Zweli Mokgata

Zweli Mokgata

Choosing the right medical aid is a difficult decision, which can turn into a nightmare with life-threatening consequences if not considered properly.

Thandiwe Mofolo's son was thrown off a train several months ago and needed urgent medical attention.

"I took him to the Tshepo-Themba clinic where he had to have an operation on his leg," she said.

After a frustrating attempt to acquire information from Discovery , a consultant explained that a potential client is assigned a broker who provides information about medical aid options.

As a member of a company scheme Mofolo was not assigned a broker, but she attended the presentation for employees of the company.

She recalls: "I asked the consultant for advice and gave her my details, and she advised to take the KeyCare programme. I've been a member of the scheme for nine years, and I haven't claimed once in all that time. I thought I was covered."

But when it was time to pay fees of about R25 000 Mofolo said that Discovery paid less than half the amount.

She was told that her plan did not provide her with 100percent cover.