The Easter long weekend in South Africa is a time of reflection, family gatherings, and travel, but it also brings with it a sobering reality: a sharp increase in road accidents and fatalities. As families embark on their holiday travels, the importance of comprehensive insurance, such as gap cover, becomes undeniable. This financial safety net ensures that the aftermath of an accident doesn’t translate into crippling medical bills, allowing South Africans to focus on what truly matters—celebrating the holiday with peace of mind.

The importance of gap cover during the Easter weekend

Easter is notorious for high traffic volumes as families travel for gatherings and religious events, leading to an uptick in road accidents. According to the 2024 State of Road Safety Report for the Easter weekend, there were 236 fatal crashes, resulting in 335 fatalities—a 32.9% increase in fatalities and a 14.01% rise in fatal crashes compared to 2023. Human factors contributed to 94.6% of these crashes, emphasising the need for vigilance during this busy period. Many individuals involved in these accidents survive with severe injuries, often requiring extended hospital stays and costly treatments.

Financial protection against medical expenses

“Without gap cover, individuals may find themselves facing substantial out-of-pocket expenses after an accident. This financial burden can be overwhelming, especially during a period when many are already spending on travel and festivities.”

“Medical expenses can quickly escalate beyond what standard medical aid covers. This is where gap cover becomes crucial. It acts as a safety net that covers the shortfalls between what medical aids pay, and the actual costs incurred during hospital stays or treatments. For instance, Turnberry offers a casualty benefit that includes cover for facility fees, doctors’ fees, radiology, and emergency medical interventions—even if the patient is not admitted to the hospital,” says Tony Singleton, CEO at Turnberry Management Risk Solutions.

Comprehensive cover

It is important to ensure that your gap cover products are designed to provide comprehensive cover during emergencies. They should cover various scenarios such as:

• Accidental injuries from road accidents or other incidents
• Costs associated with using non-designated service providers
• Increased medical aid rates up to 600% to cover hospital expense shortfalls

Preparing for the Easter weekend

As families prepare for their travels and gatherings, it’s crucial to ensure they have adequate insurance cover in place. Here are some steps to consider:

• Review your medical aid: Understand what your medical aid covers and identify potential shortfalls.
• Consult with financial advisors: Speak with financial advisors about gap cover options that best suit your needs.
• Stay informed about PMBs: Familiarise yourself with Prescribed Minimum Benefits (PMBs), which ensure certain medical conditions are covered at cost by your medical scheme.
• Avoid reckless driving: With human factors being the primary cause of accidents, it’s vital to drive responsibly and avoid behaviours like speeding, drunk driving, and using cell phones while driving.

“The Easter weekend should be a time of joy and reflection; however, it also comes with heightened risks on South Africa’s roads. Ensuring adequate insurance cover will help safeguard against potential mishaps that could overshadow the holiday. Investing in gap cover provides peace of mind against unexpected medical expenses resulting from accidents,” Singleton concludes.

Main photo: Stas Tsibro/Pexels