I've no doubt they do a lot of things very well but being in the medical field I have seen a lot of people who don't have the kind of cover they thought they had and end up with big bills. I contacted discovery and they say they will cover you over the border on only 2 of their many options, the essential comprehensive and classic conprehensive. Both options offer R5 000 000.00 cover for international travel cover but beware they only cover "certain sub saharan countries" (they didn't specify which ones but I'm sure Moz will be one , maybe not Tanzania) They also have a clause for professional sports and/or hazardous persuits - NO BENEFIT. This might be a big catch for us spearos, or maybe not. But as I say make VERY sure of where you stand with ANY medical aid - get it in writing and don't take the word of some clerk on the end of the phone, it's to late after you have a problem.

You're right in that they only cover our SA neighbors, and Moz is certainly one of the countries.

In terms of not covering hazardous sports, and by extension, spearfishing: some time back I approached Discovery with this question. They said that spearfishing and freediving are fully covered. I then went one step further and asked by broker to send me a letter (on an official Discovery letterhead) confirming this. Which they did. So I made sure I covered my bases.

For others who are with Discovery and have similar concerns, I highly recommend doing the same

thats a good idea Tom ... will be doing the same.

The other thing to consider is who is coming to fetch you. It is all very well that your medical aid will pay for the evacuation but do you have the number of the emergency service who will rescue you and if you phone will they come straight away or do they need authorisation from your medical aid or proof that it will pay before they come? keep a properly written out plan at hand with all of the relevant phone numbers, medical aid numbers , authorisation numbers organised before hand if possible etc. And remember your mate might be on a different medical aid with different procedures, rescue services contracted to the M/A etc.