User Agreement

PLEASE READ THIS USER AGREEMENT CAREFULLY BEFORE USING THIS SITE.

General Terms and Conditions

1. Definitions
   • In this User Agreement, the words below have the following meanings assigned to them :
     • “we”, “us”, “our” and “Discovery” means Discovery Holdings Limited or it’s authorized representatives
     • “website” means the internet set with the address http://www.discovery.co.za
     • “you” and “your” means the user of the web site.

2. Consent
   • Your use of this website is subject to the conditions set out below. These conditions may change from time to time, so please familiarise yourself with the agreement regularly.
   • Each member and dependant over the age of 18 years registered on the membership will be required to accept their own terms and conditions to obtain access to the Health Record or PHR. Sensitive health information, for example HIV status and test results will not be recorded on the Health Record or PHR.
   • By using this website, you signify your acceptance of this user agreement. If you do not agree to all of this user agreement, please do not continue to use this website. Your continued use of the Discovery website will also mean you accept all of these terms and conditions.
   • You also understand and accept that this user agreement applies to any information accessed via this website.
   • You hereby indemnify Discovery and will not hold us liable for any claims, lawsuits, proceedings, costs, special, incidental, consequential or indirect damages, including damages for loss of profits, loss of business or downtime arising out of or relating to use of the website or information.
   • You hereby indemnify Discovery from any errors or inaccuracies or incomplete information submitted by any healthcare professional in the form of claims for services rendered and agree that Discovery will not be liable for any loss, including direct, indirect and consequential, that may arise from any disclosure contemplated herein.

3. Warranties
   • You warrant your identity (in other words you are who you say you are) and that you can prove your identity should we require you to do so.
   • Discovery reserves the right to refuse to provide services to you if we are unable to verify any information you provided us with.
   • You are required to keep your access details (user name and password) confidential and not allow other people to use it.
   • You agree that the following actions shall constitute a material breach of these terms and conditions:
   • Signing on as or pretending to be another person
   • Transmitting material that infringes or violates the intellectual property rights of others or the privacy or publicity rights of others
   • Using interactive services in a way that is intended to harm, or where a reasonable person would understand would likely result in harm  to the user or others
   • Gathering information about others, including health information on the Health Record system
   • Any use of your access details, including the use of the Health Record system, shall be deemed as if you were the person using it.

4. Full disclosure of all relevant facts and benefit entitlement
   • You guarantee that all information provided at any time to Discovery on this website, in writing, or otherwise, will be true and correct.
   • You guarantee that you have fully disclosed all material facts. Any breach of your contractual duties under this agreement may lead to the contract or any transactions arising from the contract being rendered void.
   • Discovery might need certain personal and financial information from you. It is in your best interest to keep the information up to date and accurate.
   • The Medicine Comparator tool used for the purposes of the Health Record is in no way a guarantee of funding.  All health plan rules and funding policies override any information given through the aid of this tool.
   • All chronic conditions and medicines have to be applied for through the Chronic Illness Benefit.  The display of Chronic Drug Amounts and formularies (medicine lists) is not a guarantee of funding of any of these items. All chronic conditions and medicines are subject to application and approval through the Chronic Illness Benefit . 

5. Electronic communication and records
   • You hereby accept electronic communication as the medium to be used y yourself and Discovery. You authorise Discovery to act on any information you send electronically, and you further agree that all records will be stored electronically. Such electronic records shall constitute conclusive proof of the contents of such record, unless you can prove otherwise.
   • Any electronic communication (an email or SMS) sent to you will be deemed to have been received by you upon dispatch by Discovery.
   • As a registered user of the Discovery website, you will receive all communications via email. Should you wish not to receive communications via email from Discovery, you may change the way you receive your communication on the website, or you can phone our contact centre.
   • Discovery takes all reasonable steps to protect your personal information and maintain confidentiality, including the use of encryption technology. However, we cannot guarantee the security of any information you transmit to us online and you do so at your own risk.
   • You acknowledge and accept that Discovery Health will be entitled to remove reference or identification of a specific person and use this patient information for statistical and research purposes and to provide the resulting statistical or research data to others.

