No. We are completely impartial and independent. All our comparison results are ordered by price and features alone. Our mission is to find you the best deal, always.

All our partners are licensed insurers and registered Financial Service Providers (FSPs). We carefully vet every partner and only work with reputable, regulated companies. You can verify any provider's credentials on the FSCA register.

We use our own comparison technology to pull real-time quotes directly from our provider partners. You fill in one simple form, and we instantly show you personalised quotes from multiple providers, ranked by price and features.

Just 2 minutes! Simply enter your details once, and we'll fetch personalised quotes from multiple providers. You can then compare them side-by-side and choose the one that suits you best.

On average, Hippo users save R539* per month on Car Insurance. When you compare all your products with us - Car Insurance, Medical Aid, Life Insurance, and more - the average saving is R1208* per month, which adds up to around R14 500 per year.

Yes, absolutely. There are no hidden fees or charges. We make money through fees from providers when you purchase through us.

Launched in 2007, hippo.co.za is the first comparison website in South Africa, helping consumers compare insurance and personal finance products from leading providers. We make it quick and easy to find better deals on everything from Car Insurance to Medical Aid to Fibre deals.

The truth is, we used to. However, we heard South Africans loud and clear when they told us to stop. So, we have. Unfortunately, as an aggregator, as soon as we pass on your details to your provider of choice, we have little control over their contact frequency. They may say “we got your details from Hippo” or “you submitted a quote on Hippo” but it isn’t Hippo spam calling you - it’s the provider you selected.

Planning for business owners generally impinges as well on personal financial issues. For most business owners, the business constitutes a significant part of the owner's personal assets. Furthermore, personal financial problems can jeopardize the healthy continuance of the business through creating difficulties in raising capital, getting loans, etc. The analysis and planning issues often involve concepts that relate to business organization, laws, taxes, compensation for the owners and employees and insurance planning.

Yes. For example, you cannot insure against many business eventualities such as loss of business to competitors or rising prices of supplies.

Imagine your business facing an unexpected risk like fire, theft, natural disaster or employee injury, and all that without having Business Insurance coverage. The expenses these circumstances may lead to, can potentially drive you out of business for good. So having a Business Insurance policy is definitely a must for any business no matter how small it is.

Basic liability coverages such as provided in business owners' policies may be adequate in many cases, But if you are in a business or profession where there is an especially high risk of lawsuits (some branches of medicine for example) you may need extra protection.

If your business has employees, regardless of their number, you should carry workers' compensation coverage. Besides, many states require the companies to have such coverage in order to be registered. Although, the amounts of workers' compensation coverage and mechanisms of regulation vary from state to state.

The insurance company has to pay for the cost of the coverages provided to the insured businesses. The predictability of these costs will vary based on the type of coverage. Some losses are immediately apparent (e.g. fires) while others take years to become final (e.g. court judgments for liability coverages). Various expenses, such as getting customers and administrative costs of running the business must also be paid.

Property and casualty insurance provides a tool for reducing the individual business's risk by spreading the risks faced by many businesses. Many business owners contribute their premiums to the insurance company that provides the policy, but not all of the insured businesses experience losses so the insurance company is able to use some of the premium income to compensate those who actually sustain losses. In effect, the relatively small amount of money contributed by the many companies that are insured is used to reduce the losses suffered by the companies that actually have losses.

Your Business Insurance policy will have to be reviewed frequently in order to adjust it to your needs. You want to make sure you're covered for exactly what you need and do not overpay at the same time. That's why you need to review your Business Insurance policies at least one a year and make them relevant to your business' insurance needs. You should also consider reviewing your policy whenever an unexpected situation implying Business Insurance occurs. Loyalty may not be the smartest thing to follow if your insurer's competitors offer more advantages at a lower price. Quote for Business Insurance rates at numerous insurance providers to choose the best offer.

The cost is dependent on the specifics of your business situation. You can probably reduce the cost by shopping around. There are many companies providing business coverages and competing for your business.

Many small to medium size businesses may be able to save money by considering packaged coverage instead of purchasing a lot of individual policies for the different risks.

A review should be done periodically. Once a year might be appropriate for many businesses. Many insurance premiums are up for reevaluation annually. That would be a good time to consider any changes in your risk analysis. You should also consider a review whenever you business:

• Gets larger or smaller;
• Changes its nature as when it diversifies into new businesses or markets or products;
• Relocates;
• Anytime your business evolves in any way that could change your risk profile.

Business structures like incorporation provide protection for the owner's personal assets, but they do not make Business Insurance needs irrelevant. Incorporation could provide some benefits, but still you can be personally liable in case of a lawsuit. Thus, you risk both your business and your personal assets by not having a Business Insurance policy.

Most businesses with employees will need to purchase worker's compensation coverage.

Suppose you are trying to meet an important deadline for a key customer when a disastrous, unforeseen event takes place putting your ability to complete the job in jeopardy. An example would be when the indispensable person who heads up the project becomes ill or is hospitalized.

Property damage includes a number of direct risks as well as some indirect ones. Direct damage would include fire or flooding damage to the building where you do business while indirect damage would include being out of business temporarily because of damage caused by a fire or flood. Whether you lease or rent or own the building where you conduct your business, you will probably need some type of property insurance.

You need to be certain that any property insurance coverage is adequate. Decide whether to base the coverage on replacement value, actual value (replacement less any depreciation), or some other amount you stipulate and deem sufficient.

The primary ways of dealing with risk include:

• Find ways to avoid risks such as eliminating potentially hazardous products or procedures;
• Reduce the frequency or severity of risks that cannot be eliminated;
• Transfer the risk to an insurance company.

Some types of businesses including restaurants (except fast food), financial companies, some types of medical offices and others may be considered high risk for some types of insurance and so may have higher than average cost for those types of insurance. Also, they may not be eligible for lower cost packages of Business Insurance. A history of large or frequent claims can also increase the cost.

Higher deductibles will decrease your annual premiums and thus reduce the cost of your Business Insurance.

Many factors influence the cost of Business Insurance, but some important ones include the type of business, the location, the size (both physically and in terms of volume of business).

The statistic shows that about 40 percent of small businesses aren't insured at all, because their owners assume that having a small Business Insurance policy is too costly for their enterprise. Fact is that not having Business Insurance may lead to expenses far beyond annual premiums, putting you at risk of losing your business. Natural disasters, theft, employee injuries – this all may lead to unexpected financial losses, which could be covered by Business Insurance if you have insurance. There are different Business Insurance packages offered by insurers to small business owners who run short on cash. For example, business owner's policies (BOPs) provide the necessary coverage for property and casualty risks at a low price. Another way of reducing Business Insurance costs is raising your deductible. You'll have to pay more to make a claim but you can be sure you are fully covered when something happens.

A closely held corporation has a small number of shareholders, no public market for the corporate stock and the ownership and management overlap. Many small closely held corporations are functionally not greatly different from small unincorporated businesses in such matters as how they operate, make decisions and raise capital. Despite the difference in liability exposure, some lenders have been known to require managements of small corporations to pledge personal assets to secure business loans.

The term "Business Insurance" refers to a wide variety of insurance coverages that can reduce or mitigate or compensate for exposure to risk for the business or its employees. It also includes coverages mandated by law such as unemployment insurance, workers' compensation social security, and (in some states) state disability.

Risk analysis is a process by which you consider all possible risks and determine which are the most significant for your particular business. It may make sense to mitigate some risks by purchasing insurance.

A business owner's policy (BOP) is the best choice for many small to medium size businesses if they can qualify and if the limitations and types of coverages fit their needs. Some specific additional policies may be purchased to supplement the BOP coverages if needed.

The risk assessment process is the basis for determining what insurance you need. Many insurance companies provide a wide variety of business property and casualty coverages. These can be underwritten individually and tailored to your specific business.

In today's business world, your computer data constitutes a key asset – perhaps more valuable than many of your tangible items such as buildings or vehicles. So safeguarding data and data processing assets are crucial success factors.

Risk management represents a powerful tool of keeping your Business Insurance costs under control. By using risk management you determine all the possible risks your business may face and choose whether you want to finance coverage against these risks or not. Large companies use these methods of reducing their expenditures, and your small business could use the same scheme for making sure you don't over or under-buy insurance.

The size of the company, type of industry, type of organizational structure, capitalization, geographical area, management team, degree of experience and expertise in the targeted business, capitalization, competitive environment and many other factors can have a bearing on the risk environment for the company. The business owners should address such issues in their business and strategic analyses of the company's situation. A few of the potential operational risks are as follows:

• Risk of Property Damage
• Risk of Inventory Loss or Damage (through spoilage, etc.)
• Risk of Loss from Employee Theft
• Risk from Various Liabilities (including injuries to customers or to others)
• Risk from Errors and Omissions Liabilities
• Business interruption Risks

Other risks involve the business's employees and may call for optional or mandatory insurance coverage:

• Worker's compensation
• Unemployment
• Employee benefits

Some additional risks relate to the owners and their ability to continue the business in the event of serious losses:

• Risk of death of an owner or key employee;
• Risk of disability of an owner or key employee.

