If you are a medical aid member in South Africa, consider TRA’s Basic Cover 300, designed to provide affordable, entry-level gap cover for protection against medical aid shortfalls.
What Is TRA’s Basic Cover 300?
Basic Cover 300 is TRA’s entry-level gap cover policy, available from R99 per month for an individual and R197 per month for a family in 2026.
This gap cover product works alongside your registered medical aid, covering the difference between what your medical aid pays and what private healthcare providers charge for in-hospital procedures, specialist consultations, and certain treatments.
It is important to note that gap cover is not a substitute for medical aid. It is a supplementary short-term insurance product for medical aid members.
Benefits & Features (Updated for 2026)
- Above tariff cover: Covers up to 300% of medical scheme tariff for in-hospital shortfalls (subject to the aggregate annual limit of R219 845 per insured person per annum). For a deeper explanation of what tariff percentages mean and why 300% versus 700% matters, see our article on gap cover tariff percentages explained.
- Casualty cover: Emergency visits to casualty units up to R3 640 per policy per annum (accident-related, with extended after-hours cover for children under 8)
- Casualty follow-up consultations: 1 follow-up consultation per policy per annum at an ER unit (accident-related only)
- Oncology gap benefit: Covers approved oncology treatment shortfalls (unlimited, subject to the aggregate annual limit)
- Tariff shortfalls for theatre and ward fees, consumables, laparoscopic/endoscopic equipment: Up to R525 per policy per annum
- Specialist consultation shortfalls: 1 consultation per policy per annum (up to R500 per consult) for shortfalls before in-hospital procedures
- Dental benefit: Cover for authorised in-hospital dental procedures (unlimited, subject to the aggregate annual limit). Adults over 18: limited to impacted wisdom teeth, extractions, apicectomies or loss of teeth due to oncology or trauma. Dependants under 18: any procedure or treatment
- Targeted pain relief during surgery or severe trauma: Unlimited, subject to the aggregate annual limit
- Hospitalised psychiatric care: Tariff shortfall cover for in-hospital mental health admissions, up to 21 days
- Accidental death cover: R7 700 for main member/spouse, R4 400 for dependants
- Policy extender: Full gap cover premium covered for 12 months after the accidental death of the main policyholder
- Access to TRA Assist: Home Drive (6 trips per annum, 50km radius), Panic Button, Medical Health and Trauma Counselling Line, Roadside Security Assistance, mobile app for claims submission
- Travel insurance: Comprehensive travel insurance underwritten by Guardrisk Insurance Company Limited is included at no additional cost for policyholders under 71
Waiting Periods & Limits
- No general three-month waiting period on a TRA Basic Cover 300 policy
- 10 months for the specified condition list (joint replacement, pregnancy, oncology and others; see our brochure for the complete list)
- 9 months for a first-time cancer diagnosis made before the policy starts
- 6 months for any other pre-existing condition
- Aggregate annual limit: R219 845 per insured person per annum in 2026
Who Qualifies for Basic Cover 300?
- Members of registered medical aid schemes (not health insurance or primary care products)
- No entry age limit. Premiums are based on the age of the oldest beneficiary, starting at R394 per month for over-65s
- Cover extends to a spouse and dependants on one registered medical aid policy. Members can also be married or proven common-law partners (verified by an affidavit confirming 12 months of cohabitation) on two different medical aids and a single TRA policy
What Is Not Covered on Basic Cover 300?
Basic Cover 300 is the entry-level plan and does not include the following benefits, which are available on TRA’s higher plans:
- Co-payments (in-network or out-of-network) for procedures like gastroscopy or colonoscopy
- Sub-limit cover for internal prostheses or MRI/CT/PET scans
- Maternity follow-up consultations or premature birth benefit
- Private ward benefit
- Step-down facility benefit
- Global fee benefit
- Oncology extender or oncology new-tech benefit
- Breast reconstruction surgery cover
- Out-of-network emergency medical services shortfall
- Medical aid contribution waiver
If any of these are important to you, consider Vital Cover Plus, Super Cover Plus or Absolute Cover Plus. Always check the official 2026 TRA brochure for the complete benefit schedule and exclusions.
Why Choose TRA’s Basic Cover 300?
- Affordable gap cover for medical aid members, starting at only R99 per month
- Entry-level protection against medical aid shortfalls and hospital expenses
- Comprehensive core benefits for in-hospital procedures, oncology gap and emergency casualty care
- Trusted gap cover provider with a renowned, efficient claims process. Payment runs three times a week
- Extra protection for loved ones, with accidental death and policy extender benefits
Frequently Asked Questions About Basic Cover 300
How much does Basic Cover 300 cost in 2026?
R99 per month for an individual policy or R197 per month for a family policy where the oldest beneficiary is under 65. For over-65 policyholders, the premium is R394 per month.
Is 300% tariff cover enough?
Three hundred percent cover settles tariff shortfalls where the specialist charges up to three times the medical aid scheme rate. It is enough for many GP-level and lower-charging specialist procedures. If your medical aid plan attracts higher specialist charges, or you anticipate procedures involving anaesthetists or sub-specialists, consider one of TRA’s 700% plans. Read What Does 200%, 500% or 700% Gap Cover Actually Mean? for a worked example.
Can I claim immediately on a new Basic Cover 300 policy?
There is no general three-month waiting period. You can claim from the start/join date for events that are not on the ten-month condition-specific list and not related to a pre-existing condition. Pre-existing conditions are subject to a six-month waiting period (or nine months for cancer diagnosed before the policy started).
Does Basic Cover 300 include co-payment cover?
No. Co-payment cover is available on Vital Cover Plus, Super Cover Plus and Absolute Cover Plus. If your medical aid charges co-payments on procedures like a gastroscopy or colonoscopy, consider one of the higher plans.
What happens if the main policyholder dies?
If the main policyholder dies as a result of an accident, the policy extender pays the full gap cover premium for 12 months so the rest of the family stays covered. The accidental death benefit pays a lump sum of R7 700 to the spouse and R4 400 per dependant.
How to Apply
Applying for Basic Cover 300 is simple. You can apply online, and TRA’s team is ready to provide support. Review your medical aid plan and gap cover policy annually to ensure you are still on the right cover for your needs.
Get Affordable Gap Cover That Has Your Back
Total Risk Administrators (TRA) puts your health first, and that is evident in our short-term insurance policies.
TRA’s Basic Cover 300 is a reliable, affordable choice for medical aid members. From only R99 per month, it makes gap cover accessible for South African families.For further information, contact your intermediary or visit the TRA Gap Cover page to sign up.
