In this article, we will unpack the gap cover offerings of Total Risk Administrators (TRA) and Turnberry Gap Cover.
We will explore their coverage options, premiums, and benefits to help you make an informed decision.
Understanding Gap Cover
Not many people know that only having medical aid may not cover all of your hospital bills. This is because medical aids typically only cover a pre-determined rate for each treatment, which means that if your specialist charges more, you will be left with a shortfall.
Gap cover is a medical insurance product taken in addition to medical aid that covers the shortfalls between what your medical scheme pays and the actual costs incurred for in-hospital and certain out-of-hospital treatments. Gap Cover provides financial protection and prevents unexpected out-of-pocket expenses during medical treatments.
TRA Gap Cover: Overview and Features
Company Background:
Total Risk Administrators (TRA) has been a trusted gap cover provider since 1999. TRA is known for its comprehensive coverage options. They offer a variety of plans tailored to different financial and medical needs. Their specialist team, rich in expertise, ensures that everything is smoothly covered when it comes to your Gap Cover.
Coverage and Benefits:
- Coverage Above Tariff: TRA provides up to 700% coverage above the medical aid tariff, ensuring extensive protection for high-cost medical treatments.
- Co-payment and Sub-limits: Includes benefits for co-payments related to hospital admissions and specific procedures.
- Oncology Cover: Provides oncology coverage, including treatments and consultations.
- Maternity Cover: Covers private ward rates for maternity stays.
- Travel Benefits: Provides additional coverage for medical expenses incurred outside of South Africa.
- TRA Assist Mobile App: Allows for easy access to benefits and expedited claims processing.
- No Maximum Entry or Expiry Age: This plan has no age restrictions, making it accessible to a wide range of policyholders.
TRA Premiums:
- Basic Cover 300: From R99 per month
- Vital Cover Plus: From R300 per month
- Super Cover Plus: From R330 per month
- Absolute Cover Plus: From R590 per month
Turnberry Gap Cover:
Company Background:
Turnberry Gap Cover has been a provider since 2001. It offers a variety of gap cover products that provide comprehensive protection against medical expense shortfalls. Turnberry’s plans cater to different needs and are compatible with all open and most closed medical schemes in South Africa.
Coverage and Benefits:
- Coverage Above Tariff: Turnberry provides coverage of up to 600% of the medical aid rate for medical expense shortfalls, including specialist fees, radiology, and pathology.
- Co-payment Cover: Turnberry offers co-payment coverage for hospital admissions, MRI, CT, and PET scans, as well as scopes and specific dental procedures.
- Oncology and Cancer Benefits: Turnberry covers oncology treatments, including traditional cancer therapies and biological cancer drugs. It also offers innovative cancer drug coverage.
- Sub-limit Cover: Provides coverage for internal prostheses, robotic surgery, and out-of-hospital pathology.
- Trauma Recovery and Counselling: Offers coverage for physical rehabilitation, as well as trauma counselling for critical illnesses or after violent crimes.
- International Travel Cover: Turnberry provides up to R5 million for international medical expenses, with no excess for in-hospital treatment.
- Gap Premium Waiver: In the event of death or disability, Turnberry will pay the policyholder’s gap cover premium for up to 12 months.
Premiums:
- Premier Plan: R673 per family for under 65s, R968 per family for 65+. R496 per individual under 65, R677 per individual over 65.
- Optimal Plan: R510 per family for under 65s, R736 per family for 65+.
- Synergy Plan: R441 per family for under 65s, R628 per family for 65+.
- Launch Plan: R169 per family for under 65s, R294 per family for 65+.
Side By Side Analysis
Coverage for Medical Expense Shortfalls:
- TRA: Offers up to 700% coverage above the tariff, along with specific benefits for oncology and sub-limit cover, ideal for those needing extensive protection from high medical costs.
- Turnberry: Provides coverage up to 600%, along with trauma recovery and gap premium waiver in the event of death or disability.
Cost-to-Value Ratio:
- TRA: Offers affordable gap cover starting from R99 per month with extensive benefits for families and individuals.
- Turnberry: Offers a variety of plans with coverage starting from R294 per month for families, providing enhanced benefits such as cancer care.
Customer Service and Additional Benefits:
- TRA: TRA is known for its easy claims process and TRA Assist app, which allows for fast claims settlement.
- Turnberry: Known for its high level of customer service, Turnberry offers unique benefits like the Gap Premium Waiver.
Plan Flexibility and Customisation:
- Both TRA and Turnberry offer a range of gap cover plans, each tailored to fit specific medical needs and financial situations.
Let’s Sum It Up
TRA and Turnberry offer excellent gap cover solutions catering to different needs.
TRA provides extensive coverage at competitive rates, making it ideal for those seeking high protection across a wide range of medical treatments. On the other hand, Turnberry stands out with its specialised benefits. When choosing between the two, consider your medical needs, budget, and desired coverage.
For more detailed information, visit the official websites of both service providers.
TRA’s Take
When choosing a gap service provider, consider your specific medical needs, age, and budget.
Review the benefits and coverage details carefully to ensure you select the provider that best meets your requirements.
Get a quote from TRA today!
For more detailed information, visit the official websites of both service providers.
Disclaimer:
This article was written on behalf of TRA and is intended to provide general information about TRA’s Gap Cover plans and Turnberry’s Gap Cover Plans. It is not offering advice to its readers. TRA is an independent gap cover provider and is not affiliated with Turnberry. 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 Turnberry, 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.
