5 Best Gap Cover Options for Under R1500
The 5 Best Gap Cover Options for Under R1500 in South Africa revealed.
We tested them side by side and verified their gap cover options.
This is a complete guide to the best gap cover options under R1500 in South Africa.
In this in-depth guide you’ll learn:
- What is gap cover?
- Why do you need gap cover?
- Do you need gap cover if you already have medical aid?
- Do you need gap cover when you have a hospital plan?
- What benefits does gap cover have?
- Is R1500 affordable for gap cover?
So if you’re ready to go “all in” with the best gap cover under R1500 in South Africa, this guide is for you.
Let’s dive right in…
Best Gap Cover Options for Under R1500 (2024)
| 🩺 Medical Aid | ✔️ Plans Under R1500? | ⚕️ Plan Offered | 👉 Sign Up |
| 1. Liberty Health Gap Cover | Yes | Liberty – Essential Gap Cover | 👉 Apply Now |
| 2. Sirago Gap Cover | Yes | Sirago – Gap Lite Cover Gap Cover | 👉 Apply Now |
| 3. Zestlife Gap Cover | Yes | Zestlife – Universal Gap Cover | 👉 Apply Now |
| 4. Stratum Benefits Gap Cover | Yes | Stratum Benefits – Base Gap Cover | 👉 Apply Now |
| 5. Turnberry Gap Cover | Yes | Med-Extend | 👉 Apply Now |
5 Best Gap Cover Options for Under R1500 Summary
- Liberty Health Gap Cover – Overall, Best Gap Cover Options Under R1500 in South Africa
- Sirago Gap Cover – Offers Cover for Use of Non-Designated Service Providers
- Zestlife Gap Cover – Wider Variety of Benefits with Gap Coverage
- Stratum Benefits Gap Cover – Best Variety of Gap Protection Options
- Turnberry Gap Cover – Covers Co-Payments for MRI’s, CT’s and PET Scan’s
Introduction to Gap Cover
A form of health insurance known as gap cover can assist with covering out-of-pocket costs that your primary health insurance policy might not pay for. Its purpose is to make up the difference between the amount that your medical aid plan covers and the amount that you are personally responsible for paying out of pocket for medical expenses.
What is gap cover?
Gap insurance helps pay the costs of medical treatments that are not covered by your primary health insurance policy, such as pricey surgeries, visits to specialists, and prescription medicines.
Gap cover comes with a number of key benefits, like as the ability to access more medical services and to assist lower the overall cost of receiving medical treatment. It also helps to protect you from high out-of-pocket medical bills, which can be difficult to handle if you do not have insurance coverage for them. In addition to this, having health insurance may provide you the peace of mind that comes from knowing that any unexpected medical expenses will be covered.
However, gap cover does come with a few drawbacks that should not be ignored. It is possible that some people may find the cost of the premiums to be unaffordable due to the fact that it is so pricey. Additionally, it does not cover all medical expenditures; therefore, it is possible that you may still need to pay for some medical treatments out of your own money.
It is crucial to research and evaluate the various gap cover plans that are available before selecting a supplier of gap coverage. Check if the price of the cover is reasonable in relation to your other considerations. In addition to this, it is essential to read all of the fine print and be familiar with the policy’s terms and conditions. You also need to investigate the provider’s reputation and determine whether or not there have been any formal complaints filed against them.
Even with medical aid coverage, the overall cost of medical care in South Africa can be prohibitively expensive. Gap Cover is a supplemental insurance policy that can assist bridge the gap between what medical aid covers and what you actually spend out of pocket for medical expenses.
Gap Cover Insurance is designed to fill a coverage void by offering supplementary financial protection against medical costs that are not covered by the Medical Aid plan. Private insurance firms are the most common providers of gap cover insurance, which serves as a complement to medical aid plans and is supplied by these businesses.
In South Africa, one of the perks of gap cover is that it can help pay for the main policyholder’s medical aid premiums and benefits if they die. This is the most important thing for families where the main insured is the only one who can pay for their health care costs.
Also, some gap cover plans may include extra benefits, like a funeral benefit, which can help cover the costs of the policyholder’s funeral if the policyholder dies. This can be a huge help to families, since many of them do not have the money to pay for these bills on their own.
READ more about Hospital Plans in SA
What does Gap Cover Insurance cover?
A range of medical costs that are not covered by the Medical Aid plan are covered by the Gap Cover Insurance policy. These costs include the following:
- Co-payments are a component of a member’s medical cost that the member is responsible for paying out of their own personal funds. These co-payments can be covered by gap cover insurance instead.
- Deductibles are a predetermined sum that the member is responsible for paying out of pocket before the Medical Aid plan begins to pay for the expenses of medical care. Protecting yourself from these deductibles is something that Gap Cover Insurance can do.
- It is permissible for healthcare professionals to levy costs that are more than those established under the Medical Aid plan. These expenditures could be covered by gap cover insurance.
Is Gap Cover Compulsory in South Africa?
