At Total Risk Administrators (TRA), we believe that the true value of gap cover goes beyond claims limits and monthly premiums.
When a hospital account arrives unexpectedly. When specialists charge above medical scheme tariff rates. When co-payments create additional costs.
That's when gap cover matters.
When members need answers, reassurance and support.
That's when client experience matters.
As we enter 2027, we're proud to introduce a refreshed brand identity, a new website, the launch of a new entry level product, and our commitment to prioritising client experience
Same Brand, New Look
Our refreshed identity represents the next chapter in the TRA journey.
Inspired by the clarity of water, light and transparency, our new visual language creates a consistent experience across our website, digital platforms, policy documents and broker resources.
The goal is simple: to make TRA easier to recognise, easier to understand and easier to engage with.
Because in a world of fine print and complex healthcare structures, simplicity matters.
Understanding Gap Cover in South Africa
Gap cover is regulated in South Africa and serves a specific purpose within the healthcare environment. It is supplementary insurance designed to help cover certain medical expense shortfalls that can arise when healthcare providers charge above medical scheme tariff or medical aid rates for authorised treatments and procedures.
Medical aid gap cover is not a replacement for medical aid cover and is not the same as a medical scheme. Instead, it works alongside an existing medical aid plan to provide an extra layer of financial protection against qualifying medical shortfalls, specialist shortfalls, co- payments and certain unexpected medical bills.
Like all compliant gap cover providers, TRA operates within a regulated framework. All gap cover policies, including TRA gap cover plans, are subject to an applicable statutory annual aggregate limit per insured person. This annual limit is determined by regulation and applies across the industry.
In other words, the cover itself is regulated.
However, regulations do not determine how quickly claims are processed. They do not determine how clearly benefits are explained. They do not determine the quality of service members receive when navigating medical expenses, hospital procedures or specialist treatment.
That is where TRA sets the standard.
Our focus has always been on creating a better experience for our clients and brokers. Through responsive service, smarter technology, clear communication and practical support that helps members and families feel more confident throughout their healthcare journey.
The TRA Advantage
TRA is built around the belief that gap cover should do more than simply pay qualifying claims.
It should help protect members from financial risk, provide support when healthcare costs become uncertain, and deliver a seamless experience from quote to claim.
For 2027, we're continuing to invest in:
- Enhanced digital experiences
- Faster claims support
- Improved broker tools
- Simplified communication
- Value-added member services
- Innovative gap cover options for different budgets and life stages
Because while benefits matter, experience is what members remember.
Product Enhancements for 2027
Our 2027 portfolio includes increases to applicable benefit limits of approximately 5%, helping members maintain meaningful protection against rising healthcare costs and medical expense shortfalls. Renewal notifications and detailed benefit schedules will continue to provide the definitive reference for benefit amounts, limits and conditions.
We're also pleased to announce that our entry-level Basic Cover 300 individual monthly premium remains unchanged at R99 per month, continuing to deliver outstanding value in a challenging healthcare environment.
Across the remainder of our portfolio, premium increases have been carefully managed while ensuring the long-term sustainability of our gap cover policies and benefits.
Introducing Basic Cover Plus
We're excited to launch Basic Cover Plus, a new affordable entry point into the TRA range starting at only R69 per month.
Designed for South Africans looking for affordable gap cover options, Basic Cover Plus helps bridge the gap between what a medical scheme pays and the actual cost of qualifying medical treatment.
Benefits include:
- In-hospital tariff shortfall cover
- Co-payment cover for qualifying procedures
- Maternity private ward benefits
- Accidental death cover
- Travel insurance benefits
- Full access to TRA Assist services
Basic Cover Plus is an age-banded product, meaning your monthly premium is based on the age band of the oldest beneficiary covered under the policy:
| Age at Entry of Oldest Beneficiary | Single | Family |
|---|---|---|
| 0 – 30 years | R69 p/m | R161 p/m |
| 31 – 40 years | R117 p/m | R198 p/m |
| 41+ years | R296 p/m | R351 p/m |
More Than Just Gap Cover: TRA Assist
The difference between gap cover providers isn't always found in the benefit table.
Often, it's found in the support available long before a claim is submitted.
TRA Assist, powered by MobiMed, is included with our gap cover products, and provides practical services designed to support members every day.
Members have access to:
- Home Drive services with designated driver or Uber options
- A 24-hour Panic Button and crisis management support
- RoadGuard roadside assistance
- A Medical Health and Trauma Counselling Line staffed by qualified nurses
- Mobile app claims submission
- Travel insurance benefits for qualifying policyholders
These benefits are designed to deliver value beyond the hospital stay and beyond certain claims.
Looking Ahead To 2027
Healthcare costs continue to evolve. Medical aid schemes continue to adapt. Healthcare providers continue to face rising operational costs. The result is that many South Africans remain vulnerable to large shortfalls, co-payments and medical expenses that can place pressure on household budgets.
That's why the role of gap cover remains so important.
At TRA, we're committed to providing cover that helps protect members against qualifying shortfalls while delivering an experience built around trust, service and innovation.
The cover may be regulated.
The experience is not.
Welcome back to TRA.
Note: All material on this website is provided for your information only and may not be construed as medical advice, general advice, or instruction of any kind. No action or inaction should be taken based solely on the contents of this information; instead, readers should consult appropriate health professionals and/or intermediaries, or other relevant professionals, on any matter relating to their health and overall well-being. The information and opinions expressed here are believed to be accurate, based on the best judgement available to the authors at the time, and readers who fail to consult with appropriate health and/or financial authorities etc. assume the risk of any injuries and/or liabilities etc. Please note that Gap Cover is not a medical aid, and it is not a substitute for medical aid. Errors and Omissions Excepted. Terms and Conditions Apply.
