Find better medical cover (at better prices) with hippo.co.za
Medical cover has a funny way of feeling trivial right up until the moment you really need it. One minute you’re healthy, busy and telling yourself you’ll “look into it later”. The next, you’re staring at an emergency room bill that feels like an April Fool’s joke and wondering how things escalated so quickly.
Thank goodness for Hippo. New comparison data reveals that South Africans who compare multiple products with Hippo are saving an average of R1 208 every month* simply by reviewing and switching their medical cover — proof that better information often leads to better value, not less protection.
And when it comes to choosing between Medical Aid, Medical Insurance and Gap Cover, that clarity matters more than ever, because not all medical cover works the same way. Not all plans offer the same protection, and not all price tags tell the full story.
Hippo helps you compare medical cover options from trusted suppliers in one place, so you can see what you’re paying, what you’re actually getting, and whether there’s a smarter option for your health (and your budget).
In this guide, you’ll learn:
- The difference between Medical Aid, Medical Insurance and Gap Cover
- What each type of cover is designed for (and what it won’t cover)
- Why comparing quotes can help you avoid paying for benefits you don’t use
- How to compare medical cover options quickly on hippo.co.za
Hippo offers the following medical cover options:
Choose your product and compare quotes from our partners to get the best medical cover for your needs.
(Please note that these products are not interchangeable and are governed by different bodies.)
| Cover Type | What it Covers | Compare |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Aid | Covers your day-to-day healthcare and hospital costs, paid monthly, with benefits that reset every year. | Compare Medical Aid quotes |
| Medical Insurance | Gives you defined cover for specific medical events, usually at a lower cost, but with fewer everyday benefits. | Compare Medical Insurance quotes |
| Gap Cover | Protects you from the shortfall when specialists and hospitals charge more than your medical aid pays. | Compare Gap Cover quotes |
How to compare on Hippo
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Step 1: Choose Medical Aid / Medical Insurance / Gap Cover
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Step 2: Answer a few questions
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Step 3: Compare quotes side-by-side
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Step 4: Apply or request a callback (if offered)
Why comparing your cover matters
Medical Aid, Medical Insurance and supplementary insurance products like Gap Cover are often some of the biggest monthly expenses in a household budget. But many people stay on the same plan year after year (even if that plan isn’t really working for them) simply because switching feels overwhelming, risky or time-consuming.
The truth is that medical cover isn’t one-size-fits-all. Your needs change, your family changes, your finances change. And just to add to the complication, the medical cover market changes too, with new plans, pricing structures and benefit options constantly entering the mix.
Comparing quotes allows you to:
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Check whether you’re paying for benefits you no longer need
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Identify gaps that could leave you exposed to unexpected costs
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Find more affordable options that still offer solid protection
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Make informed decisions based on real numbers, not assumptions
Hippo makes this process refreshingly simple, helping you compare your options quickly and confidently.
The types of medical cover you can compare on Hippo
Hippo.co.za lets you compare the three main types of medical cover available in South Africa. Each serves a different purpose, and understanding the differences can make a meaningful impact on both your healthcare experience and your finances.
If you’re not sure where to start, Hippo’s medical hub can help you explore your options in one place: Explore medical cover options
Medical Aid
Medical Aid is the most comprehensive form of medical cover. It’s designed to help cover a wide range of healthcare costs, including hospital stays, specialist consultations, chronic medication and day-to-day medical expenses, depending on the plan you choose, of course.
Medical Aids typically operate within networks, have prescribed minimum benefits, and offer different plan tiers, from entry-level hospital plans to comprehensive options that include savings accounts and extensive out-of-hospital cover.
Comparing Medical Aid quotes is essential because:
- Premiums vary significantly between schemes and plans
- Benefit structures differ, even at similar price points
- Network restrictions and co-payments can impact real-world costs
- You may be able to downgrade or switch without sacrificing essential cover
- Your situation may have changed, with children, a spouse or illness, and you want to reassess your coverage
If you’re paying for Medical Aid, it’s worth knowing whether your plan still suits your needs (or whether there’s a better-value option available).
Ready to compare? Start here: Compare Medical Aid quotes
Want extra context first? Here are two helpful reads:
Medical Insurance
Medical Insurance is a more affordable option designed to help cover everyday, out-of-hospital healthcare costs. It doesn’t replace Medical Aid or provide full hospital cover but instead offers defined benefits for things like GP visits, dentistry, optometry and other routine care, helping you manage medical expenses without higher monthly premiums.
Some plans offer limited accidental hospital stabilisation as an optional add-on, making Medical Insurance a popular choice for younger people, freelancers, or families looking for budget-friendly cover for day-to-day healthcare needs.
Comparing Medical Insurance quotes helps you:
- Understand payout limits and event-based benefits
- Assess exclusions and waiting periods
- Compare premiums against potential real-world value
- Find cover that fits your lifestyle and risk profile
For many South Africans, Medical Insurance strikes a practical balance between affordability and peace of mind — but only if you choose the right plan.
Note – Medical Insurance is not a medical scheme and the cover is not the same as that of a medical scheme. This policy is not a substitute for medical scheme membership.
Compare Medical Insurance quotes here: Compare Medical Insurance quotes
Not sure whether you need Medical Aid or Medical Insurance? This guide breaks it down: Medical Insurance vs Medical Aid
Medical Gap Cover
Gap Cover is designed to work alongside Medical Aid. While Medical Aid typically covers hospital costs at scheme rates, many specialists charge more than those rates. That shortfall — aka the “gap” — can leave you with significant out-of-pocket expenses.
Medical Gap Cover helps cover the difference between what your Medical Aid pays and what healthcare providers charge for in-hospital procedures and specialist fees.
Comparing Gap Cover quotes is important because:
- Cover limits and benefit structures vary widely
- Age limits and underwriting rules differ between providers
- Pricing can vary for similar levels of protection
If you already have Medical Aid, Gap Cover can be the missing piece that protects you from surprise bills, but only if the policy aligns with your Medical Aid plan.
Note – Gap Cover is not a Medical Aid scheme and the cover is not the same as that of a medical scheme. Gap Cover is not a substitute for Medical Aid.
Compare Gap Cover quotes here: Compare Gap Cover quotes
One comparison. Smarter decisions.
What makes Hippo different is how it puts the power back in your hands. Instead of relying on sales calls or guesswork, you get clear, side-by-side comparisons that show you exactly how different medical cover options stack up.
You can compare Medical Aid, Medical Insurance and Gap Cover quotes in one place, filter based on your needs, and make decisions at your own pace. No pressure, or jargon-heavy explanations, just transparent information that helps you choose confidently.
And because Hippo works with trusted, reputable providers, you know the options you’re seeing are credible - not just the loudest or most aggressively marketed.
Medical cover that makes sense for you
Medical cover shouldn’t be something you avoid thinking about. It should be something you understand, feel confident in, and know is working for you.
Whether you’re reviewing your Medical Aid, exploring more affordable Medical Insurance, or adding Gap Cover to protect yourself from rising specialist fees, comparison is the smartest first step.
Start comparing medical cover options here:
Hippo.co.za makes it easier to find better medical cover at better prices, so you can focus on living your life, knowing you’ve made an informed choice about your health.
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