Gap Cover is not required in South Africa, but it offers additional financial protection against medical costs that are not covered by insurance. In order to guarantee that you are covered for all of your medical expenses, even if you already have medical aid, it is a good idea to look into gap cover insurance.
The cost of medical treatment in South Africa has been rising at a rate that is significantly faster than the country’s average rate of inflation over the course of recent years. This has resulted in increased medical system payments as well as increased expenditures paid out of pocket for medical treatment.
In addition, many of people find out the hard way that the medical aid coverage they have purchased is not enough to cover all of their necessary medical expenses, leaving them with a significant strain on their finances.
Choosing a Gap Cover Provider
It is crucial to compare gap cover providers in South Africa when looking for medical gap cover. This will allow you to verify that you are receiving the greatest coverage available at a price that is within your budget. Here are some reasons why you should compare gap cover providers, as well as several ways to do so:
- Many gap cover policies require their customers to wait for a certain amount of time before they begin providing coverage.
- You might choose a company that has a shorter waiting period or offers instant coverage by comparing the various suppliers.
- There is a possibility that the gap cover you obtain will be contingent on the network of healthcare professionals with which some gap cover providers collaborate.
- The prices for gap insurance might vary substantially depending on the provider you choose and the level of coverage that you purchase.
- There is a wide variety of gap cover providers, each of which offers its own unique set of advantages and coverage.
- By shopping around, you might choose a carrier that offers the coverage and benefits that are appropriate for your needs.
By evaluating several providers, you should be able to select one that has a network that include your chosen healthcare providers.
Check out their waiting times, prices, and coverage and perks, as well as their provider network. When you have narrowed down your list of possible providers, it is a good idea to acquire quotations from each one so that you can compare the prices they charge and the locations that they service.
You may also learn about the experiences that other people have had with the service provider by reading reviews that have been posted by current clients as well as clients who have used the provider in the past.
In addition, by doing this, you will know that you can depend on your provider to answer any questions that you may have and to address any issues that may arise.
Then, determine which gap cover plan is right for you by gaining an understanding of the various types of gap coverage plans because there are many different kinds of plans available on the market, each with its own set of characteristics and advantages.
Gap cover plans start at low prices, but those options provide much less benefits. If you can afford it, it is better to opt for a more comprehensive gap cover policy that cover more shortfalls and give you peace of mind in any possible emergency situation.
READ more about Gap Cover Plans under R300 per month
1. Liberty Health Gap Cover
Liberty Health was established in 2008. It’s part of the Liberty Group and is a leading health insurance provider, with upwards of 750 000 members.
Liberty Health offers you the option of extending your gap cover for cancer and/or dentistry – two areas where it’s common for medical aid members to face significant funding shortfalls. This enhanced cover is available with both the Essential and Universal Gap Cover options.
Liberty Extended Cancer Cover pays out a lump sum of either R75 000 or R175 000, depending on the premium you choose to pay, in the event of first-time diagnosis of cancer. Liberty Extended Dentistry Cover offers lump sum cover for emergency, accidental and specialised dentistry.
Liberty gap cover policies are underwritten by the Guardrisk Insurance Company, a registered and authorised financial services provider (FSP number 75).
Liberty Health offers two gap cover options – Essential Gap Cover and Universal Gap Cover.
Liberty Essential Gap Cover is affordable gap cover, designed to protect against the most frequent medical expense shortfalls. Cover includes medical expense shortfall cover up to a specified limit per person per 12-month period, and selected health insurance benefits.
Liberty Universal Gap Cover is comprehensive gap cover, providing medical scheme top-up protection across a wide range of treatment cost shortfalls. Cover includes comprehensive medical expense shortfall cover up to a specified limit per person per 12-month period, as well as a number of health insurance benefits.
Monthly contributions vary from R333 – R447 per individual for Liberty Essential and R447 – R650 for Liberty Universal.
2. Sirago Gap Cover
Existing members of registered medical aid plans in South Africa may contact Sirago to inquire about the availability of a variety of gap insurance and co-payment cover alternatives.
Sirago has been in business for more than 20 years and is well-known for the uncomplicated and affordable gap cover items that it manufactures. These include alternatives that may be customised to meet a variety of requirements and financial constraints.
Why should you go with the Sirago gap cover?
- In-hospital gap cover for medical expense shortfalls and co-payments
- Shortfall cover for out-of-hospital specialist consultations and emergency room treatment for prescribed minimum benefit conditions
- Cover for voluntary use of non-designated service providers
- Lump sum benefits paid directly into your bank account
- Compatible with all registered medical aid schemes in South Africa compatible with all registered medical aid schemes in South Africa.
Sirago gap cover plans include the following:
Sirago – Gap Assist Cover Gap Cover
The optimum gap protection at an affordable price is the Sirago Gap Assist protection. Gap coverage for in-hospital medical bill deficits of up to 500% of the medical scheme tariff is included in this provision.