Once you have analyzed the risks, you need to consider the cost of the various coverages and what your most significant exposures to risk are.

Running a business is inherently risky. Many factors outside the control of the business owner can influence the success or failure of the enterprise and a high percentage of new businesses fail within a few months of inception. Even large and successful businesses can succumb to changing conditions. Consider what has happened to some of the largest companies in industries such as automobiles, telecommunications, computers, and railroads. To improve the probability of success, the management of a business should think about potential risks and how to offset them.

The losses to a business caused by increased expenses or decreased revenues could threaten the livelihood of the owner or owners. A realistic analysis of the risks inherent in the business and a plan for dealing with them will protect the business from unanticipated losses and disruptions to its flow of income.

While not a legal requirement, it is often mandatory for business contracts, tenders, and leases—especially in high-traffic public areas like malls or government projects.

While not a legal requirement, it is often mandatory for business contracts, tenders, and leases—especially in high-traffic public areas like malls or government projects.

It covers third-party claims for injury or property damage caused by your business. It excludes employee injury (covered under Workers' Comp) and intentional damage.

It protects your business against claims made by third parties for injuries, illness, or property damage caused by your business activities or negligence. It can also help cover legal fees and compensation payouts.

Any business that interacts with the public, suppliers, or other businesses should consider it. From retail stores to event companies, it ensures you’re protected in case someone is injured on your premises or due to your services.

Yes, all vehicles used for hire and reward, transportation of goods, quad bikes, motor bikes and commercial vehicles over 3500 kg gross weight.

There will be no cover under this policy in respect of: Any damage which in the Insurer's discretion is deemed to have been incurred as a result of a collision or other accident and not as a result of day to day motoring. Any damage which is not defined as a "chip", "scratch" or "dent"" Any damage falling outside the Period of Insurance. Any damage caused by hail or by rust or by corrosion or any other gradually operating cause.

For as long as you pay the monthly premium or when your vehicle is older than 30 years.

This is stipulated in the terms and conditions in your policy. You generally have 30 days to make a claim from the date of your incident

Up to 30 years old at the date of purchase of the policy.

Due to the small cost involved in terms of premium, your policy will generally not allow for any liability claims whatsoever.

No – The reason for this is that cover for all future damage will commence after the inception date as stated on your agreement, and the activation premium has been received, all damages before this will be noted as pre-existing and are not covered.

Scratch and dent insurance covers the repair of small dents, chips and scratches in the event of accidental damage to the bodywork of your vehicle.

Cover is immediate upon payment of your first premium however claims are not allowed within the first 30 days.

The policy should always be in the name of the registered owner of the vehicle.

The policy is not designed to cover damages that were accumulated over a period of time. It is therefore advised to immediately advise your insurance company of any incident that resulted in damage (however slight) to your vehicle.

One of the general exceptions of this policy is that it will not replace any body panel or part.

Whether your vehicle is still under the manufacturer warranty or not, the Service Plan will cover you for parts and labour according to the schedule set out by the manufacturer, at any accredited servicing outlet.

You will only be allowed to take out a Service Plan if your vehicle has a valid roadworthy certificate.

In the event that you sell your vehicle, your Service Plan may be transferred to a subsequent owner provided that your Service Plan is still valid with an updated service history.

A Service Plan takes care of scheduled services, which include the replacement of essentials like oil filters, air filters, fuel filters, lubricants and spark plugs.

You will need to report any defect in your vehicle to the authorised dealer and/or servicing centre.

A Service Plan can run over a selected period of time (e.g. 3 years) or selected kilometres (e.g. 60 000 km) – whichever comes first. This will, however, depend on the Service Plan of your choice.

A Motor Warranty provides cover for the mechanical and electrical components of your car in the event of a mechanical failure. A Service Plan, on the other hand, helps ensure that a mechanical failure is less likely to occur by frequently replacing essential parts.

The starting date of your Service Plan will depend on the service provider of your choice. Read the policy agreement on your Service Plan to determine when the cover period will commence.

A Service Plan is essential for anyone who doesn't want the financial stress of a large once-off expense for servicing their vehicle. A Service Plan ensures that your vehicle stays in good working order.

Although this answer varies from insurer to insurer, most often you do in fact have to pay a joining fee for Tyre and Rim Insurance. For instance, if it's the first value added product you've bought from an insurer then you'll pay a fee, but if it's the 2nd or 3rd product you've bought through the same insurer then you might not have to.

All you need to do is contact your insurer to find out how you can make changes because different insurers have different approaches to this. Most often any changes to your insurance will only be effective from the time and date agreed to in the contract agreement.

Depending on your provider, very often you don't have to claim via paperwork but rather, you can claim telephonically. The claims number is usually available on your schedule, or your policy documents.

Many insurers provide you with a month-to-month Tyre and Rim Insurance policy and payment will be on the agreed date stated in your schedule. That being said, you should ask your provider this question so that you can manage your finances to the best of your ability.

This differs between providers, but many do state in your policy that you'll have to pay an excess for every claim you make.

This also depends on who you've bought your Tyre and Rim Insurance from. For example, many insurers give you a 90 day period in which you can lay a complaint against the outcome. They'll then relook at the outcome and give you feedback. If you're still not satisfied, you can take the matter to the Ombudsman.

If you have Tyre & Rim Insurance, you're covered against paying out of your own pocket to repair or replace your damaged tyres and/or rims. You should definitely check out the terms and conditions of your policy, because different insurers make different decisions on how often you can claim or if they'll replace or repair the damage.

The simple truth is that you pay for what you get. So if you're not paying for something, then you won't get it. If you skip or stop paying your cover for whatever reason, your policy will be cancelled.

Tyre & Rim Insurance is a product that you can usually buy on its own, or add it to existing vehicle insurance policy. It provides you with insurance for your tyres and rims, which are so easily damaged on the worsening roads in South Africa.

The simple truth is that our South African roads are riddled with potholes, and more often than not they aren't attended to. It wasn't too long ago that this type of product wasn't as necessary as it is now, but with the increase of vehicles on our already worsening roads, Tyre & Rim Insurance is a must. So often we tend to ignore what seem like lesser damages to our cars – but damaged rims and tyres can cause major accidents. That's why this product is incredibly handy as it helps you repair and replace these parts with ease!

Yes, including light commercial vehicles and heavy goods vehicles.

No – once the unit is activated, the signal is broadcast nationwide. If a stolen vehicle with an activated tracking unit moves within tracking range of any vehicle tracking unit (VTU), an alarm will sound and the tracking team will be notified. The tracking team concerned will be able to track the stolen or hijacked vehicle.

No, not at all. Your details are held securely and we do not share or sell your details to any 3rd parties. We pride ourselves in treating customers fairly (TCF) and protecting your data and the way we deal with you...

The range of the signal will vary depending on the area. In city centres, the range could be up to five kilometres, however, in the open countryside, it can be up to 12 kilometres.

The unit is very well hidden so it is difficult to remove, and can only be deactivated by the tracking control centre.

Getting a quote is easy and can be done in just a few simple steps. It will only take you a few minutes. Simply visit the product category you want to get a quote for, e.g. Life Insurance, located in the Personal category. Complete the form details and click "Get Quotes". Then proceed to complete the next step if required. Your search results will be shown according to the best price. Simply review the price, product features and brand you would like to contact you, then click "I'm interested". A consultant from your chosen brand will be in contact soon to confirm your details and to arrange your cover if you are happy to do so.

Hippo.co.za makes money by simply charging our partner brands on our panel an advertising fee to be on our Hippo.co.za website. The amount we charge and how much we get paid in no way impacts the order of the results you will see. The results are ordered based on best price first, second best price second, and so forth.

89% of customers who have used Hippo.co.za to compare insurance quotes have saved. In fact, according to independent research you can save up to R329 a month! The saving depends on the product you are looking to buy and your own personal circumstances.

Test your vehicle tracking device or alert system at least twice a year to ensure it is in good working order. If your unit is not working, the tracking company will not be able to track your vehicle.

Return of the vehicle is by arrangement between the SAPS and your tracking companies Control Centre. Any vehicle that has been stolen or involved in a hijacking will have to go to a SAPS pound. You would then collect your vehicle from the pound.

No, not at all. You are under no obligation whatsoever. After selecting a brand you will simply get an obligation free call from a consultant from that company you wish to find out more about, and who will help to arrange for your requirements over the phone if you would like to do so.

