So, you’ve finally decided to join a medical aid. Maybe you’ve landed a full-time gig, started a family, or just realised that private hospital bills are no joke. Whatever your reason, welcome! But if you’re joining a little later in life or after being uncovered for a while, you might bump into two confusing terms: waiting periods and late joiner penalties.

Babies are expensive. We're talking “a pram that costs more than your first car” expensive. “R900 organic cotton onesie with ‘Cute or what?’ embroidered on it” expensive. But most of all? Private hospital expensive. Specialist expensive. “Sorry, your medical aid doesn’t cover the full amount” expensive.

While you may have some form of medical aid plan, depending on its structure, more often than not the scheme will not cover all the doctor and other specialist fees, or all procedures in hospital. Medical gap cover pays the difference between the medical aid rates and the higher actual cost charged.

Worried about how to cover the shortfall on Medical Aid co-payments? Use these helpful hacks and focus on healing your body rather than your bank balance.

Navigating adulthood means managing expenses for essentials like Medical Aid—a necessity that often feels like a burden until it’s needed. Hippo simplifies the process, saving you time and money by comparing top plans in minutes. Discover how to protect your health and wallet with ease. Adulting doesn’t have to be hard—Hippo is here to help!

Tax is confusing. Medical aids are confusing. Put them together and it can feel impossible to figure out. Is claiming medical expenses back from tax really worth it? We explain how it works to help you make up your mind about whether or not you want to.

Are you paying monthly premiums for medical aid, but always end up paying cash for visits to the doctor because your medical aid savings keep running out? Here's how comparing medical aid schemes can help you find one that fits better.

A brief analysis of some of the larger schemes in the industry reveal that most contribution increases are in double digit territory, while those that boast single digit average contribution increases are not far behind. Here's some expert tips for choosing the right medical aid in 2025.

There are more than 150 'open' medical schemes in South Africa. These are schemes that any member of the public is allowed to join subject to the rules of the scheme.

Breast cancer, followed by cervical cancer and cancer of the uterus, is one of the most common cancers among South African women and the number of incidences are increasing.

Laughter may be the best medicine, but when it comes to staying healthy, there’s no substitute for proper medical aid. Whether it’s a late-night trip to the ER or a routine check-up, knowing you have the right coverage offers peace of mind when you need it most. At Hippo, we’re here to simplify the process of finding a medical aid plan that fits your needs and budget, ensuring you can focus on what matters most—your health, without worrying about unexpected costs.

Medical aid rewards programmes like Discovery Vitality and Momentum Multiply help South Africans live healthier lives while offering perks like discounts and cashback. This blog compares these two popular programmes to help you understand their benefits and how they work.

Everyone will tell you that pregnancy is a magical, spiritual journey. It is, but one undertaken with swollen ankles, bouts of nausea and strange cravings as your little miracle starts to take over every aspect of your life.

If you’re an ordinary member of the public, you have 20 open market medical aid schemes to choose from. (The others only being open to certain professional organisations or companies.) So how can you effectively compare them to find the one that’s just right for you? Let’s take you through it.

If you’re pregnant or are planning on having a baby, you probably can’t wait to do the fun stuff, like picking out names and buying cute clothes that you secretly wish came in adult sizes.

It might be the perfect time to review your Medical Aid policy and decide whether you’ll need to upgrade or downgrade your current plan. But, deciding on the right scheme or plan can be daunting, as you’re constantly bombarded with Medical Aid jargon. Luckily, this year you’ll be in the know. We’ve taken a closer look at some Medical Aid terms to help you understand what they mean, so you can make an informed decision.

Many people don't realise it but it's important to reassess your medical aid scheme every year. Schemes themselves will revise their benefits annually, so members should do the same to understand whether they're receiving the optimum value based on their individual needs.

The South African Council for Medical Schemes has just announced their suggested increase percentage margin (5% + utilisation) for the 2023/2024 medical aid scheme premium increases coming up. Let's find out what that means for you and if there's anything you can do to ease the impact of coming changes on your pocket.

