In certain cases the cost for in-hospital procedures or outpatient treatment may exceed the base medical aid rate by 5-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.

• You need to be an existing member of a registered medical aid scheme.
• Gap cover extends to the principal member, their spouse and children up to age 26. All family members must belong to the principal member’s medical scheme and must be registered on the same medical scheme benefit option.
• The maximum entry age is 60.
• Special dependents may be included.

Yes, the following waiting periods apply:

• A general waiting period of 3 months on all benefits.
• 12 months for pre-existing conditions, e.g. cancer. 12 months for maternity benefits.

• 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).
• Any co-payment that is not a defined rand amount (i.e. it is applied as a percentage).
• Any penalty, co-payment or limit applied by a medical scheme for not complying with the benefit rules or authorisation procedures (e.g. non-authorisation of a hospital admission or where the member is covered on a network plan and makes use of a non-network facility).
• 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.

• Standard Gap Cover - R125 per month
• Comprehensive Gap Cover - R152 per month

Claims are assessed by Xelus Pty (Ltd), the Sanlam Gap Cover administrator. Claims must be submitted within 6 months of an event.

Claim submissions can be sent to:
Email: claims@xelus.co.za
Fax: 086 501 8521
Or contact Xelus at: 0861 11 11 67

Download claim form

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).

Alternatively, if you sign an authority for Xelus to obtain the relevant claims information (on the claim form), they will obtain any outstanding supporting documents on your behalf. Claims are processed as and when it is received and claims are paid out on a daily basis.

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. By law, service providers may not be paid directly.