G
Graça dos Santos
Active since Mar 2023
23
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0
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Reviews
23 reviews1 month ago
Unfair Cancellation of Membership and **************
Discovery Medical Aid failed to investigate my matter as they said they will investigate further. Instead, they cancelled my membership. Senior management at Discovery has been aware of my medical condition since 12 November 2025. My application for cover was approved on 18 November 2025, and I received written confirmation by email stating that my operation would be covered. However, on 23 November 2025, when I enquired about the procedure, I was informed that the cover had been cancelled. As a result, I currently have no access to medication and my condition is worsening. As a black South African, I cannot help but feel that this is part of a broader pattern. Despite democracy, many black South Africans are still not enjoying its fruits and continue to be treated unfairly. We are still dismissed, overlooked, and denied services that we have paid for and been promised. The Constitution guarantees equality and dignity, yet in practice, I am left without treatment after receiving written approval. This is not the freedom we fought for. This amounts to unfair ************** and a breach of the commitment Discovery made to me. I request the immediate reinstatement of my membership and confirmation that my operation will be covered as originally approved.
2 replies
1 month ago
The Unraveling Struggles of Medical Aid: A Personal Account of **************
In a nation striving for equality and fairness, the healthcare system should embody these ideals. However, for many individuals navigating the complexities of medical aid, personal experiences reveal a different reality. My journey as a member of Discovery Medical Aid has been marked by confusion, frustration, and a growing sense of **************. Recently, I received a distressing call from Discovery Medical Aid, notifying me that my membership would be canceled due to an alleged non-disclosure of my medical conditions. This left me bewildered. Only two months after joining, I had disclosed my medical history to the organization. Moreover, on November 18, 2025, I received an email from a representative assuring me that my conditions would be covered, a claim I can support with documented proof. Yet, when I sought approval for necessary surgical operations, my request was suddenly denied, culminating in an impending cancellation of my membership. This scenario raises critical questions: How could a cancellation occur after eight months of prior knowledge of my medical conditions? Why was there conflicting information from Discovery throughout this process? The uncer*****y surrounding my coverage feels not only like a bureaucratic inconvenience but also an instance of unfair **************, highlighting a troubling pattern where individuals, particularly from marginalized backgrounds, encounter barriers in accessing essential health services. The discourse on fairness in healthcare remains as relevant now as it was during apartheid in South Africa. While the nation celebrates its democratic freedoms, many still endure hidden biases within institutions, including medical aid schemes. This raises concerns about whether racial bias is quietly perpetuated, adversely impacting the lives of black South Africans who continue to face stigmatization and ************** in various aspects of life, healthcare included. In another instance, I was admitted to the emergency room at Morningside Medi-Clinic with a severe cough. Under a specialist’s care from their network, I felt hopeful that my medical aid would cover my treatment. However, that hope was quickly dashed on the third day of my hospitalization when a representative from the Morningside Finance Department informed me that Discovery Medical Aid was refusing to authorize my admission, claiming I needed to wait six months for surgical intervention—a stark contradiction to the assurance I was given in November. Despite having the necessary documentation, confusion and frustration loomed as the financial burden of my hospitalization began to weigh on me. The hospital, faced with unpaid bills, threatened to pass my account to collections, placing me at risk of damaging my credit. This situation is not merely about the monetary loss; it symbolizes the broader issue of how corporate decisions can drastically affect the lives of ordinary citizens struggling to receive the healthcare they deserve. As I navigate this harrowing experience, I am left to wonder when this cycle of unfair ************** will end in a society that prides itself on freedom and equality. The healthcare system should serve as a sanctuary for all, regardless of race, and no one should suffer ************** based on their identity. While Discovery Medical Aid may represent just a fragment of a larger system, it underscores the ongoing battle against prejudice within healthcare, motivating me to advocate for transparency, accountability, and systemic change. My experiences emphasize the urgent need for reform in medical aid practices to safeguard members' rights and ensure equitable access to health services for all. We must call for an end to discriminatory practices in healthcare and hold providers accountable to their commitments. Only then can we aspire to build a society that genuinely embodies the ideals of equality and justice, paving the way toward a healthier, more inclusive South Africa. The ramifications of my ordeal extend beyond my health; they spotlight deeper systemic flaws within the medical aid framework that many endure. When policies lack inclusivity, members—especially those from historically marginalized backgrounds—find themselves precariously positioned concerning their health and well-being. The disparities in managing medical conditions and inconsistencies in communication from providers exacerbate the challenges faced by individuals like myself, hindering access to timely treatment and eroding the fundamental trust that should exist between patients and healthcare providers. Moreover, the emotional toll of navigating these challenges cannot be understated. The anxiety and stress of managing a life-threatening condition, compounded by bureaucratic obstacles, impact not only my physical health but also my mental well-being. Often, I find myself questioning whether I'm deserving of adequate healthcare or if my identity inherently places me at a disadvantage. These sentiments resonate with many who share similar experiences, highlighting the need for mental health support within medical aid frameworks—ensuring that individuals facing health issues are not left to endure emotional turmoil alone. The path toward equitable healthcare necessitates a sincere reevaluation of current structures. There is an urgent need for medical aid organizations to enforce transparency in claims processes and provide clear, consistent communication to their members. Educational efforts for both staff and members are crucial in promoting ethical practices and recognizing existing power dynamics in healthcare settings. Fostering an environment of openness is essential for rebuilding trust within the community and ensuring that all patients receive fair treatment. Ultimately, I envision a future where medical aid organizations prioritize not just access to care, but also the quality and equity of that care. By implementing comprehensive training that emphasizes cultural competence and sensitivity, healthcare providers can better understand the diverse needs of their patients. Collaborative partnerships with community organizations will further enhance outreach and education, ensuring that underserved populations are not left behind. As we work together toward this goal, we can create a healthcare system that champions dignity, respect, and fairness for every individual, ultimately leading to improved health outcomes and a more just society.