No, not at all. Hippo.co.za is free to use. There are no hidden charges and we do not add any fee to the price you see.

Our partners include a wide range of South Africa's leading insurance, finance and other categories of business. You can see our partners here. Interested in becoming a partner, please contact us here.

Immediately contact your tracking companies operating centre. Remember, the quicker you contact them, the easier it is for them to possibly recover your vehicle and hopefully make an arrest.

There are a number of options available when selling your vehicle. You can sell the vehicle with the unit in it and the new owner will take over the monthly subscription, or you can re-install the unit in your new vehicle. If you choose to reinstall into your new vehicle, a charge will be levied for this service.

Hippo.co.za allows you to easily compare a whole range of personal finance and other products. From car insurance, home contents insurance, cheap flights to life insurance and more, the Hippo has most areas covered.

The tracking device can be fitted to a number of places on your vehicle. For security reasons, the unit and its location won't be identified, even to the vehicle owner.

Hippo.co.za is owned by a group called Telesure Investment Holdings (Pty) Ltd that owns various insurance and other businesses in South Africa, the UK and Australia. For an insurance group to own a comparison website is common in many other countries worldwide. Hippo.co.za is a separate registered entity, registered with the registrar of companies as Hippo Comparative Services (Pty) Ltd and also an authorised financial services provider with FSP license number: 16357. The hippo.co.za website compares some of South Africa's leading insurance brands but also providers from many other categories such as travel and home security. You will see that there are many insurance brands quoting on our panel including, in no particular order, Oakhurst, Regent, Standard Bank and others that are not owned by the Telesure group. Hippo.co.za will be adding more insurance brands to the website as and when these companies choose to use Hippo.co.za to advertise their business. We are actively attracting insurance and other companies across South Africa to join our panel. hippo.co.za is an entirely free service to consumers, the results you see are in no way influenced by factors other than by the order of the best price. You will note at the bottom of our website, a conflict management policy, where we fully disclose the shareholding in our business.

A tracking device will not interfere with the complex electronics found in modern vehicles, such as the vehicle's management system, on board computers and mission critical (safety) computers, etc.

The unit has a life span of many years and does not require servicing. However, in addition to testing your tracking device at least twice a year, it is recommended that you test the unit after an accident or after any significant electrical work has been carried out on your vehicle.

No.

Not all insurers on Hippo currently offer Funeral Cover for Parents. Information is provided for comparison purposes only and should not be seen as financial advice.

Cover for parents over 80 is limited, but some insurers may still offer options. In certain cases, Life Insurance could be considered if financial dependency can be shown.

Yes. Most insurers have age limits for adding parents to a policy. It’s generally easier and more affordable to arrange cover before a parent reaches their mid-70s.

You can compare Funeral Cover quotes online using Hippo.co.za to find a policy that matches your family’s needs and budget.

You can take out Funeral Cover in your own name and add your parents as beneficiaries. When a covered parent passes away, the policy pays out a lump sum to help cover funeral and related expenses.

Funeral Cover pays out quickly, allowing families to focus on arrangements rather than finances. The benefit can be used for burial costs, transport, catering and other funeral-related expenses.

Funeral Cover options differ by insurer and can vary based on benefit amounts, age limits and additional services. Cover can be used for funeral costs, transport, catering and other end-of-life expenses.

Did you know that South Africa has some of the highest funeral costs in the world? Depending on your traditions and arrangements, costs can easily reach tens of thousands of rands. Funeral Cover helps protect your family from sudden financial strain when a parent passes away.

There are Funeral Cover policies available where no waiting period is stipulated, but this is an option you should discuss with the Funeral Cover provider before signing up for cover.

Do your research online today and find the right policy to suit your and your family’s needs. Comparing different Funeral Cover options side by side can help you see which providers offer shorter or no waiting periods, and which benefits work best for your budget.

A natural death waiting period applies to persons who have died naturally such as by heart attack or contracting a fatal infection. The waiting period for natural death is normally between 6 and 12 months.

There is also a pre-existing condition waiting period, which is related to a pre-existing disease. If a family member has a chronic medical condition at the time of signing up for the cover, you may not be able to claim for their death if they pass away within 24 months of signing up.

Most policies have a waiting period effective from the time you sign up. A waiting period is the time during which your beneficiaries cannot claim for certain types of death, usually natural causes, even though you are already paying premiums.

This type of Funeral Cover offers an option where there is no period in which your beneficiaries have to wait for a policy to be paid out in the event of accidental death. Most policies have a time period, effective from the time you sign up wherein your beneficiaries cannot be paid out in the event of a natural death.

The only thing it will cost you is a few bytes of internet data to compare with hippo.co.za. There are no hidden fees or loaded insurance premiums . That means it won't cost you any less to go directly to the insurer, because we add no amount from our side.

Yip! (Get the pun?) Whether you've got a dog, cat, hamster, goldfish, tortoise, or guinea fowl, you can compare pet insurance quotes for them with us. Typically, our partners won't cover any exotic pets (sorry, we've dashed your dreams of having a pet tiger).

That's a resounding YES! It would probably be quicker to list what we don't offer comparisons for, but here's a quick overview of what we do:

Insurance: Car insurance, car, home & buildings insurance, motorcycle insurance, home insurance, building insurance, travel insurance, legal assist, pet insurance, life insurance, funeral insurance.

Medical: Medical aid, medical gap, medical insurance.

Money: Personal loans, home loans, and debt counselling.

Cars: Motor warranty, service plans, scratch & dent, tyre & rim, vehicle tracking, and car rental.

Home: Internet and solar.

Business: Business insurance, business services, point of sale, business loans, business fibre, and medical aid.

No. We would never do such a thing. It's not only against the law to do that without your permission, but it's unfair to you. No one wants dozens of cold calls from companies they've never even heard of. We only share your details with an insurance company if you choose one, so they can get in touch with you and offer you a comprehensive quote.

Yes, most of them do, particularly with comprehensive car insurance. If you're going for third-party, fire, and theft, or third-party only, there's a chance that you won't get roadside assist, but most of our partners do offer it across all car insurance tiers.

Because we make sure not to waste your time and rather complete your quote comparison in 2 minutes, we don't have the opportunity to ask your entire history, like your childhood dog's name (that's not really a thing). That means there might be a difference between the quick quote we give you compared to the comprehensive quote you get from one of our insurance partners. But that's not to say we aren't accurate—the quotes from us and the insurer should be similar if not 100% the same.

It's as easy as 1 and 2, because it just takes 2 minutes to get a quote. We'll ask you a few questions about yourself and the thing(s) you want to insure. Our comparison algorithm will then work hard behind the scenes to get you as many quotes as possible and, hey, presto! You're presented with multiple quotes to compare side by side.

Although it’s tempting to save more on your car insurance so that you have more to spend on things you love, remember that you’ll get what you pay for. The cheapest car insurance might leave you wanting more if you happen to get into an accident. If you want complete peace of mind, comprehensive car insurance cover will do it for you.

That depends on the insurer. Some might take up to 48 hours, while others might call you within two minutes. It's up to our partners to decide how to do it.

This depends on how the insurance company works and the number of questions they ask, but as an average, you can expect to spend about 15 minutes on the phone with them. They'll go into more detail than we did about your past driving behaviour, your car (like the VIN number), your lifestyle, and more.

Not in any way. The insurance quotes you see are just that—an estimate of what you might pay, but not an obligation to get cover. Even if you request that an insurance company get in touch with you and you have a lekker 15-minute convo, you still don't have to say 'yes'. You're shopping around, and we get that. So do our partners.

Because there are so many factors that affect the services we compare for you, there isn't an average cost for any of them. For example, car insurance takes into account your age, gender, where you live and work, the car you drive, how long you've had a licence for, how long you've been insured for, the last time you made a claim, and more. These are all details unique to you. And that's for just one product!

There'll be a button on every quote you're presented with that you can tap or click. Pick the one you like best and hit that button. Your contact details will be sent to the insurer and they'll call you. You don't need to phone them or do anything else. Just sit back and wait for that call.?

Look, in the past, we may have been a little eager to get you a good deal, but we don't work that way anymore. You won't get spammed by us dozens of times a day, if you're worried about it.

Monthly premiums are usually calculated based on your age, medical history, and overall health risk. Younger and healthier individuals generally pay lower premiums than those with higher medical risk factors.

The payout depends on the severity of the illness and the terms of your policy. Some claims pay a percentage of the insured amount, while more severe diagnoses may qualify for the full lump sum payout.

The payout can be used for private medical care, medication, specialist consultations, household bills, debt repayments, or everyday living expenses if you are unable to work while undergoing treatment or recovery.