6. Copyright
   • All elements of the Discovery website, including, but not limited to, the general design and the imagery, are protected by trade restrictions, copyright, moral rights, trademark and other laws relating to intellectual property rights.
   • Except if explicitly permitted under this or another agreement with Discovery or one of its subsidiaries, no portion or element of this website or its contents may be copied or transmitted via any means.
   • This website, its contents and all related rights shall remain the exclusive property of Discovery or its licensors unless otherwise expressly agreed. Any unauthorised use, alteration or dissemination of information on this website is prohibited.
   • Should you (the user) breach the terms of this clause Discovery will have the right to claim damages which include the right to claim special, incidental, consequential or indirect damages. Discovery will also be entitled to claim for loss of profits and loss of business and will be entitled to recover all legal costs on a scale as between attorney and own client.

7. Disclaimer
   • Discovery is totally committed to providing you with the best possible service. However, we are not responsible for :
     • interrupted, delayed or failed transmission, storage or delivery of information due to a power failure, equipment or software malfunction, natural disasters, fire, labour unrest, or any other cause beyond the control of Discovery.
     • any negligent act or omission by Discovery.
     • any inaccurate or inadequate information obtained from the website supplied by you.
   • We are not responsible for any direct or indirect loss or damages that may arise from :
     • any of the events described in this paragraph and the paragraph above.
     • your actions or omissions that result in a breach this Agreement.
     • links with other web sites over which we cannot control the content of or the products offered on those sites.
     • a denial of access to the web site should we believe that you are conducting activities that are illegal, abusive, attack the integrity of the site or put Discovery in disrepute.
     • the reliance on the information obtained from this web site.
     • The information contained in this web site is not to be construed as either advice or an intermediary services in terms of the Financial Advisory and Intermediary Services Act of 2002. Please consult your financial adviser should you require financial services.

8. Indemnity
   • While Discovery makes every effort to ensure that the information is accurate and up to date, we make no representations or warranties about the suitability of the products that appear or about the soundness of the content on the website.
   • All information, including products and services or any terms or conditions pertaining to them, is subject to change at any time.
   • All calculations made on the website are approximations, are meant as guidelines only and should be confirmed before relying on them.
   • Discovery is not responsible for any defects in, malfunctions of, or inaccuracies in the performance of any calculators used in the calculations.
   • All services provided on or through this website are subject to confirmation at the time of finalising any transactions.
   • Some of our information is derived from external sources. We are not responsible for any incorrect information received from these external sources

Specific terms and conditions for MaPS (Medical and Provider Search)

1. The information and content contained in, or accessible from this tool, is compiled automatically from Discovery Health’s record of healthcare professionals and uses health plan rules to determine which providers’ billing for consultations and procedures will be covered in full and at which providers members might have co-payments on consultations and procedures.
2. Cover is subject to our scheme rules, funding guidelines and clinical rules.
3. Not all healthcare professionals may be displayed on this tool. Healthcare professionals will be reviewed and updated on a timely basis.
4. While Discovery does its best to ensure that the healthcare professional information is correct, the information received from providers may contain errors or inaccuracies, may be incomplete or out of date, and you should do your own independent investigations about the accuracy of this information. Discovery Health will not be liable in any way for any loss, including direct, indirect or consequential, that may arise from any disclosure contemplated herein or for use or reliance on any possibly inaccurate information or opinions contained herein. 
5. Although we attempt to maintain the integrity and accuracy of the information on the website, we make no guarantees about correctness, completeness or accuracy. The website may contain typographical errors, inaccuracies or other errors and omissions. If you believe that information available on the website is inaccurate or unauthorised, please let us know.
6. For Prescribed Minimum Benefits to be covered in full you have to have your treatment at one of our Designated Service Providers (a network of specific hospitals or healthcare professionals).  Our Designated Service Providers are represented by any provider’ details that displays in green.
7. This tool does not cater for scenarios where a member is in a waiting period. Please consult your waiting period’s terms and conditions (available on the letter you receive from Discovery Health when you join) for a detailed explanation on your cover in a waiting period. If you need more information, please contact the call centre.
8. Funding of other consumables and medicine used in a doctor’s consultation is not displayed on this tool and is subject to your health plan’s rules.
9. There are some expenses that you incur while you are in hospital that your Hospital Benefit does not cover, for example private ward costs.  Certain procedures, medicines and new technologies need separate approval while you are in hospital. Hospital admissions are subject to confirmation of benefits and approval.