In addition to that, it provides coverage for copayments, outpatient surgical procedures, and care received in emergency rooms, in addition to a benefit for medical appliances.
Gap Assist monthly premiums are between R342 and R583 per individual.
Sirago – Gap Lite Cover Gap Cover
The Sirago Gap-Lite Cover is an entry-level gap cover that is also very economical.
In-hospital gap coverage at up to 200% of the medical programme premium is included in this plan, making it an excellent option for younger people. In addition to that, it offers coverage for copayments, outpatient surgical procedures, and emergency department visits, all of which are subject to a sublimit.
The Plus Gap Cover plan offered by Sirago provides coverage for gaps in coverage for in-hospital claims, out-patient procedures, and PMB treatments received at facilities that are not DSPs. Additionally, the plan covers emergency room visits up to an overall annual maximum per policy per year.
Monthly premiums vary between R395 – R701 per individual.
The Sirago Ultimate Gap Cover offers complete gap protection, so you may have peace of mind.
Coverage for emergency room treatment, outpatient consultations and surgical procedures, care at step-down facilities, preventative care, and trauma counselling are all included, along with extended cancer benefits. This coverage provides extensive in-hospital gap cover and co-payment cover.
Monthly premiums are between R498 and R821 per person.
3. Zestlife Gap Cover
Zestlife gap cover is open to people and families that are enrolled in any medical aid programme in South Africa.
Zestlife was founded in 2008, and its executive team is comprised of individuals with a wealth of industry expertise. The Guardrisk Insurance Company is a licenced and authorised financial services provider (FSP number 75), and it is the entity that is responsible for underwriting the company’s gap cover policies.
Zestlife gap cover plans include:
Zestlife – Essential Gap Cover
If you are searching for an economical gap cover, the Essential Gap Cover from Zestlife is the perfect option for you. Coverage for shortfalls in in-hospital medical expenses, gap coverage for particular out-of-hospital treatments, co-payment coverage, emergency department and casualty ward coverage, and a variety of other health insurance benefits are all provided under this plan.
Zestlife – Universal Gap Cover
The Zestlife option known as Universal Gap Cover provides full gap coverage. In exchange for only a somewhat higher monthly premium, it provides access to a wider variety of advantages than the Essential option does.
A variety of health insurance benefits are included, in addition to medical spending shortfall protection for in-hospital charges, gap cover for particular out-of-hospital operations, coverage for emergency rooms and casualty wards, and so on.
Coverage for non-network copayments, expanded cancer coverage, and shortfall coverage for in-hospital dentristy are some of the additional advantages that come with this plan.
4. Stratum Benefits Gap Cover
The provision of gap insurance for medical aid programme members in South Africa is an area in which Stratum Benefits has more than 10 years of expertise. This short-term insurance has won several awards, and they provide a variety of gap protection options to meet the requirements of its customers.
Stratum Benefits gap cover plans include:
Stratum Benefits – Base Gap Cover
Base, the entry-level gap insurance product offered by Stratum Benefits, is a cheap option appropriate for people of all ages.
Stratum Benefits – Elite Gap Cover
If you choose the Elite gap cover product, you will be eligible for increased oncology-related benefits, enhanced co-payment, trauma, and casualty protection, and a sub-limit benefit that lessens the financial burden of expenditures connected with internal prostheses, as well as MRI and CT scans. All of these advantages are only available to customers who opt for the Elite gap cover product.
The additional gap coverage of 500 percent both in and outside of the hospital that is available for all plans is complemented by the elite advantages.
Stratum Benefits – Access Optimiser Plus Gap Cover
Stratum Benefits The Access Optimiser Plus is an alternative for covering the booster gap. It offers protection against certain medical treatments and incidents that are not covered by your medical aid plan but are covered by this add-on.
In addition to that, it compensates for the typical gaps in medical costs.
5. Turnberry Gap Cover
The Turnberry gap cover protects clients and their families from bearing hefty medical expenses uncovered by their medical aid. The packages’ benefits include R185,837.63 per annum for one member’s medical expenses, casualty benefits, and co-payments for MRI, CT and PET scans.
Gap cover options from Turnberry include:
Med-Extend at R366 – R498 per month
Synergy at R340 – R475 per month
Optimal at R398 – R575 per month
Premier at R525 – R755 per month
FAQs
How Do I qualify for gap cover?
You need to be an existing member of a registered medical aid scheme to qualify for gap cover.
Is Gap Cover worth the money you pay for it?
Yes, If you have to have an expensive medical procedure or illness that isn’t covered in full by your medical aid, gap cover can make up the shortfall.
What treatments are not paid for by gap cover?
Treatment for obesity, cosmetic surgery (unless necessitated by a trauma or as a result of oncology treatment, and specialised dentistry are usually not paid by gap cover.
How long is the waiting period for a Gap Cover?
A general waiting period of three months applies to all benefits offered by gap cover providers.
Who is covered by a gap cover policy
Gap cover usually covers the principal member, their spouse and children until they reach the age of 27.
