Unpacking common myths about Gap Cover

At Discovery Health, we understand that navigating the world of healthcare can be complex. That's why we're here to help you make informed decisions about your medical aid and gap cover.
Discovery Gap Cover is designed to provide you with additional financial protection, ensuring you are covered for unexpected medical expenses. Let's debunk some common myths about gap cover and highlight its true value.

Myth 1: Gap Cover is unnecessary if you have medical aid
Reality: Even with comprehensive medical aid, you may face significant out-of-pocket expenses. Specialists often charge more than the medical scheme rate, leading to shortfalls that you must cover. Discovery Gap Cover bridges this gap, ensuring you are not financially burdened by these unexpected costs.
Myth 2: If my gap cover policy covers it, I can claim even if it's not covered by medical aid
Reality: Gap cover is designed to cover shortfalls on approved claims that your medical aid partially covers. If your medical aid does not cover a specific treatment or procedure at all, gap cover will not cover it either. It's essential to understand the terms of both your medical aid and gap cover policies.


Myth 3: Gap Cover replaces my medical aid
Reality: Gap cover is not a substitute for medical aid. It is an additional insurance policy that complements your medical aid by covering the shortfalls and co-payments that your medical aid does not fully cover. You still need a medical aid plan to access healthcare services.
Myth 4: Gap Cover is too expensive
Reality: Discovery Gap Cover offers various plans to suit different budgets, starting from as little as R49 per month. Considering the potential financial burden of medical shortfalls, gap cover is a cost-effective solution that provides peace of mind and financial security.


Myth 5: The clai
ms process is complicatedReality: The claims process for Discovery Gap Cover is straightforward and user-friendly. Most claims can be submitted online, and Discovery provides clear guidelines and support to help you through the process. This ensures that you can focus on your health rather than worrying about paperwork.
Myth 6: You only need Gap Cover when you're old
Reality: Medical emergencies and unexpected expenses can occur at any age. Young and healthy individuals can also benefit from gap cover, as it protects against unforeseen medical costs that can arise from accidents or sudden illnesses. It's a proactive measure to safeguard your financial well-being.

Discovery Gap Cover is an essential addition to your healthcare plan, providing financial protection against the shortfalls and co-payments that medical aid does not cover. By debunking these common myths, we hope to clarify the importance and benefits of gap cover, ensuring you make informed decisions about your healthcare needs.
For more information or to find the right plan for you, you can visit our website here or get a quote here .
Discovery Gap Cover is a non-life insurance policy, underwritten by Discovery Insure Ltd, registration number 2009/011882/06, a licensed insurer and an authorised financial services provider. This 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.
Related articles

Helping you connect with your benefits and your doctor
Digital tools allow you to visit your doctor online using DrConnect. Or, if you have basic questions about your membership, you can now Ask Discovery on WhatsApp.
Access a world of digital support
Technology has created many benefits for our lifestyle. Life is easier; you have choices that are best suited for you; and you save costs and valuable time. These benefits of technology are now also changing how we manage our healthcare journey at our fingertips.
Doctors and machines: Embrace the future
Digitisation and artificial intelligence-based innovations have become catalysts to the evolution of the healthcare industry. GP, Dr Sudeshan Govender, describes how digital healthcare tools are increasingly augmenting the doctor-patient relationship.