Dis-chem Gap Cover and TRA Gap Cover are two of South Africa’s main gap insurance providers, but their plans differ on cover ceilings and on the number of plans each offers. Dischem covers up to 600% above scheme tariff across two plans (Base and Summit). TRA covers up to 700% across four plans, starting at R99 per month for an individual policy.
NB: Gap cover is supplementary insurance, not a substitute for medical aid. It pays the difference between what your medical aid covers and what specialists actually charge.
Gap Cover
Gap cover is a type of medical insurance that pays the difference between what your medical aid pays and the actual cost of the medical expense.
To qualify for Gap Cover, the member must already be on a medical aid plan. Gap cover helps you avoid unexpected out-of-pocket expenses during in-hospital procedures and certain out-of-hospital treatments.
Dis-chem Gap Cover vs TRA: Side by Side
Each provider takes a different approach to plan structure and ceilings. The summaries below set the scene for a feature-by-feature comparison further down.
Dis-chem Health Gap Cover offers two plans: Base and Summit.
Monthly Premiums
- Base: from approximately R219 per month (age-dependent)
- Summit: from approximately R300 per month (age-dependent)
- Additional adult and child dependants are charged separately.
Key Benefits
- In-hospital specialist tariff shortfall cover
- Cover for medical scheme sub-limit shortfalls
- Childbirth-related shortfalls
- Dental reconstruction benefit
- Out-of-hospital procedure shortfalls
- Co-payment and deductible cover (Summit only)
- Oncology benefits (Summit only)
- Accidental casualty cover (Summit only)
Tariff Shortfall Cover
- Base: up to an additional 500% of the medical scheme tariff
- Summit: up to an additional 600% of the medical scheme tariff
TRA: Overview and Features
Total Risk Administrators (TRA) is a gap cover provider underwritten by Auto&General Insurance Company Limited. It offers four tiers of cover, allowing you to match the plan to your medical aid setup and budget.
Monthly Premium (2026):
- Basic Cover 300: R99 per individual / R197 per family
- Vital Cover Plus: R394 (under 65) / R591 (65 and over)
- Super Cover Plus: R417 (under 65) / R626 (65 and over)
- Absolute Cover Plus: R681 (under 65) / R846 (65 and over)
Coverage Above Tariff: Up to 700%.
Key Benefits:
- Tariff shortfalls and casualty cover
- Co-payments and sub-limits
- Certain dental procedures
- Global fee benefit
- Maternity and private ward rate shortfalls
- Travel benefits via Hepstar
- Add-on options for female cancer cover
- TRA Assist mobile app powered by MobiMed
- No maximum entry or expiry age
- Automatic adult dependant cover
- No general three-month waiting period (10 months applies to specific conditions including maternity)
- Cover for over certain out-of-hospital procedures
- High levels of oncology cover including new-tech treatment
- Accidental death cover
- Fast and efficient claims settlement
- Aggregate annual limit of R219,845 per insured person in 2026
Get To Know Your Gap Cover
How TRA and Dis-chem Gap Cover Compare
Medical Aid Coverage and Benefits: TRA offers up to 700% coverage above the tariff, making it ideal for those seeking extensive coverage for a wide range of medical expenses. Dis-chem provides up to 600% coverage above the tariff, focusing on in-hospital specialist claims, sub-limits and a hospital booster benefit.
Cost-to-Value Ratio: TRA: More affordable with premiums starting at R99 (for individual members). Dis-chem: Higher premiums starting at R219, depending on age.
Overall Customer Service: TRA: Known for excellent customer service and a comprehensive support system, including TRA Assist. TRA is often praised for its broader coverage, being rated one of the top gap cover providers on Hellopeter.. Dis-chem: Positive reviews on customer support, particularly appreciated for handling high-cost treatment claims and providing additional healthcare benefits in-store.
The table below sets the two providers side by side on plan structure, cover ceilings and key benefits. Pricing is based on TRA’s 2026 brochure and the lowest publicly cited Dischem starting premium.
| Comparison | TRA | Dischem Gap Cover |
| Plan options | 4 (Basic, Vital, Super, Absolute) | 2 (Base, Summit) |
| Maximum cover above scheme tariff | Up to 700% | Up to 600% |
| 2026 starting premium | R99 per month (Basic Cover 300 individual) | From R219 per month |
| General waiting period | None | 3 months |
| Travel insurance | Included via Hepstar (policyholders under 71) | Not included |
TRA offers a wider range of plans with four tiered options, so you can match cover to your medical aid plan and budget. The Basic Cover 300 entry plan includes gap cover, casualty cover, oncology gap, policy extender, accidental death cover and TRA Assist (powered by MobiMed).
Dis-Chem offers two plan options: Base and Summit. The Base plan provides up to 500% tariff shortfall cover, a dental reconstruction benefit of up to R45,700, and a Hospital Booster benefit capped at R28,500 per family per year. The Summit plan increases tariff shortfall cover to up to 600% and includes additional benefits such as co-payment cover, oncology-related cover, and higher benefit limits compared to the Base plan.
On extras, TRA includes travel benefits through Hepstar and the TRA Assist mobile app with Uber and own-vehicle Home Drive trips. Dis-Chem Health Gap Cover bundles lifestyle benefits offering pharmacy discounts on its in-house product range.
For more detailed information, visit the official websites of both service providers.
Let’s Sum It Up
TRA offers extensive cover with up to 700% above tariff, a four-plan structure and a starting premium of R99 per month for an individual on Basic Cover 300. The plan flexibility makes it well-suited to medical aid members who want to match cover to their scheme tier.
TRA’s Take
When choosing a gap service provider, weigh your specific medical needs against age and budget.
Review benefits and waiting periods carefully before signing up.
You can read more information on our gap cover page. For wider context, our Gap Cover FAQs, the waiting period explainer and our piece on common gap cover myths are good next reads.
Disclaimer:
This article was written on behalf of TRA and is intended to provide general information about TRA’s Gap Cover plans and Dischem’s Gap Cover Plans. It is not offering advice to its readers. TRA is an independent gap cover provider and is not affiliated with Dischem. All information referenced is based on publicly available sources as of 2025 and may be subject to change. For the most accurate and up-to-date details about Dischem, please consult them directly or visit their official website. Always review the full TRA policy documents to understand benefits, limitations, and waiting periods that may apply. TRA is underwritten by Auto&General, an authorised financial services provider and licensed non-life insurer.
