DH
Discovery Health
Verified Business
DH
Rated in:
Scores reflect the Overall AI Score for each category
Scores reflect the Overall AI Score for each category
Based on recent customer reviews, Discovery Health is facing widespread member dissatisfaction across nearly every operational dimension. Members consistently describe broken promises, denied authorisations, claim reversals after pre-approval, and call centres that drop calls or transfer endlessly. While isolated agents earn praise for going the extra mile, systemic failures in communication, claims processing, and benefit transparency dominate the feedback landscape.
TrustIndex
2.4
Ranking
#21
in Medical Aid
NPS Score
-73
Recommended: Unlikely
Jul '25 - Jun '26
Based on recent customer reviews, Discovery Health is facing widespread member dissatisfaction across nearly every operational dimension. Members consistently describe broken promises, denied authorisations, claim reversals after pre-approval, and call centres that drop calls or transfer endlessly. While isolated agents earn praise for going the extra mile, systemic failures in communication, claims processing, and benefit transparency dominate the feedback landscape.
The most common complaint about Discovery Health, based on Hellopeter's AI analysis of recent customer reviews, is Customer Service & Staff Quality. Members report rude, dismissive, and undertrained agents who drop calls, refuse to escalate, and provide contradictory information. While a handful of named consultants like Riana, Gabriel, and Alvandre receive genuine praise, these are exceptions in a sea of frustrating, scripted interactions lacking empathy or accountability.
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 Jan 2020
It is so sad that I took a cover for my brother. I told the agent Andiswa that I want the discovery key care plus plan and I will be the payer. To my surprise the wrong option was selected and now when i called the call center to say the plan is incorrect can it please be corrected they cannot assist me as i am just the payer which i understand but now I must pay for a plan that we did not agree on. To get a hold of my brother is difficult as he has a problem with his phone. Can this please be corrected and can the correct plan be in place. My number is 0720137535
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
It is so sad that I took a cover for my brother. I told the agent Andiswa that I want the discovery key care plus plan and I will be the payer. To my surprise the wrong option was selected and now when i called the call center to say the plan is incorrect can it please be corrected they cannot assist me as i am just the payer which i understand but now I must pay for a plan that we did not agree on. To get a hold of my brother is difficult as he has a problem with his phone. Can this please be corrected and can the correct plan be in place. My number is 0720137535
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
So this morning I looked at different medical aids for comparison and I had to fill in my information online to even get any information. I made sure to check the terms and conditions where I enter my information as I dont want any market related calls or unsolicited calls from Discovery or any of the other medical aids. Discovery's terms and condition state clearly they use the information to check credit buro and will only use to suit your specific needs and affordability. Wow 4 hours later i get a call from a call centre to finalize my application.!!!! I looked at packages and plans. I DID NOT at yhat stage apply for any medical aid. I DID NOT consent for my number to be placed on their databasis for any marketing calls. The call centre have the audacity to tell me it is out of their control and I willingly consented. Discovery... shame on you. This is totally in vontravention of the POPI Act. And you want my membership? NO
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
So this morning I looked at different medical aids for comparison and I had to fill in my information online to even get any information. I made sure to check the terms and conditions where I enter my information as I dont want any market related calls or unsolicited calls from Discovery or any of the other medical aids. Discovery's terms and condition state clearly they use the information to check credit buro and will only use to suit your specific needs and affordability. Wow 4 hours later i get a call from a call centre to finalize my application.!!!! I looked at packages and plans. I DID NOT at yhat stage apply for any medical aid. I DID NOT consent for my number to be placed on their databasis for any marketing calls. The call centre have the audacity to tell me it is out of their control and I willingly consented. Discovery... shame on you. This is totally in vontravention of the POPI Act. And you want my membership? NO
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
I have discovered a lump under my arm which is benign according to discovery I need to be diagnosed with cancer first before they act on removing this lump. They are not taking in consideration the pain I have to endure everyday and the possibilities that will affect my health due to this. I pay every month without fail medical aid but when it's time to get assisted Discovery comes with some many exclusion that are shocking for the rest of my life I have to live with this lump until I die according to discovery
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
I have discovered a lump under my arm which is benign according to discovery I need to be diagnosed with cancer first before they act on removing this lump. They are not taking in consideration the pain I have to endure everyday and the possibilities that will affect my health due to this. I pay every month without fail medical aid but when it's time to get assisted Discovery comes with some many exclusion that are shocking for the rest of my life I have to live with this lump until I die according to discovery
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
My Vitality points have not been allocated since January 2026. I reported this on 20 April 2026 (reference: 12005635625). I supp**** all requested till slips promptly. Discovery's own stated resolution time is 3 business days. It has now been 38 days. No resolution. No proactive update. Not a single phone call. Their complaints line exists to absorb complaints, not resolve them. Every interaction produces a reference number and nothing else. I am now pursuing escalation through the National Consumer Commission and the relevant Ombudsman. I am also formally reviewing whether to continue holding a full Discovery product suite — health, life, insure, and bank — with a provider that cannot honour a 3-day SLA over a 38-day period. If you are considering Discovery Vitality, factor in that when the programme fails to deliver on its contractual obligations, their complaints process is effectively non-functional.
