to cover my wife too, and I explicitly declined, stating that it would not be financially feasible at this stage. She then informed me that that I would receive my policy contract that day which will provide me with my number and confirmation of my policy, if everything is approved with my bank, etc. and that I would have a 7 day cooling off period in which I could cancel if I changed my mind. I was intending to cancel, as once I got off the phone, I realised that it probably wasn't a smart move to have additional expenses right now (I have a few too many commitments that I'm trying to work down). I waited for the policy contract, but never received it. I did not receive any communication or confirmation from Sanlam of my policy whatsoever, so I reasoned that there must have been an issue with the bank and breathed a sigh of relief, thinking that the policy was not approved. Lo and behold, on the 31st of March, I received an SMS stating that I was going to be debited for TWO months' premiums of R352, and provided me with a contact number to call for queries. I called the number and was informed that I had been placed on the family option of R352 per month, without my consent. I requested the contract to be sent to me and asked that the matter be followed up - the consultant promised that this would happen. In the meantime, I reversed the debit, as we were heading into lockdown and money was tight - I couldn't afford nonessential expenses. I have, to this day, received no further communication from Sanlam, and R1056 was debited from my account on the 1st of May, leaving me with nothing. I now have virtually no money in my account, as Sanlam has thought it prudent to debit me for a product that I did not agree to, and has chosen to proceed in doing so even though I have yet to receive my policy documents, which would have enabled me to enact my right to a cooling off period. I have no idea what my policy number even is, as this has not been communicated to me.

Thanks Sanlam, for emptying my account during lockdown, when I am not earning as much as I normally would, while still trying to survive.

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Replies (5)
Sanlam
Sanlam's reply05 May 2020, 11:26
Official
Dear Henrico

We acknowledge receipt of your complaint. Your matter has been escalated to the relevant department for further investigation.

Regards,
Sanlam Client Relations
Sanlam
Sanlam's reply05 May 2020, 13:10
Official
Dear Henrico

We have been notified that one of our consultants has made contact with you. They are busy investigating and will provide you with feedback shortly. 

Kind regards,
Sanlam Client Relations
's update12 May 2020, 09:46
Reviewer Update
So, a week later and no further feedback. Meanwhile my bank account is in arrears because other debits haven’t been coming off.
's update12 May 2020, 11:12
Reviewer Update
I responded to this email the same day. I have received no further feedback.
Sanlam
Sanlam's reply12 May 2020, 11:36
Official
Hi Henrico

We were informed that one of our consultants has made contact with you to discuss the matter further. 

Regards,
Sanlam Client Relations