ABOUT GAP COVER
What it is - and why it matters
HOW IT WORKS
Gap cover explained
2025 BENEFITS
Sanlam Comprehensive Gap Cover Plan
In-hospital benefits
The difference between the specialist’s fee and the medical scheme tariff.
Additional six-times (600%) of medical scheme tariff
A sub-limit is a limit when a medical scheme imposes a Rand limit, known as a sub-limit, on certain in-hospital medical procedures or prosthetic devices and a shortfall occurs.
R66,400 per event/condition
The excess payable upfront to the hospital before treatment or a procedure.
Unlimited up to the overall annual limit.
A deductible is a co-payment payable by a member on admission to hospital.
Unlimited up to the overall annual limit.
A maximum of two events are covered under this benefit per annum and up to a maximum amount of R18,550 per event, subject to the Key Benefit Limit.
Out-of-hospital benefits
MRI Scans: A CT scan is best suited for viewing bone injuries, diagnosing lung and chest problems, and detecting cancers. An MRI is suited for examining soft tissue in ligament and tendon injuries, spinal cord injuries, and tumours. CT scans are widely used in emergency rooms because the scan takes less than five minutes. An MRI, on the other hand, can take up to 30 minutes.
Oncology: Oncology is a branch of medicine that deals with cancers and tumours.
MRI/CT scans: Unlimited.
Oncology sub-limits: Limited to statutory maximum of R210,580 per insured per annum.
The Casualty Benefit will pay for the facility fee and consultation associated with admissions into the emergency room or casualty ward of a private hospital.
Subject to a maximum of R18,450 per event.
Benefits relating to this clause will only be paid in respect of emergency out-patient services that are provided within a casualty ward of a hospital. The benefit is only payable in the event of after-hours treatment in an emergency situation. After-hours is Mondays to Fridays between 18:00 and 08:00 and all-day Saturdays, Sundays and South African public holidays. The benefit payable is equal to the total cost of treatment less the amount paid by your medical scheme from your hospital/risk benefit. If payment is made from your available medical savings account, or from your own pocket, we will reimburse that too.
Subject to a maximum of two such events per annum and a maximum of R3,000 per event. Limited to children under age 12.
Additional benefits
A cash payment you receive for every day you spend in hospital due to an accident or premature birth (more than 41 days before the originally expected natural birth date of 40 weeks).
If you’re a Sanlam Reality member, please refer to the Sanlam Reality section for more information on your Hospital Cash Benefit.
A maximum of two hospital episodes are covered under this benefit per annum, up to a maximum amount of R29,300 per annum. The benefit is payable from day one of the hospital episode: R480 per day from the 1st to the 13th day (inclusive). R860 per day from the 14th to the 20th day (inclusive). R1,700 per day from the 21st to the 30th day (inclusive). Max R29,300 per annum.
The natural or surgically assisted birth of 1 or more infants that occurs more than 41 days before the originally expected natural birth date of 40 weeks as verified by the clinical records of the mothers attending physician.
Lump sum Benefit is R16,400.
The lump sum benefit is payable upon the death or permanent disability of an insured party due to accidental harm.
Limited as follows: Children below six years: R20,000. All other insured parties: R30,000.
The benefit payable is equal to the monthly medical scheme and Gap contribution applicable after the qualifying event, multiply by 6 and subject to an overall annual limit. This benefit is limited to one event over the policy lifetime.
The benefit payable is waivered for a period of 6 months to an overall maximum limit of R40,000.
The lump sum Benefit will only be paid in the event of Dental Reconstruction Surgery being required as a direct result of Accidental Harm or from Oncology Treatment that occurred after the Inception of this Policy.
A maximum of two such events are covered under this benefit per annum and up to a maximum amount of R49,900 per annum subject to the Key Benefit Limit.
Seamless claims process
Medical event occurs
Medical provider submits claims to medical scheme for payment
Medical scheme assesses claims and identifies shortfalls
Member receives statement noting payment shortfalls, requiring payment
Member does not complete ANY PAPERWORK as all information is automatically sent by the medical scheme directly to Sanlam Gap for assessment, according to the policy benefits
Claims shortfalls are paid within 7 to 14 working days
Member is paid and send a statement as confirmation
Mediclinic Extender
Subject to a maximum of two such events per Annum and a maximum of R2800 per Insured Event.
Up to R5 200 per Insured Party per Annum, subject to the Overall Annual Limit.
Subject to a maximum of one event per Insured Party per Annum and a maximum of R5 200 subject to the Overall Annual Limit.