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
My Vitality points have not been allocated since January 2026. I reported this on 20 April 2026 (reference: 12005635625). I supp**** all requested till slips promptly. Discovery's own stated resolution time is 3 business days. It has now been 38 days. No resolution. No proactive update. Not a single phone call. Their complaints line exists to absorb complaints, not resolve them. Every interaction produces a reference number and nothing else. I am now pursuing escalation through the National Consumer Commission and the relevant Ombudsman. I am also formally reviewing whether to continue holding a full Discovery product suite — health, life, insure, and bank — with a provider that cannot honour a 3-day SLA over a 38-day period. If you are considering Discovery Vitality, factor in that when the programme fails to deliver on its contractual obligations, their complaints process is effectively non-functional.
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
We are encouraged to go for screening and prevention tests and ladies to go for Pap Smear. Discovery offers rewards if you participate and state that the tests will be covered by the scheme. What a wake-up call after being a member for 25 years. I reveided my statement and notice that costs were paid from my savings an the Pap smear not covered. I would not recommend this company.
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
We are encouraged to go for screening and prevention tests and ladies to go for Pap Smear. Discovery offers rewards if you participate and state that the tests will be covered by the scheme. What a wake-up call after being a member for 25 years. I reveided my statement and notice that costs were paid from my savings an the Pap smear not covered. I would not recommend this company.
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
On the 23/05/2026 my doctor checked which hospital is in my network on my medical aid plan as I needed urgent admission. He found the nearest hospital being Mediclinic- Medforum. He checked who's the Head of Surgeon and found that it's Dr R Maluleke. My doctor proceeded to contact Dr Maluleke and spoke to him. My doctor then issued me with a referral letter to Emergency at Mediclinic Medforum. Upon arrival at Medforum I was advised by the Receptionist if I'm aware that Dr Maluleke is the Specialist and that we needed the Specialist Authorization. I told her that didn't know that. I have never been admitted before and it was MY FIRST TIME EVER USING MY Medical aid in 6 years of having it. The receptionist called Dr Maluleke and made him aware that I don't have an authorisation and they also couldn't reach my doctor so I was admitted because they also couldn't reach Discovery either. On Monday I was advised that they called Discovery for Specialist Authorization, that they were taken from pillar to post and they're still waiting for Discovery to answer. Dr Maluleke said I must go back to my doctor and obtain the Specialist Authorization. They discharged me at 17h00 with no pain killers and no medication, meanwhile I was very ill and in excruciating pain. I have medical aid but I was denied medical treatment pending an authorisation. The right to have access to health care services is a basic human right guaranteed by the Constitution. Section 27 of the Constitution provides that everyone has the right to have access to health care services, including reproductive health care services and no one may be refused emergency medical treatment. DISCOVERY!!!WHY HAVEN'T YOU GRANTED AUTHORISATION YET? SHOULD I DIE BEFORE A LAWSUIT IS BROUGHT AGAINST YOU BEFORE YOU CAN TREAT CLIENTS WELL?! As it is now, I am at home and have not been attended to for 3 days. The infection on my leg is bound to lead to consequential damage and who will take the fall for it? I HAVE BEEN PAYING MY MEDICAL AID FOR 6 YEARS AND HAVE NEVER USED MY MEDICAL AID BEFORE, NEVER EVER?! MY FIRST EXPERIENCE IS THE MOST HORRIBLE AND LIFE THREATENING AND NOBODY CARES BECAUSE MONEY COMES FIRST.
