AURA, a life-saving technology platform making emergency response services more accessible and affordable, today announced its partnership with Discovery Insure, a division of Discovery Limited, to power the security response component of its new Discovery 911 virtual panic button offering.

Available through the Discovery Insure app, Discovery 911 provides users access to emergency medical and security when it is most needed. Users can trigger an alert by pressing the virtual panic button in the app. For security-related emergencies, alerts are routed through AURA’s technology platform to the nearest vetted private, armed response provider, enabling rapid dispatch and real-time assistance.

This offering is built on integrated technology solutions, including Discovery Insure’s advanced emergency response ecosystem, which combines telematics technology, real-time intelligence, the Insure24 call centre, and AURA’s intelligent security dispatch platform, supported by an extensive national private response network. This network includes more than 2,500 response vehicles and over 5,400 armed responders across South Africa, with an average response time of under ten minutes.

“Discovery 911 is an important step in making emergency assistance more accessible to South Africans,” said Warren Myers, CEO and co-founder of AURA. “By combining Discovery’s trusted customer platform with AURA’s safety dispatch technology and responder network, we are helping ensure that Discovery Insure clients across South Africa can access security support quickly when they need it most.”

The partnership comes at a time when personal safety remains a priority for many South Africans, with growing demand for fast, reliable private security services. Through Discovery 911, users can access trusted armed response support quickly and discreetly wherever they carry their phone, as well as emergency medical assistance through Netcare911, creating an integrated emergency support solution from as little as R55 per month.

“This partnership represents a major step forward in our mission to make emergency response quicker and more accessible for all South Africans,” added Myers.

“The launch of the Discovery 911 virtual panic button is a natural extension of Discovery Insure’s innovation legacy, and aligns to our mandate to create a safer society for all. In collaboration with our partners, we are proud to offer a proactive risk solution, ensuring that everyone has access to the highest standard of personal and home safety,” says Precious Nduli, Chief Commercial Officer at Discovery Insure. 

The Discovery 911 virtual panic button is now available through the Discovery Insure app.