Critical Illness Cover, also known as Severe Illness or Dread Disease Cover, provides a lump sum payout if you are diagnosed with a serious illness listed in your policy. The payout is designed to help cover treatment costs and financial pressures during recovery.

Covered conditions depend on the insurer and policy, but commonly include illnesses such as heart attack, stroke, cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, and other serious life-threatening conditions listed in the policy document.

Medical Aid often does not cover the full cost of private treatment, specialist care, or extended recovery expenses. Critical Illness Cover helps reduce the shortfall between what Medical Aid pays and the actual cost of treatment, allowing you to access better care if needed.

Yes. Term Life Insurance policies are usually easy to cancel because they are straightforward and do not have investment components. You can cancel at any time if your financial situation changes.

Yes. Term Life Insurance is generally more affordable because it provides cover for a limited time and does not build cash value. Premiums are lower compared to permanent Life Insurance policies that cover you for life.

Term Life Insurance works best if you need cover for a specific period and are confident you won’t need protection once the term ends. If you require long-term or lifelong cover, a permanent Life Insurance policy may be more suitable.

When the selected term expires, the policy ends and no payout is made if you are still alive. If you still need cover, you will need to apply for a new Life Insurance policy, usually at a higher premium due to increased age.

Term Life Insurance provides cover for a fixed period at a set premium. If the policyholder passes away during this term, a lump sum payout is made to the beneficiary. Once the term ends, cover stops unless a new policy is taken out.

Term Life Insurance is commonly used to cover specific financial responsibilities such as home loans, vehicle finance, education costs, funeral expenses, or short-term family support. It is affordable and suitable for temporary financial needs.

Yes, your membership can be terminated if your contributions are not paid. If you are on a restricted scheme (only available to a specific group of people or employers) your membership will also be terminated if you are resign, or made redundant or retrenched.

Yes. Medical aids used to be able to reject applicants based on their age or health but it is no longer legal to do so. Cover can be excluded for a period of time e.g. a pregnancy may not be covered if you are already pregnant when you apply.

No, it is legislated that you may only belong to one medical aid scheme.

No, not unless it is a restricted scheme and the member is not entitled to join that particular scheme. In the event of non-disclosure, the scheme may request immediate termination of membership.

With cancer rates on the rise in South Africa, early detection through regular screenings has never been more vital. Catching disease in its early stages can make all the difference in treatment success and even prevention. That’s why many medical aids promote preventative healthcare by covering routine check-ups like pap smears, mammograms, blood pressure monitoring, and bone density scans. Most medical aid plans offer these benefits without dipping into your day-to-day savings, making proactive care more accessible. If you’re looking to prioritise prevention without overspending, exploring affordable medical aid options with strong screening benefits is a smart move.

Many parents of tweens and teens know just how costly orthodontic care, like braces, can be. While most medical aid plans do offer some level of orthodontic cover, the benefits can vary quite a bit between providers. Some schemes may cover the full cost of treatment, while others only offer partial funding or require pre-authorisation and specific clinical motivation. That’s why it’s a smart move to request medical aid quotes upfront, so you can see exactly what’s included and avoid unexpected out-of-pocket expenses later on.

Laser eye surgery can be a game-changer for people who rely on glasses or contact lenses every day. The procedure is quick, generally low-risk, and can offer long-term freedom from corrective eyewear. But it does come with a hefty price tag. Fortunately, many medical aid plans in South Africa include some level of cover for laser eye surgery, though the extent of that cover can vary widely. Some options may foot the full bill, while others might only pay a portion or require a co-payment from your side. If this kind of procedure is on your radar, it’s worth exploring affordable medical aid options that include vision-related benefits.

Are psychologist visits covered by medical aid? And what are your options if you're not on one? In South Africa, most medical aid plans include some form of mental health support, such as therapy sessions with a registered psychologist. However, the scope of cover can vary. Some plans may limit the number of sessions per year, while others may only reimburse part of the consultation fee or require a referral from a GP. That’s why it’s important to compare medical aid plans carefully if mental health care is a priority for you or your family. If you're uninsured, there are also free or low-cost services available through public clinics, NGOs, and community health programmes.

Many medical aid plans do cover therapy services, such as sessions with psychologists, physiotherapists, and occupational therapists. But, the level of coverage varies between plans. Some medical aids may include a set number of therapy sessions per year, while others may reimburse a portion of the cost. If mental health is a priority, it’s important to check whether your medical aid plan offers sufficient coverage for therapy, as some plans may require a referral or specific conditions to be met. To ensure you have the right therapy coverage, it’s advisable to compare medical aid plans to see which ones offer the best benefits for your needs.

In order for a membership to be terminated, the member needs to provide the scheme with written notice. It is important for the member to find out exactly what the schemes notice period is. Most schemes require one calendar month's notice, while some require up to 3 months.

Medical aid plans work on the principle of shared risk, where all members contribute a monthly premium into a collective pool. This pooled fund is then used to pay for members’ medical expenses according to the specific benefits and limits of the plan they’re on. Depending on the type of cover you choose, you may also have access to a personal medical savings account for everyday expenses. Or you may need to pay some costs out of pocket once your limits are reached.

Claims must be submitted to the scheme within 4 months of the treatment date.

This process varies depending on the scheme that the member is applying to(It is best to discuss this information with our Medical aid specialists).

The cost of medical aid in South Africa varies widely depending on the level of cover you need and the benefits included. If you're looking for comprehensive protection with day-to-day and hospital cover, you'll likely pay a higher premium. More affordable plans, such as hospital-only or network-based options, are available for those on tighter budgets, with monthly costs ranging anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand Rand.

The cost of medical aid varies significantly depending on the level of coverage you choose. For basic plans, you can expect to pay a few hundred Rand per month, while more comprehensive medical aid plans can range from several thousand Rand monthly. Factors like your age, health history, and the specific medical aid plan you opt for will also influence the price. It’s important to carefully assess your healthcare needs and budget when selecting a plan. To get a clearer idea of what fits your requirements, you can compare medical aid plans from different providers to find a balance between affordability and coverage.

Cancelling your medical aid plan can be a straightforward process, but there are important steps to follow. First, you’ll need to review your contract terms, as some plans may require a notice period before cancellation. Contact your medical aid provider and submit a written request, clearly stating your intention to cancel. Be sure to settle any outstanding payments, as some plans may have cancellation fees or require payment up to the end of the month. If you’re switching to another provider, make sure there’s no gap in coverage. Before making any decisions, it’s also a good idea to request medical aid quotes from other providers to compare your options and find a plan that better suits your current needs.

1. Evaluate you and your dependants' state of health. Your medical needs should be considered first. Also look at your family's medical history.

2. Decide what you can afford.

3. Keep in mind that you will have the opportunity to change your option at the end of every year as your needs change.

The National Health Insurance (NHI) aims to provide universal healthcare access to all South Africans, but it's still being rolled out in phases and much remains unclear. What we do know is that once fully implemented, the NHI could limit the role of private medical aids to covering only services not provided by the state. But, this transition won’t happen overnight, and medical aid schemes remain essential for accessing private healthcare, avoiding long queues, and getting faster treatment. For now, it’s still important to compare medical aid plans to ensure you’re getting value for money and coverage that meets your health needs. Especially while the NHI system continues to take shape.

Your dependants will need to notify the scheme and discuss the continuation of membership.

In a rapidly changing environment, ongoing evaluation of your medical scheme has become vital to ensure optimum benefits are available and that you are covered for foreseen and unforeseen medical conditions and emergencies.

Review your own personal needs and basic requirements. Are you still single or have you got married? Do you have children? Have you been diagnosed with a new chronic condition?

No, the Act prohibits the payment of bonuses, rebates or refunding of any portion of contributions other than in respect of savings accounts upon resignation from the scheme.

You are covered for treatment that is carried out up to and including the last day of your notice period.

This is a list of 270 treatments for which all medical aid schemes in South Africa have to provide cover in terms of the Medical Schemes Act. It also includes the following 26 chronic diseases:

Addison's Disease, Asthma, Bipolar Mood Disorder, Bronchiectasis, Cardiac Failure, Cardiomyopathy, Chronic Renal Disease, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, Coronary Artery Disease, Crohn's Disease, Diabetes Insipidus, Diabetes Mellitus Type 1 & 2, Cardiac Dysrythmias, Epilepsy, Glaucoma, Haemophilia, HIV / AIDS, Hyperlipidaemia, Hypertension, Hypothyroidism, Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson's Disease, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Schizophrenia, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and Ulcerative Colitis

In the case of a medical aid with a medical savings account, your out of hospital expenses are limited to the amount of medical savings you contribute. On a capitation plan, your out of hospital expenses are limited to a clearly defined number of visits or monetary amount per benefit.

A co-payment is a portion of the cost of a procedure for which the member is responsible.