Hold on tight because we're about to spill an industry secret: you don't have to bankrupt yourself and join the best-selling Medical Aid provider to get great health cover – you don't want to miss out on finding the best benefits at the lowest price to perfectly suit your needs.

Choosing the right Medical Aid plan can be one of the most important decisions you make for yourself and your family. Here's how to do it wisely.

Are visits to a psychologist covered if you're on a Medical Aid? And which mental health services are available if you're not? Here's everything you need to know.

Yes, some Medical Aids in South Africa will cover a portion of the costs of refractive-correcting laser eye surgery in certain cases. So, who covers what and how can you make that work for you?

Many parents of teens or tweens know the true price of crooked teeth. But before you 'brace' yourself to break the bank, let's take a look at which orthodontic treatments your Medical Aid plan covers.

In the grand scheme of life, you don't have to worry about trying to decipher the difference between a medical aid and a hospital plan. We know it can feel like you are trying to understand why the chicken crossed the road - we all think we know, but do we really? That's where hippo.co.za comes in to save the day. Let's start with the basics.

South Africa has, in effect, two healthcare systems: public and private. Here’s why access to private offerings is so important – and how Medical Aid helps you get there.

What on earth is Medical Aid Gap Cover? Think of it as the bridge on an unfinished highway: it's how you complete your hospital journey without doubling down on the pain.

Prevention, they say, is better than cure. But very few Medical Aid members know what their free preventative care benefits are — and even fewer claim them. Here's why you should.

Learn about the advantages and disadvantages when it comes to choosing network cover or the free choice option for medical schemes.

There's nothing like having a baby to shift your priorities or catapult your sense of responsibility to another dimension. Among the many major life changes you'll have to make, don't forget your Medical Aid and Life Insurance.

Is vaping bad for you? Or is it different to smoking cigarettes, cigars or pipes? And how does it affect your Life Insurance premium?

Between screens, screens and more screens, your eye care is probably not at its best and are quietly taking a beating. Here's how to practise proper eye care for your baby blues, greens or browns.

Between the uncertainties of living in a pandemic and the constant demands of modern life, it's a wonder any of us are coping at all. Use these mental health apps to get a much-needed dose of calm and mindfulness.

Homeopathy is a complementary approach to medicine built on the core belief that the body can heal itself using natural remedies prescribed in small doses. But how do medical aid plans feel about this 'like cures like' homeopathic treatment?

The Western Cape's mandatory dog and horse registration may soon extend to smaller animals. What does this really mean for pet owners in the Cape?

Doing charity work as a volunteer, whether on Mandela Day or simply in your spare time, is known to have health benefits. Here are some of the reasons why it's so good to be – and do – good.

Before you dash off to the doctor, read this and see if that strange ache, pain or rash is something you really need to worry about.

COVID-19 threw a curveball at medical aid schemes in 2020, and they're changing their benefits and costs to cope. Here's what to consider and compare to find out how much medical aid is really going to cost you in 2021.

Your mental health is pretty vital. And in these strange and uncertain times, it's even more important to make sure you're really looking after yourself...

Local and international travel will continue to carry certain risks in 2021. What are your options if your trip is derailed?

What does the COVID-19 vaccine’s listing as a Prescribed Minimum Benefit mean for you as a medical scheme member?

COVID-19 treatment has been listed as a Prescribed Minimum Benefit (PMB) condition for medical scheme members by the Council for Medical Schemes (CMS). But what does this mean for you if you get 'long COVID', where you find yourself still experiencing symptoms months after you 'recover' from the initial period of sickness? Will your medical aid cover you?

Hospital plans aren’t all created equal. Here’s what you need to know before you make your choice, and what to do when you are ready to make it.

The opportunity to make annual changes to medical aid plans is almost upon us, so it’s the perfect time to reassess your needs.

Considering changing your medical aid for 2021? Here’s what you need to know before you do.

At a time of increased stress, anxiety and loneliness, your immune system is going to take a beating. Keep yourself safe by knowing the risks, and getting the medical aid coverage you need. If you haven't looked into joining a medical aid scheme, let's show you how.