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
On the 23/05/2026 my doctor checked which hospital is in my network on my medical aid plan as I needed urgent admission. He found the nearest hospital being Mediclinic- Medforum. He checked who's the Head of Surgeon and found that it's Dr R Maluleke. My doctor proceeded to contact Dr Maluleke and spoke to him. My doctor then issued me with a referral letter to Emergency at Mediclinic Medforum. Upon arrival at Medforum I was advised by the Receptionist if I'm aware that Dr Maluleke is the Specialist and that we needed the Specialist Authorization. I told her that didn't know that. I have never been admitted before and it was MY FIRST TIME EVER USING MY Medical aid in 6 years of having it. The receptionist called Dr Maluleke and made him aware that I don't have an authorisation and they also couldn't reach my doctor so I was admitted because they also couldn't reach Discovery either. On Monday I was advised that they called Discovery for Specialist Authorization, that they were taken from pillar to post and they're still waiting for Discovery to answer. Dr Maluleke said I must go back to my doctor and obtain the Specialist Authorization. They discharged me at 17h00 with no pain killers and no medication, meanwhile I was very ill and in excruciating pain. I have medical aid but I was denied medical treatment pending an authorisation. The right to have access to health care services is a basic human right guaranteed by the Constitution. Section 27 of the Constitution provides that everyone has the right to have access to health care services, including reproductive health care services and no one may be refused emergency medical treatment. DISCOVERY!!!WHY HAVEN'T YOU GRANTED AUTHORISATION YET? SHOULD I DIE BEFORE A LAWSUIT IS BROUGHT AGAINST YOU BEFORE YOU CAN TREAT CLIENTS WELL?! As it is now, I am at home and have not been attended to for 3 days. The infection on my leg is bound to lead to consequential damage and who will take the fall for it? I HAVE BEEN PAYING MY MEDICAL AID FOR 6 YEARS AND HAVE NEVER USED MY MEDICAL AID BEFORE, NEVER EVER?! MY FIRST EXPERIENCE IS THE MOST HORRIBLE AND LIFE THREATENING AND NOBODY CARES BECAUSE MONEY COMES FIRST.
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
I stayed in pysch for the first time. Before going to his I had seen a pyschologist. I had no idea that this is interlinked. I am going to serious issues and need more days. Issues Iike Gbv, assault and may more. We pay a good amount for our medical aid and have never used pysch before. I am extremely disappointed by the poor service and inconsideration regards what a woman faces from Gbv. My 14 year overdosed because of Gbv in the home. Have some compassion for our mental health.
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
I stayed in pysch for the first time. Before going to his I had seen a pyschologist. I had no idea that this is interlinked. I am going to serious issues and need more days. Issues Iike Gbv, assault and may more. We pay a good amount for our medical aid and have never used pysch before. I am extremely disappointed by the poor service and inconsideration regards what a woman faces from Gbv. My 14 year overdosed because of Gbv in the home. Have some compassion for our mental health.
Discovery Health scores 1.3 out of 5 on Hellopeter's AI analysis of service quality in Medical Aid, compared to the Medical Aid industry average of 1.8. Their strongest theme is Customer Service (1.4); their weakest is Claims Processing (1.2). The top AI-rated Medical Aid business on Hellopeter is AGS Health (4.3). How is the AI Score calculated? →
Discovery Health has a TrustIndex of 2.4 out of 10 on Hellopeter, based on 1,511 reviews in the last 12 months. Hellopeter has tracked Discovery Health across 20,493 total reviews. How is the TrustIndex calculated? →