

Discovery Health
Based on recent customer reviews, Discovery Health faces severe and systemic criticism across virtually all service dimensions. Customers consistently describe an organization that collects premiums reliably but fails to deliver when medical care is needed most. While isolated individual staff members receive praise for exceptional effort, the overwhelming pattern reveals deep frustration with claims processing, communication failures, billing errors, opaque plan benefits, and dismissive customer service.
Replied to 94% of negative reviews
Typically takes less than 13 hours 29 min to reply
TrustIndex
2.3
Score
Ranking
#11
in Medical Aid
Avg Reply
13 hours 49 minutes
NPS Score
-70
Recommended: Unlikely
Replied to 94% of negative reviews
Typically takes less than 13 hours 29 min to reply
May '25 - Apr '26
Used this business recently? Share your experience to help others decide.
Used this business recently? Share your experience to help others decide.
Share Your ExperiencePopular mentions
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
I am extremely frustrated with the handling of my medical aid membership by Discovery Health. I recently moved from my previous medical aid to Discovery. This was a voluntary move, I was not forced off my previous scheme, nor was my membership terminated involuntarily. However, Discovery has app**** waiting periods to my membership and is justifying this by stating that I was “forced off” my previous medical aid. This is factually incorrect. I have asked Discovery to clarify what they mean by “forced off” and on what basis they have classified my membership in this way, but I have not received a clear or satisfactory explanation. This misclassification is now directly affecting my ability to access day-to-day medical benefits, including basic medication at the pharmacy. It is deeply disappointing that Discovery appears to prioritise signing up new members, but fails to provide proper support and accurate assessments once you are on their scheme. This experience has made it feel like customer care is not a priority. This situation is stressful and unacceptable, as it impacts my access to essential healthcare. I expect urgent attention and resolution from Discovery Health.
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
I am extremely frustrated with the handling of my medical aid membership by Discovery Health. I recently moved from my previous medical aid to Discovery. This was a voluntary move, I was not forced off my previous scheme, nor was my membership terminated involuntarily. However, Discovery has app**** waiting periods to my membership and is justifying this by stating that I was “forced off” my previous medical aid. This is factually incorrect. I have asked Discovery to clarify what they mean by “forced off” and on what basis they have classified my membership in this way, but I have not received a clear or satisfactory explanation. This misclassification is now directly affecting my ability to access day-to-day medical benefits, including basic medication at the pharmacy. It is deeply disappointing that Discovery appears to prioritise signing up new members, but fails to provide proper support and accurate assessments once you are on their scheme. This experience has made it feel like customer care is not a priority. This situation is stressful and unacceptable, as it impacts my access to essential healthcare. I expect urgent attention and resolution from Discovery Health.
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
I’d like to commend Dylan in the clinical department for the outstanding service he provided. He was incredibly patient with me on the call and took the time to explain everything thoroughly, making sure I fully understood each step. It’s rare to come across someone so calm, knowledgeable, and willing to go the extra mile to assist. Dylan never rushed the conversation and handled all my questions with professionalism and clarity. Thank you, Dylan, for turning what could have been a frustrating experience into a smooth and pleasant one. Your excellent customer service is truly appreciated!
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
I’d like to commend Dylan in the clinical department for the outstanding service he provided. He was incredibly patient with me on the call and took the time to explain everything thoroughly, making sure I fully understood each step. It’s rare to come across someone so calm, knowledgeable, and willing to go the extra mile to assist. Dylan never rushed the conversation and handled all my questions with professionalism and clarity. Thank you, Dylan, for turning what could have been a frustrating experience into a smooth and pleasant one. Your excellent customer service is truly appreciated!
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
Dear Discovery I sent an urgent mail stating that you paid the wrong person/account after I submitted my claim. I only got an generic auto reply. In addition, it has now been established that you did not only pay the service provider instead of refunding me, you paid it into the wrong account of the service provider. I need to be refunded immediately. It was your mistake. I understand that mistakes happen but this has unfortunately put me in a very pecu**** situation. Pleaee contact me asap.
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
Dear Discovery I sent an urgent mail stating that you paid the wrong person/account after I submitted my claim. I only got an generic auto reply. In addition, it has now been established that you did not only pay the service provider instead of refunding me, you paid it into the wrong account of the service provider. I need to be refunded immediately. It was your mistake. I understand that mistakes happen but this has unfortunately put me in a very pecu**** situation. Pleaee contact me asap.
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
I submitted a claim 16 March (11938594695) under the above Ref number, however For the past 4 weeks I have been given the run around on outstanding information on the Dr's invoice. Whenever I call I am told the invoice is incorrect, we do a conference call with the Dr's office and the Dr's office amends the invoice accordingly based on the call with the agent , but when I submit the amended invoice I am told again information is missing. I am honestly not happy with the service that I am getting. The invoice should have all the information they need to process my claim, I paid cash R53780 to the Dr for the procedure and Discovery has to reimburse me on this authorization number 32761601.