2 replies
2 months ago
Excellent service
I celebrated my anniversary at Mr George Restaurant in Melrose Arch and had an outstanding experience. The service was exceptional, with attentive staff who made us feel truly special. The food was delicious, presented beautifully, and the ambiance was perfect for a special day. Highly recommend for a treat.
0 replies
2 months ago
My problem still not fixed, more errors
FNB Randburg Square's service has been a total letdown . Despite multiple attempts to rectify the issue with my business account, errors keep piling up and no resolution in sight. It's frustrating to see opportunities slip away due to their incompetence. When will they take responsibility and fix this mess?! I've checked my business account confirmation letter, and the errors have multip****. The account name is incorrect: Monniques Group CC t/a #InDesign Digital NOT MONNICUES GROUP CC MONNICUES GROUP T/A #INDESIGN DIGITAL This mismatch is likely causing the system rejection. What's frustrating is that opportunities are slipping away due to this mistake.
3 replies
2 months ago
Bad service
Good morning Again, the government database is still rejecting my business account banking details, after 2 employees called to address the issue. I received the notification today. This is really messing up my business opportunities
1 reply
2 months ago
Bad service - Randburg Branch
Good day I'm writing to report an issue with my business account. When I initially opened the account, I requested that my business be registered as Monniques Group t/a #InDesign Digital, as it appears on the SARS letter, BEE certificate Affidavit . However, your representative refused to accommodate this request. As a result, my account confirmation letter shows my company name with "t/a C" (which is unclear), instead of the correct trading name. I provided all necessary documents at the time, but now I'm experiencing issues with government database verification due to the discrepancy. I'm concerned that the bank's error is causing these problems. All my company documents have my business address. This is affecting my business operations and cash flow, as payments and verifications are being delayed. To make matters worse, I was never notified that my Business Advisor is no longer working for FNB, and I was never assigned a new person. This lack of communication is adding to the frustration. Can FNB put the customer first and help resolve this ASAP? I'd appreciate it if someone could look into this urgently
1 reply
7 months ago
Complaint: Poor Service and Undelivered Parcel
I requested he drop it off at a nearby location, just 5 minutes from my house, but he refused. I even offered to meet him, he refused To make matters worse, when I called this morning to enquire about the status of my parcel, the driver simply hung up on me. I'm still without my parcel and extremely dissatisfied with the experience. I hope this will be resolved and I get my parcel as soon as possible because I need it , I paid for it
0 replies
8 months ago
Discovery Health Bad service
I'm extremely dissatisfied with Discovery's service. When I app**** for medical aid, I disclosed my asthma condition and ongoing medication. They confirmed my records from 2010 showed I was receiving asthma treatment. However, when I called recently, I was told I need to complete a chronic application form and won't be able to see a GP until it's approved. To make matters worse, the case manager called me last week about the 12-month waiting period for my other chronic conditions, which we accept since they were disclosed after activating the medical aid. The real frustration is the lack of responsiveness. When I emailed about an issue, I waited 3 days for a response. The website's 'Get Help' section features a bot that refers me to the call center number. When I call, I'm left holding for an unacceptably long time. Even WhatsApp isn't helpful - it's just automated responses. Now, it seems we'll be paying for 12 months without seeing a GP or getting medical attention for my asthma, despite disclosing it before activating the medical aid. What's more, the agent was even aware of the specific asthma sprays I use. This situation feels unfair and frustrating."
2 replies
9 months ago
Bonitas lack of transparency
I recently joined Bonitas Medical Aid, with my daughter handling the application process since I've been out of work since 2010. Unfortunately, the sales representative failed to inform her about Late Joiner Penalties, and the contract was finalized without this crucial detail being disclosed. Unexpected Additional Fees When the first installment was deducted at the end of the month, my daughter was shocked to learn that an additional fee of R900 would be added to the R1900 premium. Lack of Transparency I'm disturbed by the sales representative's lack of transparency regarding the fees. It appears their primary concern was securing the sale and earning a commission, rather than providing my daughter with accurate information. Financial Constraints The additional Late Joiner Penalty fee of R900 is a significant burden, and my daughter cannot afford it. This is why she opted to take out the medical aid for me alone, as the cost for both of us would have been prohibitively expensive.
7 replies
9 months ago
Bad Customer service
I'm experiencing frustrating customer service issues with Discovery Health, including lengthy hold times and frequent disconnections. Despite multiple attempts to reach out, I've been unable to resolve my query regarding my medical certificate.The customer service experience has been frustrating, with long hold times and frequent disconnections. The website isn't allowing me to retrieve it, and despite multiple attempts to call for assistance, I've been unable to get help.
1 reply
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1 Star
21 (91.30434782608695%)