the best gap cover in South Africa, protect yourself against medical aid shortfalls from R69 per month

Gap Cover Products

Gap Cover

For protection against medical aid shortfalls. Policies from R69 per month.

Basic Cover Plus

Affordable, essential gap cover for individuals and families

BENEFITS

All 8 benefits
  • Gap Cover (in-hospital tariff shortfalls only, 100%)
  • Prescribed Minimum Benefits
  • Co-payment Benefit (In Network only)
  • Dental Benefit
  • Maternity Private Ward Benefit
  • Accidental Death Cover
  • TRA Assist powered by MobiMed
  • Travel benefit
From R69/mApply online

What is Gap Cover?

Gap Cover is an insurance policy that pays the difference between what your medical aid pays and what healthcare providers actually charge for in-hospital treatment. Specialists may charge several times the medical scheme rate, and that shortfall is for your own pocket unless you have Gap Cover in place.

Doctor explaining a medical bill to a couple

Shortfall cover

Tops up the difference between the scheme rate and specialist charges for in-hospital procedures.

Co-payments & deductibles

Covers the co-payments and deductibles your scheme applies to certain procedures and scans.

Sub-limits

Helps where your scheme caps a specific procedure, device or treatment below its real cost.

Unique benefits of our Gap Cover Policies

  • Cover up
    to 700%

  • Fast Claim
    Payouts

  • Easy Claims
    Process

  • Excellent
    Service

  • Out-of-hospital
    Benefits

  • Affordable Prices
    From R69 p/m

  • Automatic Claim
    Submission

More on our Policies

How TRA Gap Cover Works with Your Medical Aid:

Here’s what you’re covered for with TRA:

  • Many in-hospital procedures, including specialist fees, shortfalls and co-payments, up to 700% above medical scheme rates.
  • Prescribed Minimum Benefits (PMBs), when your medical aid fails to meet its obligations.
  • Additional out-of-hospital procedures, as defined in the policy terms. Click here for some further information on this.
  • You must already be a member of a registered medical aid. TRA is not a medical scheme.

Gap Cover is designed to complement your existing medical aid, not replace it. It steps in when your medical aid doesn’t cover the full cost of hospital treatments, specialist fees, or specific procedures. Rather than leaving you paying out of pocket, TRA fills the “gap”.

Always review your policy documents for specific details.

TRA Makes Gap Cover Worth It!

  • Affordable monthly premiums through tiered plans.
  • Provides benefits for your entire family, as long as they are covered on one policy of a registered medical aid scheme (or are proven married/common law partners on two different medical aid schemes).
  • There is no entry age limit.
  • Protection against expensive medical shortfalls.
  • Trauma and wellness support services on the TRA Assist app (for more information, click here).
  • No general waiting period for many conditions*.

*TRA Gap Cover does not apply a general waiting period to its policies. This means you get cover from day one. Most policyholders can enjoy immediate benefits, with only a limited number of procedures and conditions subject to waiting periods or exclusions (T’s & C’s apply).

Always review your policy documents for specific details.