A comprehensive plan has a high level of hospital cover, day-to-day benefits and chronic medication benefits. A threshold benefit is usually also included which provides insurance cover if your day to day medical expenses exceed a certain amount.

A group of medical service providers specified in the scheme rules from whom services must be obtained to enjoy appropriate treatment and lower or no co-payments.

The Medical Schemes Act makes provision for schemes to apply a late joiner penalty to members over the age of 35. Depending on the number of years that you have not belonged to a registered South African medical scheme since the age of 21, the late joiner penalty is calculated as a percentage of your monthly contribution and will be added to your monthly contribution.

A medical savings account is a pool of the member's own money set aside from the contribution for payment of day-to-day medical expenses (anything that happens outside of a hospital). Any portion that is not used in the year carries forward to the following year and is paid out upon termination of membership.

These plans make use of a network of hospitals, doctors and/or dentists that the member must use in order to be covered. This keeps the costs for the medical aid schemes down, which allows the contributions to be cheaper.

Medical aid is a type of health cover that helps pay for your medical expenses, from routine doctor visits to hospital stays and chronic medication. In South Africa, medical aid plans are regulated to ensure they provide a minimum level of essential care, known as Prescribed Minimum Benefits. These plans vary in cost and coverage, allowing you to choose a level of support that suits your healthcare needs and budget.

PMB stands for Prescribed Minimum Benefits, a set of healthcare services that all medical aid plans in South Africa are required by law to provide. PMBs cover a range of conditions and treatments, ensuring that all members have access to essential healthcare services, regardless of their plan. This includes coverage for life-threatening conditions, chronic diseases, and emergencies. While medical aid plans may vary in terms of additional benefits and extras, all plans must cover these minimum benefits to comply with the law. When choosing a medical aid plan, it’s important to check which PMBs are covered and how they are managed, as this can significantly affect your healthcare costs.

For certain procedures, or if you or any of your dependants are admitted to hospital, pre-authorisation must be obtained from the scheme.

Medical aid is a healthcare funding system where members pay monthly premiums, and in return, the fund covers a wide range of medical services, including hospitalisation, doctor visits, and specialist care, depending on the plan. It operates on a pool-based system, where the contributions of members fund the healthcare costs of all.

Medical insurance, on the other hand, is more focused on specific events or conditions, offering a fixed benefit payout for hospital stays or specific treatments. It often provides less comprehensive cover compared to medical aid and may not cover routine doctor visits or chronic care. If you’re unsure which option is best for you, it’s a good idea to get medical aid quotes from different providers to compare coverage and find the right fit for your healthcare needs.

When choosing the right healthcare option for your family, it’s important to consider your unique lifestyle and medical needs. Is your family constantly visiting the doctor for colds, check-ups, and scripts. Or do you mostly need protection for emergencies and hospital stays? If you’re looking for all-round peace of mind, a comprehensive plan may suit you best, and that’s where it helps to compare medical aid plans side by side to see which one ticks all the boxes.

Medical aid cover can ease the stress of unexpected medical bills and help you stay on top of your family’s health without breaking the bank. If affordability is a priority and you mainly need hospital protection, a hospital plan offers a cost-effective solution by covering major in-hospital procedures without day-to-day extras. Ultimately, the key is to balance your family’s health needs with your budget, so take the time to compare before you commit.

Medical aid is designed to help cover the cost of your healthcare, including GP visits, hospital stays, chronic medication, and more. It offers different levels of cover depending on the plan you choose and ensures access to essential health services when you need them most. All registered medical schemes are overseen by the Council for Medical Schemes, which requires them to provide Prescribed Minimum Benefits. This is a list of critical health conditions that must be covered, no matter what plan you’re on.

Gap cover is a separate policy that works alongside your medical aid to protect you from unexpected shortfalls. Sometimes, healthcare providers charge more than what your medical scheme is willing to pay, especially for specialist procedures or hospital care. Gap cover steps in to pay the difference, so you’re not left footing a large bill. It’s not a replacement for medical aid, but rather a valuable add-on for those wanting greater peace of mind when it comes to managing out-of-pocket expenses.

Most schemes charge adult rates for children from the age of 21 even if they are full time students, but this varies according to scheme.

There is no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to the best medical aid, as it largely depends on your individual health needs, lifestyle, and budget. Some people may prioritise comprehensive coverage with extensive benefits, while others may only need basic hospital cover. It’s important to consider factors such as the types of services offered, network coverage, and premiums. To make an informed decision, it’s essential to compare medical aid plans from different providers, looking at the benefits, exclusions, and costs involved. This way, you can choose the plan that offers the best value for your specific healthcare needs.

In order for members to qualify as dependants, they need to be the member's spouse, child or financially dependent on the main member (and be able to provide proof if necessary).

In most instances, your provider will submit claims directly to the scheme and provide you with a copy for your records. Where providers do not submit to the scheme, it will remain your responsibility. Ultimately, each and every claim remains the responsibility of the member.

Macromastia (excessively large breasts) is a legitimate medical condition that can cause chronic pain, posture issues, and emotional distress for many women. Despite the physical and psychological impact, most medical aids in South Africa still classify breast reduction surgery as cosmetic rather than medically necessary. That said, some providers may consider funding the procedure if a compelling medical motivation is submitted by a specialist. However, there are no uniform guidelines across the board, which means approval is assessed on a case-by-case basis. If you're considering this surgery, it’s wise to gather medical aid quotes and consult with your provider upfront to understand what support, if any, is available.

In laymen's terms, the purpose of a medical aid is to ensure that you are able to pay for treatment received from either a GP or specialist, or while in hospital. It is very important to "insure" your health. Accidents can happen and you and your family's health are unpredictable.

In some cases, medical aids are entitled to impose a 3 month general waiting period, during which no claims will be paid, and / or a 12 month exclusion for any pre-existing medical conditions.

Employers do not have to subsidise employee's medical aid contributions but some employers choose to do so.

No, children under 18 must be listed as dependants. In special cases (like death of a parent), the estate may cover membership.

Speak to a broker to assess your child’s needs, then compare quotes using Hippo.co.za for the best value.

Look for in-hospital cover, GP visits, paediatric consultations, and basic dental and vision benefits.

Introduced in 2018, Demarcation Regulations set clear rules between medical aid and insurance:
- Medical aid must follow the Medical Schemes Act and include PMBs
- Medical insurance follows insurance law and doesn’t include PMBs
- Gap cover is now regulated similarly to medical aid, with a payout cap of R150,000 per year per person

These rules help consumers make clearer comparisons between available healthcare options.

Medical Aid is regulated by the Medical Schemes Act and includes Prescribed Minimum Benefits (PMBs), covering 270 in-hospital procedures and 26 chronic conditions. It typically provides comprehensive private hospital cover with minimal annual limits.

Medical Insurance is governed by insurance law. It’s more affordable and usually covers out-of-hospital care like GP visits and basic dentistry. Hospital benefits are limited and come with stricter conditions.

Medical insurance is better suited for:
- People without chronic or specialised medical needs
- Those who don’t need full hospital cover
- Individuals on a tight budget needing basic healthcare

It often comes with stricter provider networks, entry age limits, and different waiting periods than medical aid.

The annual limits varies depending on the insurer.

No. However, certain products do limit the size of the family, or require certain criteria e.g. that all insured members must belong to a Medical Aid in order to qualify for gap cover.

The waiting periods clauses varies depending on the insurer.

Pre-existing conditions are excluded for 12 months after the commencement date of the policy.

Everyone goes to hospital sometime in their life, sometimes for simple things, sometimes not. Costs (excluding the hospital bill) for certain procedures can run into thousands of rand's, which, if you are not fully covered, might cause financial ruin.

With Medical Gap Cover, you will not need to worry about paying the extra cost for a hospital procedure you may have to undergo. There is a good possibility that you have to pay the specialist from your own pocket for a hospital procedure. Medical gap cover covers costs such as these.

Cancellation varies from a 30 day to 60 day cancellation period before any debits are stopped on your account.

Gap Cover is available to individuals currently on a medical scheme.

In most cases, members have a shortfall between what the medical scheme pays and the actual cost, because the Service Providers are entitled to charge more than the tariff rate.

The shortfall then becomes the member's responsibility and he/she will therefore need to have additional cover in these circumstances. Some Hospital and Comprehensive Medical Plans offer cover at 100%, 150% or 200% of the medical practitioner tariff rates, while the actual costs could be more than 400% of tariff rates. Gap Cover will cover the difference between what your medical scheme is willing to pay and the actual cost of in-hospital doctor's bills up to a maximum of 500% of tariff.

Yes. Medical Insurance can complement a Medical Aid policy in order to ensure that you and your loved ones are covered should you end up in hospital.

