Browse our healthcare products

Comparing quotes from multiple providers is a reliable way to find the right plan and a better deal.

Medical Aid

Gives you access to private healthcare. Compare plans, benefits and costs to find the right fit without paying for cover you don't need.

Medical Gap Cover

Covers the difference (shortfall) between what your Medical Aid pays and what a specialist charges. Gap Cover is not a substitute for Medical Aid.

Medical Insurance

More flexible and affordable than Medical Aid, Medical Insurance covers day-to-day health needs or specific procedures. This product is not a substitute for Medical Aid.

Compare our trusted health partners

Whatever you need cover for, comparing insurance quotes from multiple insurers is a reliable way to find the right policy at the right price.

All our Healthcare partners are licensed FSP’s, vetted to meet our internal compliance and quality standards.

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Sick of overpaying for medical aid?

Real reviews and real savings

South Africans think we’re lekker. But don’t just take our word for it. See what they have to say:

With hippo you will never go wrong.They give you different insurance quotes to choose from and after choosing you will receive a call from the insurance of your choice.So thank you hippo I managed to get insurance cover because of you.

Elisabeth

Used twice over the last week to get quotes for different scenarios. Both times the quotes loaded quickly, there was multiple options and as I had to leave the website, I got a WhatsApp after as well on which I could click the desired option which was nice

Penelope

Service provided is useful. Getting multiple quotes quickly and easily in one place is very convenient. When capturing my age I had to scroll for longer than needed to get all the way back to 1978. Consider changing this to an input field where you can just type in the date.

Anonymous

Independent Service rating based on 20 704 service ratings.

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Read through some helpful guides on our healthcare products

2025-05-13

What is Gap Cover and why do you need it?

Did you know that Hippo is also has an awarded Medical Aid Advisory? Hippo Advisory Services is an accredited intermediary that helps individuals and businesses navigate medical schemes. We can guide you when it comes to choosing a plan and handling claims.

Hippo Comparative Services (Pty) LTD is a licensed financial services provider (FSP 36088)

FAQs about healthcare

Which healthcare products can I compare with Hippo??

Hippo lets you compare Medical Aid, Medical Insurance and Gap Cover. Each product can be compared from a range of South African medical schemes and insurers, helping you find the best plan and premium for your budget and circumstances.

Difference between Medical Aid, Medical Insurance and Gap Cover?

Medical Aid covers your day-to-day healthcare expenses, chronic medication and hospital stays, and is governed by the Medical Schemes Act. Medical Insurance offers more limited cover for specific events or fixed daily hospital amounts, and is regulated separately under the Short-Term Insurance Act. Gap Cover sits alongside Medical Aid specifically, covering the shortfall between what your scheme pays and what specialists charge.

Do I need Medical Aid to qualify for Gap Cover?

Yes. You must already belong to a registered Medical Aid to take out Gap Cover, as it is designed to supplement your scheme rather than replace it. If you only have Medical Insurance rather than Medical Aid, you will generally not qualify for Gap Cover.

Which is right for me, Medical Aid or Medical Insurance?

Medical Aid suits you if you have ongoing health needs, a chronic condition or need comprehensive family cover, as it offers broader financial protection against high or unexpected medical bills. Medical Insurance may suit you if you are generally healthy, on a tighter budget and mainly need basic emergency or accident cover.

Why do specialists charge more than my Medical Aid pays?

How does Medical Aid help South Africans?

Specialists and surgeons can charge significantly more than the rate your Medical Aid recognises for a procedure. Gap Cover helps pay this shortfall, along with hospital co-payments, so you are not left to cover the difference yourself. Medical Aid pools monthly contributions from members to cover private healthcare costs, protecting you from sudden, unaffordable medical bills. Depending on your plan, it covers hospitalisation for surgery and intensive care, day-to-day costs such as GP visits, dentistry and acute medication, and preventative care like wellness screenings. By law, all schemes must also cover Prescribed Minimum Benefits, including emergencies and a defined list of chronic conditions. Members may also be able to claim a Medical Scheme Fees Tax Credit through SARS to reduce their tax payable.