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
I submitted a claim 16 March (11938594695) under the above Ref number, however For the past 4 weeks I have been given the run around on outstanding information on the Dr's invoice. Whenever I call I am told the invoice is incorrect, we do a conference call with the Dr's office and the Dr's office amends the invoice accordingly based on the call with the agent , but when I submit the amended invoice I am told again information is missing. I am honestly not happy with the service that I am getting. The invoice should have all the information they need to process my claim, I paid cash R53780 to the Dr for the procedure and Discovery has to reimburse me on this authorization number 32761601.
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
I am extremely frustrated with the service I’ve received from Discovery Health. I obtained pre-approval for a procedure, yet despite this, my claim has not been paid in full. Instead of resolving the issue internally, I am now being sent in circles and told to contact the doctor’s rooms myself to dispute the appropriateness of the fees charged. This is completely unacceptable. As a member, I rely on pre-approval to provide cer*****y around cover. It defeats the entire purpose if, after the fact, I am left to negotiate with healthcare providers on Discovery’s behalf. I have followed up multiple times over the past few weeks, and despite this, the matter remains unresolved. It has now been close to three weeks with no clear outcome or accountability from Discovery. Members should not be expected to do the work of the medical scheme, especially after pre-approval has already been granted. This reflects very poorly on the level of service and support provided. If this matter is not resolved urgently, I will escalate it through the appropriate regulatory and consumer channels.
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
I am extremely frustrated with the service I’ve received from Discovery Health. I obtained pre-approval for a procedure, yet despite this, my claim has not been paid in full. Instead of resolving the issue internally, I am now being sent in circles and told to contact the doctor’s rooms myself to dispute the appropriateness of the fees charged. This is completely unacceptable. As a member, I rely on pre-approval to provide cer*****y around cover. It defeats the entire purpose if, after the fact, I am left to negotiate with healthcare providers on Discovery’s behalf. I have followed up multiple times over the past few weeks, and despite this, the matter remains unresolved. It has now been close to three weeks with no clear outcome or accountability from Discovery. Members should not be expected to do the work of the medical scheme, especially after pre-approval has already been granted. This reflects very poorly on the level of service and support provided. If this matter is not resolved urgently, I will escalate it through the appropriate regulatory and consumer channels.
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
Would give 0 stars if I could I had a follow up consult with dermatologist on 17 Feb 2026, as per recommendation by my oncologist twice a year for 2 years. Oncology basket activated. Another spot was found and biopsy done, then and there In rooms. Result, basal skin cancer which was duly removed on 25th February. Now discovery has refused to pay for biopsy, as pre auth was not done. How does a patient know she has skin Cancer, BEFORE CONSULTATION? Explanation from discovery, biopsy procedure is covered under RISK, not oncology, which is why pre auth was required. This should be paid from my oncology basket! Auth approved now, 18th March, 2 weeks after contact with discovery, number 33104149, and because of late pre auth submission , discovery will only pay 70%? I DO NOT ACCEPT THIS and want the claim paid in full from my oncology basket. Not 70% from risk? Why do discovery decline, first, delay payments, and make patients fight for what is rightfully theirs? RESPONSE PLEASE AND WHEN PAYMENT WILL BE MADE. THIS ACCOUNT IS Now OVER 1 MONTH OLD. first contact with call centre esiswe ref 11879145146 on 24th feb at 12.57 Second follow up Manoko ref 1190327421 on 3 March 10.15 am, passing onto case manager to review. I wait for your prompt response
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
Would give 0 stars if I could I had a follow up consult with dermatologist on 17 Feb 2026, as per recommendation by my oncologist twice a year for 2 years. Oncology basket activated. Another spot was found and biopsy done, then and there In rooms. Result, basal skin cancer which was duly removed on 25th February. Now discovery has refused to pay for biopsy, as pre auth was not done. How does a patient know she has skin Cancer, BEFORE CONSULTATION? Explanation from discovery, biopsy procedure is covered under RISK, not oncology, which is why pre auth was required. This should be paid from my oncology basket! Auth approved now, 18th March, 2 weeks after contact with discovery, number 33104149, and because of late pre auth submission , discovery will only pay 70%? I DO NOT ACCEPT THIS and want the claim paid in full from my oncology basket. Not 70% from risk? Why do discovery decline, first, delay payments, and make patients fight for what is rightfully theirs? RESPONSE PLEASE AND WHEN PAYMENT WILL BE MADE. THIS ACCOUNT IS Now OVER 1 MONTH OLD. first contact with call centre esiswe ref 11879145146 on 24th feb at 12.57 Second follow up Manoko ref 1190327421 on 3 March 10.15 am, passing onto case manager to review. I wait for your prompt response
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
This situation is now beyond poor service — it is starting to look seriously questionable. Discovery confirmed that my Blood Pressure monitor was approved and paid for. That means money has already been transferred to Brandmed. However, Discovery refuses to send me the proof. So: • I have no invoice • No confirmation of dispatch • No delivery timeline • No proper communication Brandmed then asks me AGAIN for my personal details on WhatsApp, despite already having my full information from the application process. That is a major POPIA concern and completely unacceptable. Details provided: • Reference: D1nkw2 • DPD Tracking: HH4034_20260318085014 Now the biggest concern: According to DPD: • They have only been “notified” • The parcel has NOT been collected (for both yesterday and today) • Tracking reflects inconsistent updates across dates So let’s be clear: Discovery says the device is paid for Brandmed claims the process is underway But the courier hasn’t even received the parcel Where exactly is the device? Because right now, it looks like money has been taken with no actual fulfilment. This raises serious concerns: • Is Brandmed actually dispatching these devices? • Why is there no proof of shipment or invoice? • Why are customers being asked again for personal information? • Why is Discovery using a supplier that cannot perform basic fulfilment? At this point, I am questioning the legitimacy and operational integrity of this entire process. To make matters worse: • Calls are not answered • WhatsApp messages are ignored or delayed • No accountability from either Discovery or Brandmed I am a paying Discovery client with hypertension. The stress caused by this situation is unacceptable and irresponsible. I require immediate action: • Full proof of order and invoice • Confirmation of delivery address • Proof the parcel has been handed to DPD • A confirmed delivery date If this is not resolved urgently, I will escalate formally to: • Council for Medical Schemes • Information Regulator (POPIA) • National Consumer Commission • Legal channels if necessary Right now, this does not look like a functioning process — it looks like a failure of accountability at best, and something far more concerning at worst. I regret the day I chose Discovery Medical Aid. DISCOVERY! Fix this. Urgently.