This will depend on the chosen Medical Insurance provider. Some providers will require you to undergo an HIV test before a Medical Insurance policy is granted.

Medical Insurance is an insurance product and the monthly premiums are calculated based on risk. The potential member's age, health status and/or income are taken into account.

Comparing Medical Insurance quotes on Hippo.co.za is a simple 2-step process. Here's how it works:

Step 1:
Simply enter your personal details on Hippo.co.za and tell us who you need cover for. Then, select whether you also require hospital cover and whether you would prefer to use a doctor of your choice or one on the Medical Insurance provider's network. Once you're done, select the "Next" button at the bottom right of the screen.

Step 2:
Compare the prices and benefits of multiple Medical Insurance quotes side by side. Once you've made your choice, select "I'm interested" and a qualified consultant will contact you.

There are various Medical Insurance policy options available. Luckily, you can compare multiple quotes all in one place using Hippo.co.za. Compare quotes side by side and find the Medical Insurance policy that suits your needs and your pocket.

Late joiner penalties do not apply to Medical Insurance. A Medical Aid can, however, apply a late joiner penalty to members who join a medical scheme later in life. Keep in mind though that having Medical Insurance does not mean that you have Medical Aid, and if you later decide to join a Medical Aid, you could likely pay a late joiner penalty.

Medical Insurance is an insurance product that provides cover for hospitalisation, day-to-day medical expenses or both. Traditionally, Medical Insurance pays out a set amount for each day spent in hospital. The payment will stay the same, regardless of the type of treatment that's required or which healthcare provider you use. The amount is paid out to you and not to the service provider/hospital, which means that you can decide how the money is spent. It can be used to pay for your treatment in hospital or to fund expenses incurred whilst in hospital.

Depending on the policy that you choose, Medical Insurance can also provide cover for day-to-day medical expenses like doctor's visits, medication for colds and flu, or trips to the dentist.

When deciding between Medical Insurance and Medical Aid, it is important to understand that they are two very different products offering different types of cover. The table below illustrates the main differences between Medical Insurance and Medical Aid.

	Medical Insurance	Medical Aid
Type of cover	Traditionally, pays out a lump sum for each day spent in hospital.	Provides unlimited in-hospital cover. In some instances, a yearly limit can apply. Can also provide cover for day-to-day medical expenses.
Extent of cover	Provides in-hospital cover only. Pays out a set amount for each day spent in hospital. This amount won't differ, regardless of the type of treatment that's required or which healthcare provider you use.	Provides in-hospital cover and pays for treatment according to the cost of the condition which you may suffer from. Depending on the chosen option also provides cover for day-to-day medical expenses.
Payment for in-hospital expenses	Payment is made directly to you and you must settle your own accounts. The reimbursement can be used to pay for the cost of medical treatment or to pay for other daily expenses while in hospital.	Payment is usually made directly to the hospital and/or service providers.
Cost	Medical Insurance is usually slightly cheaper than Medical Aid.	Medical Aid is usually more expensive than Medical Insurance but includes more benefits/cover.
Eligibility	With Medical Insurance, potential members can be turned away. The monthly contributions are calculated based on risk and the potential member's age, health status and/or income are taken into account.	Anyone can belong to a Medical Aid and the monthly contribution is the same for all members regardless of age or health status.
Emergency Care	In an emergency/accident, you'll first have to pay a deposit before you're admitted to a private hospital.	In an emergency/accident, you'll immediately be taken to one of the hospitals in the medical scheme's network.
Cover for Prescribed Minimum Benefits (PMBs)	The law does not require Health Insurance providers to include cover for Prescribed Minimum Benefits (PMBs).	Prescribed Minimum Benefits (PMBs) refers to a list of approximately 270 medical conditions that medical schemes need to cover in full, regardless of the particular plan you're on.
Additional cover	Some Health Insurance providers also include Funeral Cover, and personal accident and disability cover.	Medical Aid schemes are not authorised to include Funeral Cover or personal accident and disability cover.
Tax deductibility	No tax benefit.	Medical Aid contributions are deductible for tax purposes.
Regulating Act	Short-Term Insurance Act	Medical Schemes Act
Regulator	Financial Services Board	Council for Medical Schemes

This will depend on the chosen Medical Insurance service provider. With most Medical Insurance policies, a set amount is paid out for every day that you are hospitalised regardless of the provider you've chosen. Keep in mind though that hospitals and doctors charge different rates; it might be a good idea to compare rates before deciding on which hospital or doctor to go to.

With Medical Insurance, risk factors such as age, health status and/or income are taken into account and potential members can be turned away.

The rising cost of healthcare doesn't mean that you should be without any cover. Medical Insurance is usually slightly cheaper than Medical Aid and pays out a set amount for each day spent in hospital and/or provides cover for certain day-to-day medical expenses. A Medical Insurance policy can help cover the costs should you or your loved one need medical care or can be used as a top-up product for when your Medical Aid savings have run out.

Waiting periods are imposed at the Medical Insurance provider's discretion.

No. You cannot apply for debt counselling if you are unemployed. If, however, you are married in community of property and your partner is permanently employed you will be able to apply for Debt Counselling as a joint application.

No, while you are under debt review the law prohibits credit bureaus from blacklisting you. If you were blacklisted before applying for debt counselling, the negative listing will still appear on your credit record.

Firstly, a debt counsellor will look into your financial circumstances. If the debt counsellor finds that you are not over-indebted, the debt counsellor can help you work out a better monthly budget to enable you to repay your debts effectively.

If the debt counsellor, however, finds that you are over-indebted, you can apply to be placed under debt review. The debt counsellor will then develop an affordable repayment plan tailored to your unique financial circumstances and make recommendations to the courts and your credit providers concerning restructuring your debt. Once the repayment plan has been put in place, you’ll have to pay the agreed upon amount to a payment distribution agency (PDA) every month. The PDA will then pay your creditors. This makes it easier for you as you’ll only pay one amount to the PDA instead of paying smaller amounts to each of your creditors. Once all your debts have been settled, a clearance certificate will be issued. The clearance certificate will state that all your debts have been settled as per the debt repayment plan.

This will depend on your unique financial situation. Your debt counsellor might negotiate with your credit providers to extend your repayment periods in order to lower your monthly instalments. This means that it might take a bit longer for you to repay your debts than originally stipulated in the credit agreement. Your repayment plan will indicate when your last day of payment will be so you will know upfront when your debts will be repaid. This is, however, dependent on whether you stick to the payments as specified in the repayment plan.

This will depend on your unique financial situation. The fees charged by debt counsellors are regulated by the National Credit Regulator. The fees will be explained to you once you apply for Debt Counselling and will be included in your debt repayment plan.

If you have a history of not honouring your debt repayments, you could be blacklisted. This will reduce your chances of taking our any new credit, e.g. a Personal Loan, home loan, credit card, etc. in the future. Credit providers are legally obliged to check your credit history before granting credit. If you have an unfavourable credit history, you may be seen by the credit provider as being high risk. Your application for credit may be denied or, if granted, may be subject to higher interest rates or stricter repayment terms.

You are over-indebted if you are unable to pay your financial obligations as agreed in a credit agreement. If you spend or owe more money than you earn, you are likely to become over-indebted.

A debt counsellor is a person that is qualified by and registered with the National Credit Regulator. A debt counsellor helps consumers that are in debt by developing an affordable repayment plan. A debt counsellor deals with the consumer’s creditors on their behalf and negotiates with the creditors in order to have the credit agreement extended and the instalments reduced. Consumers can then cover their monthly expenses (food, school fees, transport costs, etc.) while also paying their creditors an agreed upon amount every month.

This is a type of application where both partners apply for debt counselling. If you and your spouse are married in community of property you are required to apply for debt counselling together.

Debt Counselling or debt review is a regulated process whereby a debt counsellor helps over-indebted consumers by developing an affordable repayment plan. The debt counsellor will then negotiate a restructured payment plan and obtain a court order confirming the new repayment plan. The debt counsellor deals with the customer’s creditors on their behalf in order to have the credit agreement extended and the instalments reduced.

Reckless credit refers to when a creditor approves a consumer’s request for credit even though the creditor knows that the consumer cannot repay the debt. Reckless credit will put the consumer in an over-indebted position. Credit providers are required to conduct an extensive financial assessment before entering into a credit agreement with a consumer.

Debt review, administration and sequestration are three different debt solutions. Debt Counselling (or a debt review) is a debt management solution as it provides over-indebted consumers with a debt repayment plan. A debt counsellor deals with the customer’s creditors on their behalf in order to have their credit agreements extended and their instalments reduced. The debt repayments are consolidated into one affordable monthly repayment.