The majority of people are on medical aid plans that cover in-hospital specialists' charges at 100% of the medical aid rate. In most instances, specialists charge more than 100% of the medical aid rates, potentially leaving you with a shortfall that you have to pay from your pocket. Depending on your medical aid plan, you may be covered for up to 300% of the scheme rate. This means that if the specialist's charges for in-hospital expenses are three times the general medical aid rate, your medical aid is sufficient. Medical gap cover is an insurance that will fill in the difference, should the specialist's charges be higher, rather than leaving you with what could be a large bill.

During times of chaos, do you know how far your medical aid will go to ensure your health is covered? Here’s a look at some common coverage questions.

In South Africa alone, out of a total of 80 different medical aid schemes, there are 20 open schemes of which anyone is free to join. For a first-timer, the choice can be daunting.

More than the struggle to find well-fitting clothing, the volume and weight of disproportionately large breasts cause a woman numerous physical problems that can have far-reaching psychological repercussions.

The new generation of medical aid customers are curious, want to understand the details, and expect great customer service. But the complexities of the medical aid industry makes choosing one – specifically the right one – not a simple matter.

As a young, married couple, when taking out medical aid you should focus primarily on your health needs. First, bear in mind the major medical concerns as well as chronic medication requirements, then consider your lifestyle and finances and how they fit into the structure of the medical aid plan.

The thirties are that stage of life when you're likely to have established yourself in a steady job or career. You've probably also made some big purchases, such as, a house and car leaving very little in the kitty to save for a rainy day.

As consumers we sometimes tend to think that when it comes to certain products, it's better to go for the bigger brand names. In some cases and industries, this may be true – where their continuing research and development initiatives or advanced technologies are advantageous to you as a consumer.

In a survey by Stats SA in February 2019, it was found that on average, medical-aid schemes increased their tariffs by 8,3%, slightly higher than the 8,0% average recorded in 2018. In 2020, the upward trend continues, with South Africans seeing average increases as high as 10%.

One of the most common questions medical aid providers receive is “What’s the difference between medical aid and medical insurance?” As consumers, we may be forgiven for thinking they’re the same, and in some ways they are.

In 2020, savvy consumers are looking to cut costs, scale down, and consume less. From clothes to cars, we're always on the hunt for the best value for money, and it should be no different with our medical aid. But making medical aid decisions is less fun and more cumbersome than choosing a SUV and takes a little discipline.

Planning for a baby can be one of the most exciting times in a person’s life, from going gaga over tiny, cute clothing, to falling in love with the very first ultrasound photo. The joy of welcoming a new life is limitless, but sometimes it can seem like the costs are too.

It’s hard to believe that 2009, the year that Avatar was the most popular movie and people danced to the Black Eyed Peas’ Boom Boom Pow, was 10 years ago. In that time, many fad diets have come, gone, and come again. Food science has changed vastly in the past few decades and has caused many heated debates on what’s healthy and unhealthy for the human body. Confusingly, different studies and research support both sides of food debates, so it’s hard to know what and how we should eat.

Being pregnant is a wonderful time which shouldn’t be overshadowed by worrying about how you’re going to afford being a parent. While medical aid may go a long way to help manage the costs of pre- and post-natal care, there are other expenses that you can be prepared for to ensure your pregnancy is nine months of bliss.

Your lives are busy. With work, family, and friends, making quality time can be difficult for many couples. When your baby arrives, having time to connect with your partner alone will be nearly impossible for a while. On a babymoon, it’s just the two of you to help strengthen your relationship even more.

Worldwide, one in every three women and one in every five men over 50 years old will fracture a bone due to osteoporosis, a progressive disease that causes bones to become weak and brittle. It occurs in one of two ways – either bones lose their density or the body doesn’t make enough bone. Either way, this forms large holes and spaces within bones and makes them easily breakable.