Specific terms and conditions to access microsites

1. The information contained on these websites are general in nature and is intended for use solely as an educational aid.
2. The information is intended to supplement information you have, where appropriate, and is in no way a substitute for the expertise and judgement of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional.
3. You are advised that decisions about the diagnosis and treatment of a medical condition, including decisions about drug therapy, are complex medical decisions requiring the independent and informed judgement of your appropriate healthcare professional.
4. All specific questions about the treatment and care of a medical condition should be posed to your own healthcare professional.
5. Discovery, its suppliers, licensees and sub-licensees are not responsible for any decisions you may make resulting from the use of the information including, but in no way limited to, you choosing to seek, or not to seek professional medical care, or your choosing or not choosing specific treatment.
6. The views expressed on this website are not necessarily those of Discovery, or its agents, nor are the products advertised herein necessarily covered as benefits in terms of the rules of the Discovery Health Medical Scheme, nor are they necessarily endorsed by Discovery. Discovery does not in any manner endorse, assume responsibility for, or recommend the use of any drug or treatment method described on this website.
7. The Health Record (Health Record) provides information automatically compiled from patient information submitted by any healthcare professional in the form of claims and services rendered. The information does not provide medical or any other healthcare advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare professionals with any questions you may have about a medical condition, diet, fitness or wellness programme. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of information you accessed on or through the Health Record service.

Vitality Nutrition Centre

The Vitality Nutrition Centre is intended solely as an introduction to healthy eating and lifestyle changes. The contents of the website are the sole property of Discovery and may not be copied or used without the express permission of Discovery.

Discovery takes reasonable care in ensuring that the website's content is accurate and up to date. The content on this website is intended for general guidance only and in no way should it be used as a substitute for any medical advice from your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. The content has been compiled for the sole purpose of being an educational aid. Therefore, any decisions about the diagnosis or treatment of a medical condition should be made in consultation with the appropriate healthcare provider.

Discovery shall not be held responsible for any decisions you may or may not make in seeking medical care resulting from the use of the information found on the website. Your choice to seek medical care or not shall not in any way be based on the information found on the site and shall be based purely on your judgement. Discovery will not be liable for any direct, incidental, consequential, indirect or punitive damages arising out of access to or use of any content on this site.

Discovery Health

The information contained on this website is general in nature and is intended for use solely as an educational aid. The information is intended to supplement other information where appropriate and is in no way a substitute for the expertise and judgement of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. You are advised that decisions about the diagnosis and treatment of a medical condition, including decisions about drug therapy, are complex medical decisions requiring the independent and informed judgement of your appropriate healthcare professional. All specific questions about the treatment and care of a medical condition should be posed to your own healthcare professional.

Discovery will not be responsible for any loss or damage resulting from the use of the information presented here for any reason. Discovery, its suppliers, licensees and sub-licensees are not responsible for any decisions you may make resulting from the use of the information including, but in no way limited to, you choosing to seek, or not to seek professional medical care, or your choosing or not choosing specific treatment. You waive any claim you may have or acquire against Discovery and indemnify and hold Discovery harmless from any claims, lawsuits, proceedings, costs, special, incidental, consequential or indirect damages, including damages for loss of profits, loss of business or downtime arising out of or relating to your use of the information.

You assume full responsibility for ensuring the appropriateness of using and relying upon the information in particular taking your own circumstances into account.

The views expressed on this website are not necessarily those of Discovery, or its agents, nor are the products advertised herein necessarily covered as benefits in terms of the rules of the Discovery Health Medical Scheme, nor are they necessarily endorsed by Discovery. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information, neither Discovery, nor any of its staff or its agents will be held responsible for any omissions or errors, or for any misfortune, injury or damages which may arise from the use of the website.

Discovery does not in any manner endorse, assume responsibility for, or recommend the use of any drug or treatment method described on this website. This website contains content provided by third parties of which Discovery is merely a distributor, and not the author. The information and services available on this website are provided with no warranty, whether express or implied. Discovery makes no representation about the suitability of this information and content for any purpose whatsoever.

