Medical Insurance Quotes | Compare Health Cover

Medical Insurance is a more affordable option than Medical Aid and can help cover everyday health needs or specific procedures.

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Importance of Medical insurance

If your Medical Insurance product pays you a set amount for each day spent in hospital, regardless of the type of treatment that’s required, a Medical Aid product typically provides in-hospital cover and pays for treatment according to the cost of the condition and mostly pays the supplier directly.

Medical Insurance is usually a cheaper option and can either be used as an alternative to medical aid or as an added benefit to your medical aid product, depending on your level of affordability.

Who needs Medical Insurance?

To answer this question, let's look at what Medical Insurance usually covers. It is mostly focused on out-of-hospital, primary-care expenses such as general practitioner consultations, prescribed medication, basic dentistry and some optometry cover, which are subject to strict network provider rules.

A defined limit for emergency hospitalisation stabilisation or illness might be included, but this has an impact on the price of the product.

Remember that risk factors such as age, health status and/or income are considered, so applicants can be rejected.

Why is Medical Insurance important?

The cost of private healthcare is expensive. It’s important to ensure that you have some level of cover. Medical insurance is an affordable solution if you can’t afford medical aid.

Medical Insurance often provides comprehensive cover for common out of hospital costs through a network of providers. It can also be used as an add on product to your medical aid if your medical aid plan only covers hospital costs.

What is Medical Gap Cover

Gap cover is a form of medical insurance that can only be taken to supplement the hospital benefit shortfalls in your medical aid product. It’s a smart way of buying the best value for money medical aid product and taking affordable Gap cover to ensure you have all your bases covered.

Medical costs adding up? We can help.

Medical Insurance vs. Medical Aid

Medical Insurance and Medical Aid are two different products. Both products offer healthcare cover, but are guided by different sets of regulations.

Differences between Medical Aid and Medical Insurance:

Medical Insurance is regulated by short-term insurance laws and is more focused on hospitalisation. This is a more affordable option compared to most Medical Aids. It typically pays fixed amounts per hospital stay or gives access to basic outpatient care through networks. Medical Aid is regulated by legislation that requires coverage of Prescribed Minimum Benefits (PMBs), including specific chronic conditions and in-hospital treatments. It usually comes with more comprehensive coverage but higher costs. The table below clearly lays out the differences between Medical Aid and Medical Insurance:

Medical Insurance benefits	Description
What's covered	Reimburses you when something covered by your policy happens, like hospitalisation, and you have to pay out of pocket.
Who gets paid	You get paid directly, and you settle your bills.
Cost	Generally cheaper than Medical Aid.
Emergency Care	You may need to pay a deposit before being admitted to a private hospital.
Prescribed Minimum Benefits	Doesn't have to cover PMBs (chronic conditions and emergencies).
Extra Benefits	May include funeral cover or accident/disability cover.
Tax Benefit	No tax deductions.
Legislation	Governed by the Short-Term Insurance Act.
Regulator	Overseen by the Financial Services Board.

Medical Aid benefits	Description
What's covered	Various plans ranging from basic hospital cover to comprehensive plans that include day-to-day medical expenses.
Who gets paid	The provider pays hospitals and doctors directly.
Cost	More expensive but offers broader benefits.
Emergency Care	You'll be admitted directly to a private hospital or network hospital, depending on your plan.
Prescribed Minimum Benefits	Must cover about 270 listed PMBs in full.
Extra Benefits	Can't include funeral, accident, or disability cover.
Tax Benefit	Contributions can be deducted for tax purposes.
Legislation	Governed by the Medical Schemes Act.
Regulator	Regulated by the Council for Medical Schemes.

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Medical Insurance FAQs

What is Medical Insurance?

Medical Insurance is an insurance product that provides cover for hospitalisation, day-to-day medical expenses or both. Traditionally, Medical Insurance pays out a set amount for each day spent in hospital. The payment will stay the same, regardless of the type of treatment that's required or which healthcare provider you use. The amount is paid out to you and not to the service provider/hospital, which means that you can decide how the money is spent. It can be used to pay for your treatment in hospital or to fund expenses incurred whilst in hospital. Depending on the policy that you choose, Medical Insurance can also provide cover for day-to-day medical expenses like doctor's visits, medication for colds and flu, or trips to the dentist.

What is the difference between Medical Insurance and Medical Aid?

When deciding between Medical Insurance and Medical Aid, it is important to understand that they are two very different products offering different types of cover. The table below illustrates the main differences between Medical Insurance and Medical Aid.

How does the quoting process work?

Comparing Medical Insurance quotes on Hippo.co.za is a simple 2-step process. Here's how it works: Step 1: Simply enter your personal details on Hippo.co.za and tell us who you need cover for. Then, select whether you also require hospital cover and whether you would prefer to use a doctor of your choice or one on the Medical Insurance provider's network. Once you're done, select the "Next" button at the bottom right of the screen. Step 2: Compare the prices and benefits of multiple Medical Insurance quotes side by side. Once you've made your choice, select "I'm interested" and a qualified consultant will contact you.

Why do I need Medical Insurance?

The rising cost of healthcare doesn't mean that you should be without any cover. Medical Insurance is usually slightly cheaper than Medical Aid and pays out a set amount for each day spent in hospital and/or provides cover for certain day-to-day medical expenses. A Medical Insurance policy can help cover the costs should you or your loved one need medical care or can be used as a top-up product for when your Medical Aid savings have run out.

How much does it cost?

There are various Medical Insurance policy options available. Luckily, you can compare multiple quotes all in one place using Hippo.co.za. Compare quotes side by side and find the Medical Insurance policy that suits your needs and your pocket.