Comparison of Basic Cover Plus, Basic Cover 300, Vital Cover Plus, Super Cover Plus and Absolute Cover Plus
ProductBasic Cover PlusBasic Cover 300Vital Cover PlusSuper Cover PlusAbsolute Cover Plus
Gap Cover Annual LimitR226 881 in aggregate per insured person per annum* (p/a)Included in Basic Cover PlusIncluded in Basic Cover 300Included in Vital Cover PlusIncluded in Super Cover PlusIncluded in Absolute Cover Plus
Gap Cover Percentage*100%300%700%700%700%
Tariff Shortfalls For Theatre And Ward Fees, Consumables, Laparoscopic/Endoscopic Equipment*Applies to authorised in-hospital and in-lieu of hospital procedures, where the medical aid pays a portion of the fees from its in-hospital or major medical benefit. (Includes MRI/ CT/PET scans consumables.)Not includedR525* per policy p/a*R1 050* per policy p/a*R3 150* per policy p/a*R5 250* per policy p/a*
Tariff Shortfall for Targeted Pain Relief*Pain Relief Benefit – Provides cover for targeted pain relief treatment during surgery or following a severe trauma. This is covered even if the medical aid pays from day-to- day benefits or savings, provided the treatment forms part of an authorised in-hospital procedure, funded from the medical aid’s Risk or Major Medical Benefit.Not includedUnlimited* but subject to the aggregate annual limit per insured person per annumUnlimited* but subject to the aggregate annual limit per insured person per annumUnlimited* but subject to the aggregate annual limit per insured person per annumUnlimited* but subject to the aggregate annual limit per insured person per annum
Tariff Shortfall Benefit for Hospitalised Psychiatric Care*Tariff Shortfall cover for service provider costs related to in-hospital mental health admissions requiring psychiatric care.Not included21 days*21 days*21 days*21 days*
Step-Down facility Benefit*A once-off lump sum from day 11 onwards for extended stays in a registered step-down or sub-acute care facility following hospitalisation.Not includedNot includedNot includedR8 000* per insured person per annumR12 000* per insured person per annum
PMB’s*Covered, subject to medical aid reviewIncluded in Basic Cover PlusIncluded in Basic Cover 300Included in Vital Cover PlusIncluded in Super Cover PlusIncluded in Absolute Cover Plus
Shortfalls On Specialist Consultations*Cover for the shortfall on a specialist account related to the consultation in the rooms before a member is going for an in-hospital procedure. Limited to the following number of consults p.p.p.a (up to a max of R500 per consult)Not included1 consult per policy p/a*2 consults per policy p/a*3 consults per policy p/a*4 consults per policy p/a*
Emergency Medical Services (Ambulance)*The shortfall related to the use of Out-of-Network (Non-DSP) emergency medical services.Not includedNot includedNot includedNot includedUnlimited*
Co-Payments/Deductibles (DSP’s)*DSP’s (Voluntary use of designated service provider networks)In Network onlyR7 875 per policy per annumNot includedUp to R14 335* per policy p/aUp to R66 150* per policy p/aUnlimited*
Co-Payments/Deductibles (Non-DSP’s)*NON DSP’s (Voluntary use of non-designated service provider networks)Not includedNot includedNot included1 co-payment per policy per annum. Up to R5 513*2 Co-payments / deductibles per policy per annum to a combined maximum of R17 640*
Co-Payment Benefit (Out Of Hospital MRI/CT/PET Scans)*Not includedNot includedNot included1 MRI / CT / PET scan per policy p/a up to R13 230*2 scans per policy p/a. Unlimited but subject to the aggregate annual limit per insured person p/a*
Sub-Limits*: Internal ProsthesesNot includedNot includedUp to R5 775* per policy p/aUp to R12 128* per policy p/aUnlimited*Up to R71 663* per event
Sub-Limits*: MRI / CT / PET ScansThe shortfall on a service provider account that is not covered because you have reached the sub-limit for MRI / CT / PET scans imposed by your medical aid AND which has been authorised and paid from the In-Hospital or Major Medical benefit.Not includedNot includedNot included1 MRI, CT or PET scan up to R3 969* per scan2 MRI, CT or PET scans up to R6 615* per scan
Sub-Limits*: Colonoscopies & GastroscopiesThe shortfall on a service provider account that is not covered because you have reached the sub-limit for Colonoscopies and Gastroscopies imposed by your medical aid AND which has been authorised and paid from the In-Hospital or Major Medical benefit.Not includedNot includedNot includedUp to R14 333* per policy per annumUp to R3 780* per eventUp to R24 225* per insured person per annumUp to R6 300* per event
Dental Benefit*Unlimited but subject to the aggregate annual limit per insured person p/aIncluded in Basic Cover PlusIncluded in Basic Cover 300Included in Vital Cover PlusIncluded in Super Cover PlusIncluded in Absolute Cover Plus
Casualty Unit Benefit*(Casualty/ER Unit linked to a hospital)Accidents only.Children under the age of 8 ONLY – May be admitted for any treatment between the hours of 7pm to 7am from Monday to Friday, from 7pm on a Friday until 7am on a Monday, and all day on a public holiday.Not includedUp to R3 640* per policy p/aUp to R9 700* per policy p/aUp to R14 335* per policy p/aUp to R24 225* per policy p/a