With smartphone adoption at an all time high, we have the world at our fingertips. A swipe of the screen and a touch of a button later, we’ve got all the information we need at any given time. While this has certainly made our lives easier in some regards, it has also led to an overload of information as we check our phones and tablets throughout the day, even when we’re out with friends.

There are certain money mistakes that can cost you for the rest of your life, such as taking on too much debt or failing to save enough for your retirement. Ensure you remain financially stable by avoiding the following five money mistakes from a list compiled by three financial advisors who work with people and their money every single day

If you have ever volunteered your time before, you might have noticed a mood lift, or bursts of satisfaction, happiness and elation. Volunteering is an unselfish act of giving of your free time and resources to those who need your help, and in due course you may experience the results of all your efforts, and even build a community of friends with whom you enjoy a shared interest and passion.

Tax return season for individuals officially opened on 1 July 2017. If you are a South African citizen, you may need to submit an income tax return to the South African Revenue Service (SARS) over the next couple of months (deadlines to be announced). The purpose of filing an income tax return is for SARS to determine how much money you owe the government or if you're due for a tax rebate.

While conventional wisdom tells us to stay away from meals served in foam containers or paper wraps, not all unhealthy food is bad for one's health. Hippo.co.za reached out to two nutrition experts to find out which foods, snacks and beverages traditionally considered dietary no-no's, may actually have positive health outcomes when taken in very limited portions and cooked the right way.

It’s an inevitable part of being a parent that at some point you’ll have a sick child on your hands. For more serious illnesses like chickenpox or ear infections, you’ll probably have to make a trip to the doctor, but for minor things like scrapes and cuts, sniffles and tummy bugs you can usually buy over-the-counter medicine to help relieve your little one’s discomfort.

In the past, holidays were all about working on your tan, lounging by the swimming pool and eating too many pastries at the restaurant’s buffet. But, with the growing worldwide trend of personal health and wellness on the rise, holidays have become about much more than that – they’ve become another chance to work on your long-term health, another health investment on top of your Medical Aid plan.

Many of us fear being diagnosed with common diseases such as cancer or diabetes, but for a small percentage of the population, visiting a doctor has yielded more terrifying results. More people than you might think, worldwide, suffer from strange and shocking illnesses, many of which you may never have heard of. In this article, you’ll learn more about these conditions, which continue to perplex the medical industry.

Are you aware of what you're eating? Of course you are, otherwise you wouldn't have ordered your favourite burger from your local fast food outlet. But do you know what it consists of? It may just seem like a tasty compilation of a bun, beef patty, cheese and tomato, but there may be more to that burger than meets the eye.

As we run between cubicles and stare at LED monitors for hours on end, we often forget that South Africa is a land of adventure, filled with unforgettable journeys - but it's up to you to embark on them. The holiday season is fast approaching and with the weather warming up, it is a perfect time to experience some of the greatest treks in South Africa.

We all have different needs when it comes to our health and Medical Aid scheme. While you may have been with your current Medical Aid provider for quite some time now, it might be a good idea to review your current plan and ask the right questions such as how its provisions suit your current state of health.

For centuries, society has been captivated by the idea of a prolonged existence. Attempts to extend human life have ranged from pursuits of mythical substances in ancient times, to more recent stem-cell research and anti-aging treatments.

A good medical aid policy may prevent growing cyberchondria. Find out what South African health experts think of your Internet based self-diagnosis.

With winter here, many of us feel less motivated to work out and stay active. The days have become shorter and darker, the temperatures have dropped and all we really want to do is seek the warmth of the covers and the fireplace,rather than hit the gym.

It’s a fact of life that every day we face some uncertainty about what could go wrong, what challenges we could face and what the outcome could be if the worst did happen.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month and is widely promoted across the globe. Reported as the most common form of the cancer disease among women in South Africa, the prevalence and rate of diagnosis is becoming more and more of a concern.

Sometimes living in South Africa can feel like a serious gamble. Just prior to this publication, we posted a detailed article on the state of South African roads which didn’t paint a rosy picture. In this article we look at the leading causes of natural a