Discovery members ‘make the Smart move’, while KeyCare loses ground
The decline in KeyCare Plus membership reflects a reduction in employer subsidies and fewer mandates for medical scheme membership, DHMS says.
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Consumers caught in hidden debt trap as ombud flags unfair practices
From hidden VAS fees that quietly inflated balances to wrongful fraud listings, the NFO Credit Division’s interventions have secured millions in write-offs.
Bestmed marks sixth year of membership growth
Despite economic headwinds and high claims ratios, Bestmed grew net membership by 4.4% in 2024, bolstered by strong solvency and a R164.4m surplus.
Non-life complaints resolved in favour of policyholders at 16.5%
Lead Ombud Edite Teixeira-Mckinon warns against drawing hasty conclusions about complaints stats without factoring in claims volumes and policy counts.
NFO’s Life Division recovers over R202m for consumers in 2024
Complaints about life-benefit payouts climbed to 36% of the Division’s cases, from 34% in 2023.
FAIS Ombud’s report highlights pitfalls in client communication
From misrepresented investment products to overlooked policy details, the cases show how advisers can better serve clients by providing clear, timely, and relevant information.
Consumer settlements rise as FAIS Ombud sharpens complaint handling
More than R39m awarded to consumers as complaints settled in their favour increased from 29% to 35% in 2023/24.
Regulator pushes for tougher PAIA enforcement to combat low compliance
Key proposed amendments include imposing fines for non-compliance, enhancing the Information Regulator’s authority to issue directives, and introducing search-and-seizure powers.
Ombud Council’s first formally tabled report highlights reforms in financial dispute resolution
Key achievements include the creation of the National Financial Ombud Scheme and the new FAIS Ombud Rules.
Rise in complaints about medical schemes clawing back losses allegedly linked to fraud and waste
Schemes and healthcare professionals are at odds over whether these recoveries are justified, says the Council for Medical Schemes.
FIC cracks down on non-compliant accountable institutions
The FIC’s latest annual report shows that out of 558 inspections conducted during the year, 269 specifically targeted the non-submission of risk and compliance returns.
How bank errors and unseen fees impacted customers
The OBS’s 2023 annual report unveils chargeback disputes, hidden fees, and administrative failures.
OBS reports record high complaints in 2023 as it transitions to NFO
The Ombudsman for Banking Services was kept busy with complaints about current accounts, loans, savings accounts, credit cards, and home loans.
Ombudsman’s report unveils banking blunders and customer missteps
The cases dealt with by the banking ombudsman last year included a home auctioned for far below its value and fraud linked to a stolen phone.
Medihelp’s solvency ratio drops below threshold amid high claims and rising costs
Medihelp submitted a CMS-approved three-year plan, requiring gradual contribution increases to restore its reserves to the statutory 25% level.
Why policyholders complained to the short-term ombudsman in 2023
‘Lack of maintenance or wear and tear’ gave rise to most of the disputes in several categories of insurance.
Short-term insurers with the most and the least complaints in 2023
The important statistic is the proportion of personal lines complaints relative to an insurer’s share of the total personal lines claims.