Administration is a debt solution whereby the consumer’s current debt instalments are reduced and they only pay their creditors once every three months. The debt repayment terms are often extended indefinitely, which means that the process is lengthy. There are also limitations as to the total amount of debt that is subject to a debt administration order.

Sequestration is where a consumer sells some (or all) of their current assets in order to pay off or lessen their current debt. The court will also appoint someone to manage the customer’s debt, which means that sequestration can be a lengthy and expensive process.

Whilst under debt review, it is important to stick to the repayment plan set out by the debt counsellor. If you skip a payment, your creditors have the right to cancel your debt counselling agreement and take legal action against you.

Debt Counselling is part of the National Credit Act and was created with the intention of assisting over-indebted consumers to repay their debt by extending the original credit agreement and reducing the monthly instalments, to ensure that they can afford their reasonable living expenses and avoid legal action. Credit providers have to enter into negotiations with a debt counsellor in order to find a reasonable repayment proposal for consumers that are under Debt Counselling.

If you are placed under debt review, it will be indicated next to your name at the credit bureaus. But, once all your debts have been settled, a clearance certificate will be issued and there will be no indication at the credit bureaus that you have been under debt review. You can then enter into credit agreements again.

While you are under debt review, you will not be allowed to take out any new credit, e.g. a Personal Loan, home loan, credit card, etc. This is done to ensure that you don’t incur further debts, as the purpose of debt review is to reduce your current debt burden and to protect credit providers from being accused of reckless lending, if they are aware that you are over-indebted.

The National Credit Act requires that all debt review cases must either go to the magistrate's court or the National Consumer Tribunal (NCT). In order for the debt repayment plan to be put in place, a court order has to be granted. This, however, does not necessarily mean that you would have to appear in court. Certain courts require the debt review client to be present in court while others will allow the debt counsellor to act as the client’s representative in court.

This will depend on your unique financial situation. In most cases, debt counsellors make provision in your debt repayment plan for all your insurance policies. Keep in mind that if you have Vehicle Finance, you will be required to have Car Insurance.

Weekly and fortnightly earners are welcome to apply. Weekly earners must submit their latest four consecutive payslips and fortnightly earners must submit their latest two consecutive payslips.

No, your application will be unsuccessful if you are under or have applied for Administration, Debt Review or Sequestration.

No, your application will be unsuccessful if you have been declared insolvent.

No. The Personal Loan will have to be in your name. You can't apply on behalf of a friend or relative.

No, your salary must be paid directly into your bank account through electronic funds transfer (EFT).

Our partners will always do their best to accommodate your requests, but ultimately your final loan amount will be based on your personal financial profile and is subject to credit approval.

The repayment method will depend on the selected service provider. Most credit providers prefer that the repayments be deducted by debit order from the bank account into which your salary is paid.

Absolutely. The money is yours to spend as you see fit. A Personal Loan can be used for any number of personal expenses from making a major purchase to covering educational costs. Also keep in mind that some Personal Loans may come with lower interest rates than credit cards, so applying for a Personal Loan could help you save on interest payments.

Some service providers will only consider your application if you are permanently employed and have been working at your place of employment for more than six months, while others will only require you to have a regular income.

There are two types of Personal Loans: secured Personal Loans and unsecured Personal Loans. A secured Personal Loan would require you to provide collateral, such as a home or car, to back the loan. An unsecured Personal Loan does not require any collateral and is based on your credit rating.

Yes. Our partners will need to verify that your salary/income reflects in your bank account every month. It is, therefore, important to provide the bank account details where your salary is deposited into.

If you are married in community of property or in terms of customary or foreign law, you are required to obtain consent from your spouse to enter into any credit agreement.

When applying for a Personal Loan, you may be asked to provide the following documents:

• Copy of your green barcoded ID.
• Three months' bank statements.
• Proof of residence.

Some Personal Loans include a Personal Protection Plan, which settles your outstanding loan balance in the event of your death, permanent disability or certain dread diseases. The Personal Protection Plan offered by your preferred provider will be displayed on the results page. If this is not offered by the credit provider of your choice, you can always opt to take out a separate Personal Protection Plan.

Comparing Personal Loan quotes on Hippo.co.za is fast, easy and free to use. Simply enter your details on the quote page - we'll check to ensure that the required information is filled in. The information (except for your contact details) is then sent to our partners. It's run through their decision engine in order to determine the right quote for you. You'll be presented with various options from our partners that including the offered interest rate, loan amount, loan term, monthly repayment, total loan repayment and credit protection cover. Compare the different options and choose the best deal for you. Once you've made your choice, your details will be sent to your selected provider. They will then contact you with their Personal Loan offer.

You can apply for a Personal Loan from R500 to up to R150 000. The amount which you will qualify for will depend on your credit rating and payment behaviour.

To work out a monthly repayment amount that you can afford use our Expense Calculator . Determine how much money you have left to spend by deducting all your expenses like your bond, groceries, petrol, school fees, and credit card bills from your nett monthly income.

No. Unfortunately Personal Loans can only be made out to individuals. You can take out a loan in your personal capacity but not as a business entity.

Only South African citizens that work and live in South Africa can apply.

With a Personal Loan your loan amount will be deposited quickly and directly into your bank account. How speedily you receive your money will depend on the service provider and how timeously you provide the correct documentation.

In order to qualify for a Personal Loan, you must be 18 years or older.

The Personal Loan repayment terms will be dependent on the selected service provider.

A loan is a financial contract in which one party borrows a specific amount of money from another party that is to be paid back over an agreed upon period of time. A Personal Loan is a type of loan that can be used when experiencing long- or short-term cash flow problems. If you're currently struggling to pay off debts from various service providers, a Personal Loan can also be used to consolidate your debt.

In order to find the best deal for you, we'll need your 13 digit South African ID number to perform a credit reference check in order to calculate a personalised loan offer for you.

At Hippo.co.za, we strive to give our customers access to a variety of options whether it's Life Insurance, Car Insurance or even the best deal on a Personal Loan. We are always looking for more providers to partner with. If you are an authorised financial services and credit provider, get in touch with us.

The interest rate charged on your Personal Loan will depend on your selected provider. Some Personal Loans have a fixed interest rate which means that your repayments will not increase, even if the interest rate goes up. Other Personal Loans do not have a fixed interest rate which means that when the interest rate goes up, so does your monthly repayments.

Yes. The agreed upon Personal Loan repayments must be made timeously every month. Non-payment will have a negative impact on your credit rating.

There is no age limit for Accidental Injury Cover but no pet under the age of 8 weeks or older than 8 years can enrol on the Plan 100 or Plan 80. Once enrolled, cover may be kept for life.

Yes, you can use any Veterinarian who is licenced to practice in South Africa.

Yes, this provides permanent identification and acts as your pet's Medical Aid Card, allowing you to utilize any vet countrywide.

Yes, they recommend and encourage responsible pet ownership. This includes spaying your pet, annual vaccination, deworming, etc.

Not all companies will provide cover for euthanasia, please check the relevant documentation.

Once your vet has treated your pet, simply send in a claim form along with your vet's detailed account and proof of payment. The pet insurance company then calculates the benefit and pays you directly. It is as simple as that.

Note: Benefits are paid according to the insurance company Benefit Schedule which is based on the South African Veterinary Council Guideline of Fees.

Pet insurance covers veterinary treatments and surgeries for accidental injury and illnesses ranging from minor incidents such as ear infections and bee stings to major conditions such as broken bones, diabetes and cancer. It also provides cover towards preventative care such as vaccinations, spaying, flea, tick and worm control, sterilization and teeth cleaning when you select the relevant cover.

A physical or bodily injury that happens accidentally to your pet as a result of external, violent and visible means for example: broken bones, snake bite, dog/cat fight.

An Illness means an unexpected sickness or disease or any change to your pet's normal healthy state, which is not caused by injury to your pet. For example: upset stomach, skin conditions, ear infection.

Like most insurance policies there are some exclusions to keep your premiums low. These include: pregnancy, elective procedures, foods/diets, grooming, behavioural problems, tick paralysis, hereditary and congenital defects, and pre-existing conditions that showed clinical signs before taking out the insurance.

Pet insurance is peace of mind for pet owners who want assistance in reducing the cost of the veterinary bills for their pets.

Your membership will start on the first day of the month after your application has been accepted by us. You may make a claim for conditions which arise one calendar month after this date.

Yes, if you own your home, building insurance is highly recommended—and often required by lenders—because it protects your property against costly structural damage.

Building insurance covers the structure of your home, including walls, roof, floors, and permanent fixtures like built-in cupboards, bathrooms, and kitchens.

It typically protects against damage caused by events such as fire, storms, floods, burst pipes, and other structural risks, depending on your policy.