NOTE: The information contained in these databases is general in nature and is intended for use as an educational aid. The information is intended to supplement, not substitute, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that the use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before taking this drug. Health Application Service Provider South Africa (Pty) Ltd.

Discovery Life

Please note that the Discovery website is administered by Discovery Health (Pty) Limited (“Discovery Health”). If you only have a Discovery Life Policy and are registering on this site you agree to having your information disclosed to Discovery Health or any other entity in the Discovery Group of companies to ensure that you receive effective access to this site.   

Vitality Stress Centre

The Vitality Stress Centre is intended solely as a source of education and to increase your knowledge, life skills and provide information about stress and health issues.

A stress expert has been appointed to assist in the development of the interactive and educational Vitality Stress Centre, with accurate content and ongoing support. A stress advice panel made up of an independent group of consultants has been appointed to review the material, ensuring that the information provided is correct and credible.

The Vitality Stress Centre supplements the care provided by your medical doctor and is not a substitute for medical advice. Diagnosis, treatment, recommendations and prediction of your disease outcome should be made by your doctor or a healthcare professional.

Before embarking on any self-care programme or new treatment, please seek advice and information from your healthcare professional first, as facts about health and wellness are constantly changing.

The contents of the site are the sole property of Discovery and cannot be copied or used without Discovery’s express permission.

Discovery takes reasonable care in ensuring that the content is accurate and up to date and that it is scientifically based, accurate and truthful. Some new perspectives may provide debate while exploring new concepts and ideas.

The Vitality Stress Centre does not diagnose mental illnesses. It also does not cater for members with extreme levels of stress and chronic disorders (systemic diseases) or any psychological disorders such as severe depression, bipolar mood disorder, schizophrenia, panic disorder and other serious mental diseases.

The recommended stress management tools and techniques can, however, prove useful for those who fall into these categories, if it is done with the cooperation of a healthcare professional or medical doctor specialising in mental health.

Information, contact details and references to the relevant professional organisations is provided. Discovery will not be responsible for any decisions you may or may not make in seeking medical care resulting from the use of the information found on the website.

Your choice to seek medical care or not shall not in any way be based on the information found on the site and shall be based purely on your judgement. Discovery will not be liable for any direct, incidental, consequential, indirect or punitive damages arising out of access to or use of any content on this website.

Terms and conditions for Discovery SMS notifications:

By using the SMS notification service you agree to be bound by these terms and conditions:

1. I acknowledge that for information about my membership to be retrieved after a request sent by SMS, Discovery requires the cellphone number from which the SMS is sent to have been recorded and confirmed as belonging to me or one of my registered dependants.
2. I undertake to ensure that Discovery has recorded my cellphone number and that this recorded number will be automatically confirmed as belonging to me or one of my registered dependants.
3. I shall notify Discovery should my cellphone number or the cellphone number(s) of my registered dependant(s) change.
4. I acknowledge that information about the balance in my Medical Savings Account (MSA), if I have one, is dependent on claims processed up to the time that the request for information is received by Discovery. Claims that have been received but not processed at the time of the request for information will therefore not have been taken into account in the calculation of my MSA balance.
5. I acknowledge that information about my Vitality points and status is dependent on information that has been received from Vitality partners and processed by Vitality at the time of the request for information.
6. I acknowledge that the cost for each SMS that is sent is currently 50c (fifty cents) and that this cost may change from time to time, without written notice.
7. I acknowledge that Discovery Health has the right, in its sole and absolute discretion, to discontinue this service or to change it at any time.
8. I hereby indemnify and hold Discovery Health (Pty) Limited, its holding company and its holding company’s subsidiaries, each medical scheme it administers and all respective employees, directors, trustees and representatives harmless against any and all loss and damages of whatsoever nature arising out of or in connection with:
   • the information sent after using this service; and
   • any use and abuse or both of this service by any person on my membership, including, without limitation, any person using my cellphone either with or without my consent.
9. I acknowledge that Discovery Health is entitled to amend these terms and conditions from time to time in such manner as it, in its sole and absolute discretion, deems appropriate.