just a quick question, do GAP covers only cover hospital related claims?
Depends on what level of cover you choose. There are generally several options. The most basic tends to cover you for up to 500% for hospitalisation.
Other options, which are still worthwhile considering the cost are:
Cancer cover, usually R50,000 - most non-Comprehensive medical aid options cover for about R200,000 per 12 month period with a co-payment of 20% of costs above that. That R50,000 is the 20% of another R250,000 of cancer treatment.
Co-payments - these can be covered for things like scopes and MRI scans even when done out of hospital. NB: This does not cover co-payments where you are on a network option on your medical aid and you voluntarily choose to go to hospital which is not on your network.
Emergency situation - very often people go to a casualty unit in case of emergencies, however, unless you are hospitalised subsequent to that the medical aid doesn't cover the cost of X-rays, medication, stitching of major cuts, scans, etc unless you have a medical savings account, ie it's like a normal doctor's visit, just usually after hours. Some Gap Covers offer you about R7,500 to cover such emergencies.
It's important to look at what exactly you want covered, not just the cheapest price.
In terms of the total covered this is currently R1,000,000 plus, however from 2018 onwards for those already on Gap Cover and from April next year for new joiners, this will be limited to a total of R150,000.
