Comparing quotes from multiple providers is a reliable way to find the right plan and a better deal.
Gives you access to private healthcare. Compare plans, benefits and costs to find the right fit without paying for cover you don't need.
Covers the difference (shortfall) between what your Medical Aid pays and what a specialist charges. Gap Cover is not a substitute for Medical Aid.
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.
Whatever you need cover for, comparing insurance quotes from multiple insurers is a reliable way to find the right policy at the right price.
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It was easy to get a quotation and a call back from the insurance company. The only challenge was choosing the correct vehicle description to get accurate information to the insurance company.
Laurentia
I got calls from different car insurance providers within 12 hours of asking for a quotation and they walk you through details about what they offer. They explain and if you have any questions they will make sure you understand. I took budget insurance works better for me. Thanks hippo
Thandeka
Excellent service. Within seconds after requesting quotes I received a call from Pineapple. I'm happy with our interaction. They saved me approximately R1000. Thank You Hippo. co. za
Anonymous
Independent Service rating based on 20 704 service ratings.
Hippo Comparative Services (Pty) LTD is a licensed financial services provider (FSP 36088)
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?
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.
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.
Hippo’s top tips to getting more out.

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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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