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
This situation is now beyond poor service — it is starting to look seriously questionable. Discovery confirmed that my Blood Pressure monitor was approved and paid for. That means money has already been transferred to Brandmed. However, Discovery refuses to send me the proof. So: • I have no invoice • No confirmation of dispatch • No delivery timeline • No proper communication Brandmed then asks me AGAIN for my personal details on WhatsApp, despite already having my full information from the application process. That is a major POPIA concern and completely unacceptable. Details provided: • Reference: D1nkw2 • DPD Tracking: HH4034_20260318085014 Now the biggest concern: According to DPD: • They have only been “notified” • The parcel has NOT been collected (for both yesterday and today) • Tracking reflects inconsistent updates across dates So let’s be clear: Discovery says the device is paid for Brandmed claims the process is underway But the courier hasn’t even received the parcel Where exactly is the device? Because right now, it looks like money has been taken with no actual fulfilment. This raises serious concerns: • Is Brandmed actually dispatching these devices? • Why is there no proof of shipment or invoice? • Why are customers being asked again for personal information? • Why is Discovery using a supplier that cannot perform basic fulfilment? At this point, I am questioning the legitimacy and operational integrity of this entire process. To make matters worse: • Calls are not answered • WhatsApp messages are ignored or delayed • No accountability from either Discovery or Brandmed I am a paying Discovery client with hypertension. The stress caused by this situation is unacceptable and irresponsible. I require immediate action: • Full proof of order and invoice • Confirmation of delivery address • Proof the parcel has been handed to DPD • A confirmed delivery date If this is not resolved urgently, I will escalate formally to: • Council for Medical Schemes • Information Regulator (POPIA) • National Consumer Commission • Legal channels if necessary Right now, this does not look like a functioning process — it looks like a failure of accountability at best, and something far more concerning at worst. I regret the day I chose Discovery Medical Aid. DISCOVERY! Fix this. Urgently.
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
After the comment I made regarding Discovery Health, a representative of them called me and really, he was trying to make a fool of me talking to me if I were uneducated. This behavior just confirmed to me that Discovery Health is *********** the people whilst pretending like they are doing you a favor to be a member of Discovery Health.
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
After the comment I made regarding Discovery Health, a representative of them called me and really, he was trying to make a fool of me talking to me if I were uneducated. This behavior just confirmed to me that Discovery Health is *********** the people whilst pretending like they are doing you a favor to be a member of Discovery Health.
Based on recent customer reviews, this business delivers a consistently strong customer experience anchored by outstanding agent quality and rapid communication. Customers frequently name individual consultants and praise their friendliness, patience, and professionalism. Recurring praise is given to claims and roadside assistance, though a vocal minority report frustrating delays, rejected claims, and poor transparency around premium increases.
This business's biggest strength, according to Hellopeter's AI analysis, is Agent Quality & Customer Care. Named consultants are praised repeatedly for patience, friendliness, and going above and beyond. Words like 'amazing,' 'star,' and 'gem' appear frequently, reflecting genuinely caring human interactions.
The most common complaint, based on Hellopeter's AI analysis of recent customer reviews, is Pricing, Premiums & Transparency. Customers appreciate premium reductions upon request but complain about unexplained annual increases, hidden excess charges, and debits continuing after cancellation. Transparency at policy inception is a recurring gap.
Industry comparison data is calculated from each business's overall AI Score against the industry average. Strongest themes typically include Agent Quality and Communication; weakest tend to be Repair Quality and Pricing. How is the AI Score calculated? →
Hellopeter's TrustIndex is a 0–10 score based on review star ratings, reply speed, and recent activity over the last 12 months. How is the TrustIndex calculated? →
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