Who are the network hospitals and/or doctors (designated service providers/dsps)?

This will depend on the chosen Medical Insurance service provider. With most Medical Insurance policies, a set amount is paid out for every day that you are hospitalised regardless of the provider you've chosen. Keep in mind though that hospitals and doctors charge different rates; it might be a good idea to compare rates before deciding on which hospital or doctor to go to.

How are the premiums calculated?

Medical Insurance is an insurance product and the monthly premiums are calculated based on risk. The potential member's age, health status and/or income are taken into account.

Who is eligible for Medical Insurance?

With Medical Insurance, risk factors such as age, health status and/or income are taken into account and potential members can be turned away.

Will I get a waiting period?

Waiting periods are imposed at the Medical Insurance provider's discretion.

What is a late joiner penalty and does it apply to Medical Insurance?

Late joiner penalties do not apply to Medical Insurance. A Medical Aid can, however, apply a late joiner penalty to members who join a medical scheme later in life. Keep in mind though that having Medical Insurance does not mean that you have Medical Aid, and if you later decide to join a Medical Aid, you could likely pay a late joiner penalty.

Can I belong to a Medical Aid and also have Medical Insurance?

Yes. Medical Insurance can complement a Medical Aid policy in order to ensure that you and your loved ones are covered should you end up in hospital.

Do I need to undergo a medical examination before obtaining a Medical Insurance policy?

This will depend on the chosen Medical Insurance provider. Some providers will require you to undergo an HIV test before a Medical Insurance policy is granted.

Compare quotes across multiple products

With Hippo we make it easy to find great deals across multiple products.

Car & Home Bundle

Bundle your Car Insurance and Home Insurance together for a more complete picture of your coverage. Experience fewer gaps by being with one insurer.

Car Insurance

Covers your vehicle against damage, theft and third-party claims. Premiums vary by driving history, usage, vehicle model and where you park overnight.

Scratch and dent cover

Covers minor cosmetic damage to your vehicle without affecting your Car Insurance claims record. Compare plans to keep your car looking good without paying out of pocket.

Tyre and Rim cover

Covers the cost of repairing or replacing damaged tyres and rims. Compare plans to find affordable cover that protects you against one of South African motoring's most common expenses.

Extended Motor Warranty

Protects you against unexpected mechanical and electrical repair costs after your manufacturer warranty expires. Compare plans to find the right level of cover for your vehicle.

Service Plans

Covers the cost of scheduled vehicle maintenance, including parts and labour. Compare service plans alongside your Car Insurance for a complete picture of your motoring costs.

Vehicle Tracking

Helps protect your vehicles by assisting with recovery in the event of theft. Many providers also use Vehicle Tracking to flag when your vehicle is in an unfamiliar area.

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.

Business Insurance

Protects your business’ property, assets and third-party liability. The right cover depends on the nature, size and risk profile of your operations.

Car & Commercial Property Insurance

Car and Commercial Property Insurance covers the property, its contents and physical structure. It also includes Business Vehicle Cover for company fleets and vehicles used for business use.

Business Legal Cover

Employers’ Liability Insurance covers a business owner against injury, illness or death caused to an employee during their work. This could cover compensation costs and legal fees.

Professional Liability Cover

Protects you against claims of negligence, errors or omissions in the advice or services you provide, covering legal costs and any damages or settlements you may be ordered to pay.

Public Liability Cover

Covers your business against third-party claims for injury or property damage caused by your operations, including legal fees, medical costs and compensation payouts if your business is liable.

Event Liability Cover

Covers organisers, sponsors and venue owners against third-party injury, property damage and product liability arising from an event, with optional extensions available depending on the event.

Employee Benefits

Employee Benefits helps businesses provide staff with Medical Aid, Group Risk Cover for death, disability and illness, and retirement fund solutions, connecting you with a qualified consultant to find the right fit.

Life Insurance

Provides financial security for your dependants. Ensure your home loan, rental costs, debt and children’s tuition are taken care of when you pass.

Funeral Cover

Covers the immediate costs associated with a funeral. Premiums are influenced by your age, number of policy members and amount of cover.

Personal Loans

Compare rates across multiple lenders to find a fair deal. Rates vary based on your credit profile and chosen loan term, so comparison matters.

Debt Consolidation

A Debt Consolidation loan merges multiple debts into a single Personal Loan with one monthly repayment, one credit provider and ideally a lower interest rate.

Debt Counselling

Debt Counselling helps over-indebted consumers restructure what they owe into an affordable repayment plan and negotiating with creditors on your behalf.

Home Contents Insurance

Covers your home's contents against damage, theft and loss. Compare quotes to find the most competitive rate.

Building Insurance

Covers the physical structure of your property against damage. Compare quotes to make sure you're not overpaying.

Motorbike Insurance

Covers your motorcycle against damage, theft and third-party claims. Premiums vary based on your personal profile.

Pet Insurance

Vet bills can add up quickly, especially when unexpected. Compare quotes to find a policy that fits your fur baby’s needs (and your monthly budget).

Travel Insurance

Protects you against unexpected medical and/or flight-related costs when travelling locally or abroad. Premiums vary based on the type of cover you opt for.

Home Fibre

Fibre prices and speeds vary significantly by area and provider. Find the fastest, most affordable package without contacting each provider separately.

Hippo Comparative Services (Pty) Ltd is an authorised financial service provider.

FSP number: 16357. Block A, Steyn City Capital Park, Erling Road, Riverglen, Dainfern, 2191

*Based on independent research by Kaufman Levin & Associates 2025.

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