Casualty Follow-Up Consultations*(The initial treatment must have taken place in a casualty/ER unit linked to a hospital following an accident.)Not included1 follow-up consultation per policy p/a at an ER unit (accident-related only)1 follow-up consultation per policy p/a at an ER unit (accident-related only)1 follow-up consultation per policy p/a at an ER unit (accident-related only)1 follow-up consultation per policy p/a at an ER unit (accident-related only)
Global Fee Benefit*Not includedNot includedNot includedUp to R13 230* per policy p/aUp to R26 460* per policy p/a
Oncology Gap Benefit*(Subject to medical aid approved treatment plan being covered up to scheme tariff and within annual scheme oncology limit)Not includedIncluded in Basic Cover 300Included in Vital Cover PlusIncluded in Super Cover PlusIncluded in Absolute Cover Plus
Oncology Co-Payment Benefit (In Network)*Not includedNot includedUp to R14 333* per policy p/aUp to R66 150* per policy p/aUnlimited*
Oncology Co-Payment Benefit (Out Of Network)*Not includedNot includedNot included1 co-payment per policy per annum. Up to R5 513*2 Co-payments per policy per annum up to a combined limit of R17 640*
Oncology Extender Benefit*(Includes ANY costs above annual scheme oncology limit but subject to scheme covering up to this limit)Not includedNot includedNot includedUp to R38 588* per policy p/a*Unlimited*
Oncology “New-Tech” Benefit*Not includedNot includedNot includedUp to R9 040* per policy p/a*Up to R18 191* per policy p/a
Oncology Gap Benefit: Breast Reconstruction Surgery*The shortfall that arises after your medical aid has processed your account and is due to service providers charging above scheme tariff for medical aid approved oncology related breast reconstruction surgery, including the unaffected breast. (NB: Subject to the gap cover percentage; and medical aid approved treatment plan being covered up to scheme tariff and within the annual scheme oncology limit).Not includedNot includedNot includedUp to R19 845* per beneficiary per life of the policyUp to R38 588* per beneficiary per life of the policy
Premature Birth Benefit*A fixed payout is provided in the event of a baby being born before 34 completed weeks of gestation. (Excludes elective deliveries).Not includedNot includedNot includedR15 000* per policy per annumR20 000* per policy per annum
Medical Aid Contribution WaiverProvides cover towards a policyholder’s medical aid contribution in the case of the accidental death of the main policyholder. Cover is limited to the lower of the actual medical aid contribution or the maximum amount allowed.Not includedNot included6 months. Up to a max of R4 850* per month.6 months. Up to a max of R6 060* per month.6 months. Up to a max of R7 275* per month.
Maternity Follow-Up Consultations*Cover for the shortfall on a specialist shortfall (OBGYN/Paediatrician) account related to a consultation in the rooms within 6 weeks after childbirthNot includedNot includedIncluded in Vital Cover PlusUp to R735* per policy p/aUp to R1 313* per policy p/a
Private Ward Benefit*The shortfall between the General Ward Rate and the Private Ward Rate for hospitalisation where an admission to a Private Ward occurred.Maternity (childbirth)R1 050 per day, 3 consecutive daysNot includedNot includedFor Childbirth: Limited to a maximum of R550* per day, for a total of 3 consecutive daysFor Non-Childbirth: Limited to a maximum of R550* per day, for a total of 3 consecutive daysFor Childbirth: Limited to a maximum of R2 205* per day, for a total of 3 consecutive daysFor Non-Childbirth: Limited to a maximum of R2 205* per day, for a total of 3 consecutive days
Accidental DeathInsured / SpouseDependantInsured: R6 300Dependant: R3 150Insured / Spouse: R7 700Dependant: R4 400Insured / Spouse: R11 000Dependant: R6 060Insured / Spouse: R22 000Dependant: R8 800Insured / Spouse: R33 000Dependant: R22 000
Policy Extender (12 Months)(Additional 12 month gap cover premiums covered upon accidental death of policyholder)Not includedIncluded in Basic Cover 300Included in Vital Cover PlusIncluded in Super Cover PlusIncluded in Absolute Cover Plus
Travel BenefitsEmergency Medical and Related expenses up to R1 000 000Theft, Damage or loss by Airline R5 000. – Single item limit: R1 500.Baggage Delay (more than 4 hours) R500Baggage Delay (more than 24 hours) R1 000Click HERE for more details. In addition, you may purchase a top-up plan by clicking HERE. As a TRA policyholder, you also qualify for an eSIM discount. Contact TRA for more information on this.Included in Basic Cover PlusIncluded in Basic Cover 300Included in Vital Cover PlusIncluded in Super Cover PlusIncluded in Absolute Cover Plus
TRA ASSIST POWERED BY MobiMedHome Drive (including Uber)Panic Button (includes a Roadguard service)Medical Health Line & Trauma Counselling Line (includes a COVID-19 CARE LINE)Claims Submissions.Included in Basic Cover PlusIncluded in Basic Cover 300Included in Vital Cover PlusIncluded in Super Cover PlusIncluded in Absolute Cover Plus
Monthly PremiumsUnder 65’s (Based on the age of the oldest Beneficiary) premium per policy per month.Premium per Individual per policy per monthPremium per Family per policy per monthOver 65’s (Based on the age of the oldest Beneficiary) premium per policy per month.0 – 30 years: R69 Single / R161 Family31 – 40 years: R117 Single / R198 Family41+ years: R296 Single / R351 FamilyUnder 65’s – Individual: R99Under 65’s – Family: R197Over 65’s: R394Under 65’s: R394Over 65’s: R591Under 65’s: R417Over 65’s: R626Under 65’s: R681Over 65’s: R846
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Annual limit

