Combined protection designed for children and families

Choosing the right combination health plan for children means balancing everyday healthcare needs - GP visits, basic dentistry and acute medicines - with reliable in-hospital protection for accidents or serious illness. Affinity Health’s Junior range offers three clear options for children aged 0-17: a Day-to-Day plan, a Hospital plan, and a Combined plan that brings both together in one budget-friendly package.

Why a combined plan can be the best choice for children

• Predictable monthly budgeting: one monthly premium covers routine visits and in-hospital events in a single plan option.
• Continuity of care: easier claim processes when both routine and hospital benefits are managed under one plan.
• Appropriate waiting periods and paediatric benefits structured for children’s needs within the Junior range.

Junior range overview

Affinity Health’s Junior range is specifically for ages 0-17 and includes three plan types: a Day-to-Day plan for routine out-of-hospital care, a Hospital plan for in-hospital events, and a Combined plan that includes both. Each plan is simple to understand and intended to keep private healthcare within reach for South African families. Learn more about the Junior options on the Junior page: Affinity Health - Junior Cover.

Key benefits included in a children’s combined plan

• Day-to-day services: GP consultations, basic dental visits, optometry network access and acute medicines within set benefit limits.
• Hospital protection: in-hospital admissions, theatre and ward fees, approved clinician fees and in-hospital scans or procedures related to the admission.
• Support services: access to advice via telephonic or virtual consultations with healthcare practitioners for quick guidance on minor conditions.

How to compare the Day-to-Day, Hospital and Combined options

If your priority is regular GP care, immunisations and routine dental visits for children, the day-to-day component is essential. If you want comprehensive protection against large in-hospital bills, ensure the hospital component has sufficient cover for theatre fees and admissions. The combined plan gives both in one convenient policy.

To view complementary details about day-to-day services available across Affinity Health plans, visit the Day-to-Day page: Day-to-Day Cover.

Practical guidance for parents and guardians

Selecting the best combination health plan for children requires thinking about typical annual use and potential unexpected risks. Start by listing expected GP visits, dental checks and routine optical needs, then consider the family’s tolerance for out-of-pocket costs in the event of hospitalisation. The Junior Combined plan is often the straightforward choice for families wanting both predictable routine care and in-hospital protection for children aged 0-17.

Step-by-step selection checklist

• Count routine needs: estimated GP visits, dental check-ups and eyewear replacements per child per year.
• Review waiting periods: some benefits may have waiting periods; confirm these before selecting a plan.
• Check exclusions and in-hospital definitions: understand what is treated as an in-hospital event and which procedures are excluded.
• Compare benefit limits: ensure day-to-day caps and hospital benefit levels meet likely care needs.

Using Affinity Health resources and networks

Affinity Health provides a nationwide provider directory to help you find participating hospitals and clinicians. Use the provider search to confirm practitioner and hospital access in your area: Find a provider and for hospital locations see the hospital directory: Find a hospital provider.

South African family scenarios

• Young urban family: high use of GP visits and immunisations - strong day-to-day component with mid-level hospital protection.
• Rural family with longer travel times: wider hospital protection and clear access to local approved hospitals via the provider network may be a priority.

Next steps and getting started

Compare the Junior Day-to-Day, Hospital and Combined plan details to match cover to your child’s needs. You can compare plans online, request a quote, and complete the application in a few steps. Get a personalised quote or compare plans now to see which Junior option aligns with your family budget and healthcare priorities.

Ready to compare or join? Visit the Combined plan page to begin: Compare Combined plans. For details about hospital-only protection for children, view the Hospital plan overview: Hospital Plan.

Sources

• Affinity Health - Junior Cover
• World Health Organization - Child Health
• National Department of Health South Africa
• Statistics South Africa - Health indicators