No—remember, we ask you as much information as we can in as short a time as possible, because we know you have other things you'd much rather do with your time. Once you've selected a car insurance quote from us, the insurer will be in touch with you to conduct a much more thorough quotation process. During this, additional questions might be asked, and your answers may change the premium from the one you were quoted on our website. Having said that, the quotes shouldn't differ too much, as we try to get accurate prices for you.

You sure can! You'll just need to complete a separate quote on our website for the each separate car you want to cover.

This depends on the arrangements you have made with the insurance provider. If you plan to have someone else drive your car, say your 18 year old child, you need to inform the insurer of this, as they'll note it in your policy. If you don't do this and your child gets into an accident in your car, you might not be paid out.

No, we do not. Your details are held securely and we do not share or sell your details to any 3rd parties. As South Africa's go-to for free car insurance quotes, we pride ourselves in treating customers fairly (TCF) and protecting your data and the way we deal with you.

When you take out vehicle insurance, it's the car that's covered, not you. You're simply the main driver on the policy. If you drive someone else's car and are involved in an accident, their insurance will have to cover the cost of the damage, not your own.

One of the easiest ways to do this is to find cheaper car insurance that still offers quality cover. Just because you find more affordable insurance doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice your peace of mind. As long as you know what kind of cover you need and diligently compare car insurance options, you can make a big difference to your budget.

In addition to your personal details, there are some other factors that licensed insurers consider when calculating your premium. This includes the insurance type (comprehensive, third-party, fire & theft, and third-party only), the age of the car being insured, security features, and any modifications you've made to the vehicle.

Every company is different, but the process typically goes like this: report any accidents, theft or hijackings at the police station. The police will open a case and give you a case number. You'll then call your insurer, or submit a claim online or via an app (depending on the provider) with the case number. They'll send an assessor around, or ask you to take your car to an assessment centre if its drivable. Once this is done, you'll find out if you're covered, and for how much.

There are three types of values at which you can insure your car—retail, market, and trade. The lowest (and therefore most affordable insurance premiums) will be trade value, followed by market value, and lastly (and most expensive) is retail value.

Your insurance plan provider can advise you what the different premiums will be when you're getting a full quote from them.

Most providers will allow you to toggle the price between what you pay monthly and what you pay for excess. The higher your excess, the lower your monthly premiums will typically be. The opposite is also true; the lower your excess, the more you'll pay for your cover every month.

This depends on the insurer, as they all have different policies around how long a quote is valid for.

No, you're under no obligation at all. After choosing a brand's online quote, you will simply get an obligation-free call from a consultant from that company to find out more about their offer. They will also help to arrange your cover and requirements therefore over the phone if you do choose to continue with them.

Yes, unfortunately, age is on your side when it comes to getting quotes. Usually, if you're 27 or younger, your premiums are going to be higher as you're considered to be at greater risk of having an accident.

The purpose for which a vehicle is used gives insurance providers an indication of how much time the vehicle will spend on the road, and in what traffic conditions it will be driven. A vehicle that is driven in rush hour traffic is usually at greater risk of being involved in an accident compared to a vehicle that is regularly driven during off-peak periods.

Do you know the difference between the retail value and the market value of your car? Many people are not aware that you can insure your car under four different value options.

Hippo.co.za is free to use for all South Africans. There are no hidden charges and we do not add any fee to the price you see. You can compare car insurance quotes for FREE today!

Many (not all) insurers offer a cash-back programme that rewards drivers for not claiming. Some make it a year of no-claims, while others require you to remain claim-free for four years before collecting your cash back.

Excess is an amount that providers charge when you make a claim. It's there mainly to stop fraud from happening. It's a set amount you'll need to pay in order to claim. Your insurer will make you aware of the figure upfront. Sometimes, there can be additional excesses, such as if you have an accident within the first six months of the policy, or if an accident occurs in the early hours of the morning.

More comprehensive cover means higher premiums. Which means that third-party car insurance will be the cheapest cover for your vehicle in South Africa.

Although it’s tempting to save more on your car insurance so that you have more to spend on things you love, remember that you’ll get what you pay for. The cheapest car insurance might leave you wanting more if you happen to get into an accident. If you want complete peace of mind, comprehensive car insurance cover will do it for you.

Stats show that out of 10 million motorists in South Africa, 65% are uninsured. That means more than half of the drivers you see on the road aren't covered to pay for your vehicle to be repaired if they cause an accident. Scary stuff! Don't be another statistic.

Plus, accidents, vehicle theft, and breakdowns can happen when you least expect them to. Right now, can you afford the costs of towing, replacing or repairing your car, or paying for the damage to someone else's vehicle?

Also, most insurers offer an array of added benefits, like emergency response to an accident, or help getting your keys out the car when you've locked them in there.

All of these reasons are why you need a car insurance policy—it can assist with paying towards these costs and help you when you're in a bind.

Rather enjoy complete peace of mind by getting car insurance that will cover you in a variety of situations. Luckily, your favourite Hippo is here to help you to find the best deal by comparing a range of quotes from 11 different insurers, so you know you've really done your homework on car cover quotes.

Yes. Many insurers (including Hippo.co.za) let you plug in your details and get an estimate before committing. Great for budget planning!

Absolutely. Secure overnight parking can reduce your risk—and your premium. Street parking increases it.

Insurers calculate your premium based on risk factors like your profile, the car you drive, how you use it, and past claims. It's all about balancing risk vs. reward.

Make, model, age, engine size, theft risk, and value all play a role. A flashy car usually equals a higher premium.

Insurers factor in vehicle type, age, location, driving history, claims record, and chosen excess. Optional extras like roadside assistance also influence your premium.

Retail value provides a higher payout but increases your premium. Market value is cheaper but may not cover replacement costs. Choose based on your car’s value and financial needs.

It covers accidental damage, theft, hijacking, natural disasters, fire, and third-party claims. It also includes rare incidents like riots and falling trees—excluding general wear and tear or mechanical issues.

Excess is the fixed amount you pay when claiming. A higher excess reduces your premium but increases your financial burden if you need to claim.

Check for injuries, gather all parties’ details, take photos, and report to police within 24 hours. Then notify your insurer and avoid admitting fault before speaking to them.

In many cases, yes. Insurers often offer discounts for bundling both types of cover into a single policy, making it more cost-effective and easier to manage.

Combo insurance combines both building and home (contents) insurance into one policy, giving you comprehensive cover for both your property and your belongings.

Combo insurance is ideal for homeowners who want full protection for both their home’s structure and the items inside, all under one convenient policy.

Standard policies usually cover items only inside your home. However, you can often add optional cover for items taken outside, like phones or laptops, for protection against loss or theft while you're away.

Home insurance covers the personal belongings inside your home, such as furniture, electronics, appliances, and clothing, against risks like theft, fire, and certain types of accidental damage.

Most policies include everyday household items like TVs, laptops, sofas, beds, and clothing. Some policies may also cover valuables like jewelry, but often with limits unless specified separately.

There are various ways in which you can help cut the cost of your motorcycle insurance:

• keep your bike in a locked garage, overnight
• you could pay a higher excess
• complete an approved advanced riding course
• fit security such as an insurance-approved lock and alarm, immobilizer or data tag identification and tracking system

Third party insurance is the cheapest option. It provides the basic motorcycle cover and pays out for damage to someone else or their property if your bike is involved in an accident. However, it doesn't cover repairing or replacing your motorcycle.

Your insurance premium will depend mostly on your age (the younger you are, the higher the risk), the make, the power and capacity of your motorbike's engine and the area where you live.

Insurance companies will also take into account your driving record including previous accidents, claims and road traffic convictions. Factors will vary from insurer to insurer.

A no claim bonus is effectively a reward that an insurance company gives to policy holders who do not claim on their insurance policies for a specified period of time. The exact parameters, requirements, time periods and rewards vary from insurance company to insurance company. These bonuses are part of the benefits that insurers market to prospective clients and many people seek out specific bonus features as part of what they look for when sourcing an insurance company to tend to their insurance needs.

All motorcycle insurance policies will expect you to pay the first part of any claim, this is called a compulsory excess. How much this will be will depend on the individual policy and on the claim.

You may be able to reduce the cost of your motorbike insurance by paying a higher voluntary excess, an amount in addition to the compulsory excess. Generally speaking the more you agree to pay the cheaper your premium.

This is the most inclusive motorbike insurance. As well as having all of third party motorcycle insurance, it will cover repairs for your bike and the loss if it's stolen

Third party, fire and theft insurance provides the same cover for your motorcycle as third party insurance, but in addition it covers the cost of repairing or replacing your bike if it's stolen or damaged by fire.

Bike insurance is a recommended requirement for anyone riding a motorcycle on the road. It protects you against liability you may have if your bike is involved in an accident and damages another vehicle or injures another person.