Benefit is limited to one claim per Insured Party and is only payable on first-time diagnosis as a lump sum of R10 900.
Unlimited subject to the Overall Annual Limit. Only at a Mediclinic facility. Penalty co-payments, limited to two events up to R17,500 per event.
Frequently asked questions
Some of your questions answered
Why do I need gap cover?
In certain cases the cost for in-hospital procedures or outpatient treatment may exceed the base medical aid rate by six times. By taking out Sanlam Medical Gap Cover Insurance, you ensure that you and your family aren’t left with a large excess amount to settle.
Do I qualify for gap cover?
- You need to be an existing member of a registered medical aid scheme.
- Gap cover extends to the principal member, their spouse and children until they reach the age of 27. Families covered on two medical aids will be covered by a single Sanlam Gap Cover policy.
- Special dependants may be included (excluding financially dependent parents).
Are there any waiting periods?
Yes, the following waiting periods apply:
- A general waiting period of 3 months on all benefits.
- A 12 months condition specific for pre-existing conditions for which you received advice, treatment or diagnosis during the 12 months prior to the cover commencing.
- Please refer to our Policy Document for 2025 (Section H) for more information.
What treatments are not paid for by gap cover?
- Treatment for obesity, including bariatric surgery (stomach stapling).
- Treatment for cosmetic surgery unless necessitated by a trauma or as a result of oncology treatment (e.g. breast reconstruction following a mastectomy).
- Specialised Dentistry is only paid for on the Sanlam Gap Cover Comprehensive Plan in the event of trauma, cancers and tumours.
- Claims older than 6 months.
- Any claim that is excluded or rejected by the Insured’s medical scheme.
- Please refer to our Policy Document for 2025 (Section I) for more information.
How much does gap cover cost?
Comprehensive Medical Gap Cover
- Under 30
Single R320pm
Families R485pm - 30 – 45
Single R444pm
Families R540pm - 45 – 60
Single R495pm
Families R582pm - Over 60
Single R832pm
Families R999pm
How do I claim?
When submitting the Claim form, you will need to provide supporting documents as detailed below in the checklist. Claims can be emailed to gapclaims@centriq.co.za. Once received, your Claim will be processed and if all requirements have been met, the Benefit amount will be paid within 7 to 10 working days. Please direct all queries to the Sanlam Gap Service Centre on 0861 111 167.
We require the following documents from you to process your claim:
- Claims transaction remittance (receipt) from the medical scheme.
- Relevant doctors’ accounts.
- Hospital account (the first four pages showing admission/discharge times and ICD codes).
- Current medical scheme membership certificate (copy of the membership card is not accepted).
An e-mail and SMS is sent to the member when:
- The claim is captured.
- Outstanding documentation is requested (assuming you have not signed the authority form).
- The claim is authorised.
Please note that payments will be made directly into the principal member’s bank account.
More of your questions answered
1. Can my family (principal member, spouse and child/children) be on more than one medical aid scheme under one Sanlam Gap policy?
Yes
2. Will my parents that are dependants on my medical scheme have cover under my Sanlam Gap Cover policy ?
Financially dependent parents will be required to take out their own gap policy as Sanlam Gap will only cover the principal member, partner/spouse and children (under the age of 27).
3. Are supplementary benefits paid from the statutory limit of R210 580?
No, the supplementary benefits are additional benefits Sanlam offers their clients.
4. How long do I have to submit my gap cover claim?
Six months from the insured event.
5. Family Protector Benefit: Who is eligible to claim for this benefit?
All the beneficiaries covered on the policy can claim for this benefit in the event of death or permanent disability due to accidental harm. Children below six years R20,000, all other insured parties R30,000.
6. If a member was on a lower gap offering (for longer than 12 months) and joined Sanlam Gap Comprehensive, would Sanlam Gap impose waiting periods on their new enhanced/richer benefits?
No
7. Does Sanlam Gap have a list of conditions that are excluded for the first 12 months of cover?
No, only pre-existing conditions will be excluded for 12 months if the client did not have previous cover.
8. Will Sanlam Gap cover planned PMB (Prescribed Minimum Benefits)?
Yes, within the rules of your policy document.
9. How long do I have to register my newborn baby?
You have 90 days of which to add your baby onto your policy.
10. The penalty co-payment for the use on a non-network hospital is subject to a maximum of one event per family per annum and a maximum of?
A maximum of two such events are covered under this benefit per annum and up to a maximum amount of R18,550 per event, subject to the Key Benefit Limit.
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