*SUBJECT TO AN AGGREGATE ANNUAL LIMIT OF R226 881 PER INSURED PERSON

2027 Terms & Conditions

The policy is subject to terms, conditions, and a list of excluded procedures. Certain conditions and procedures may still have a specific waiting period.

This limit may be subject to regulatory amendment. Sub-Limits may apply. Refer to the Policy Document for full details of limitations and exclusions.

Terms and Conditions apply. This product comparison does not constitute advice. Consult your intermediary for guidance in choosing the product that is right for your needs. Prescribed Minimum Benefits (PMB’s) are covered. Errors and Omissions Excepted. A full list of 2026 terms and conditions can be viewed here.

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Gap Cover Tool

www.gapcovertool.co.za

Not sure if you need it?

Just tell us about yourself and your medical aid, and we’ll let you know if it’s important for you. With our simple tool and expert help, you’ll quickly find the perfect policy for your needs.

Find Out How
basic cover 300 page on mobile phone

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need medical aid to get Gap Cover?

Yes. Gap Cover is designed to work alongside a registered medical aid scheme in South Africa. You must already belong to a medical aid in order to take out a Gap Cover policy, as Gap Cover only pays once your medical aid has processed and paid its portion of a claim.

How does Gap Cover work with my medical aid?

When you receive authorised medical treatment in hospital, your medical aid will first pay its portion of the claim according to its tariff rate. If the healthcare provider charges more than the medical aid tariff, a shortfall may arise. Gap Cover may then help cover part of that difference, depending on the policy terms, limits and conditions.

What does Gap Cover typically cover?

Gap Cover policies may help cover shortfalls for specialist consultation fees during hospital procedures, co-payments required by medical schemes, certain sub-limit shortfalls, and other medical aid tariff differences. The exact benefits depend on the Gap Cover option selected and the applicable policy terms.

What is the difference between medical aid and Gap Cover?

Medical aid helps pay for general healthcare costs such as hospitalisation, doctor consultations and medication. Gap Cover is a separate insurance policy that supplements medical aid by helping cover shortfalls when healthcare providers charge more than the medical aid tariff.

How much does Gap Cover cost in South Africa?

The monthly cost of gap cover depends on the provider, the type of policy (individual or family), the level of cover, and the ages of the main member and any dependants. TRA’s standard entry-level plan, Basic Cover 300, covers up to 300% of the medical scheme rate and starts from R99 per month for an individual and R197 per month for a family, where all members are under 65. TRA also offers Basic Cover Plus, which covers up to 100% of the medical scheme rate and starts from R69 per month for an individual and R161 per month for a family, where all members are under 30. Premiums are higher for members aged 30 to 40 and for those aged 41 and older.

How quickly does TRA pay Gap Cover claims?

TRA processes Gap Cover claim payments three times per week, making it one of the fastest turnaround times in the industry. Members can submit claims and track their progress from submission to payment via the TRA mobile app.

Does Gap Cover pay if my medical aid rejects the claim?

No. Gap Cover only pays the difference when your medical aid has already paid a portion of a hospital claim. If your medical aid does not cover or rejects a procedure entirely, Gap Cover generally will not apply. Gap Cover is designed to cover the shortfall, not to replace medical aid benefits.

Have questions? Get in touch.

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Our Latest News

What Is Gap Cover?
16 September 2026 · Gap Cover, News, TRA News

What Is Gap Cover?

Gap cover pays the difference between what your medical aid covers and what specialists charge. TRA answers the question “What is Gap Cover?”

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