Why a combination health plan makes sense for South Africans

A combination health plan bundles day-to-day benefits (GP visits, basic dentistry, acute medicine and optical support) with in-hospital protection for surgeries, ward and theatre costs and approved clinical practitioner fees. For young professionals, families with children and retirees, this approach reduces the chance that routine healthcare costs are skipped while ensuring protection against large hospital bills.

Core advantages

• Predictable monthly budgeting by consolidating routine and in-hospital cover in one plan.
• Access to private care options and approved clinical practitioners for in-hospital events.
• Remote consultations and virtual care for quick advice without leaving work or home.

Affinity Health plan groups at a glance

• Affinity Junior (0-17 years): Child-focused day-to-day, hospital and combined options - ideal for families with young children. See details at Junior Cover.
• Standard Range (18-54 years): Practical combined plans for young professionals and families. Learn more on the Combined Plan page.
• Affinity Senior (55+ years): Combined options designed for older adults who need hospital protection plus selected day-to-day benefits. Details at Senior Cover.

What a typical combined plan includes

• Day-to-day: Consultations with GPs, basic dentistry up to limits, optical allowances and acute medicines.
• Hospital: In-hospital admissions, theatre and ward fees, approved clinical practitioner fees and diagnostic procedures performed in hospital.
• Support: Remote consultations for non-urgent advice and co-ordination of Emergency Medical Response when required.

Benefit comparison - quick view

How to choose the best combination health plan

Choosing the best combination health plan in South Africa comes down to family size, ages, expected routine visits and appetite for out-of-pocket costs. Use a step-by-step approach to match benefit levels to needs and budget.

Step-by-step selection guide

1. List routine needs: Estimate GP visits, dental checks and eyewear renewals per year.
2. Estimate risk: Consider planned procedures or any regular hospital care that may be needed.
3. Check waiting periods and in-hospital definitions in plan documents to align expectations.
4. Compare current pricing and available plan options, then request a quote to confirm monthly contributions.

Plan options and who they suit

• Young professionals: Mid-level day-to-day with solid in-hospital limits to balance budget and protection.
• Families with children: Stronger day-to-day benefits for frequent GP and paediatric needs plus household hospital protection.
• Retirees: Higher in-hospital limits with selected day-to-day cover to manage routine care.

Groups and employers should review the Group Cover options which are distinct from retail plans and tailored to workplace needs.

To review available plan options and current pricing, check the current pricing and plan options and then compare product pages for day-to-day and in-hospital details: Day-to-Day and Hospital Plan.

South African use cases (generic)

• Dual-income couple: Balanced combined plan with strong day-to-day for minor illness and solid in-hospital protection for unexpected surgery.
• Parent with young children: Emphasis on day-to-day benefits for frequent GP visits and immunisations, plus household hospital cover.
• Older adult approaching retirement: Prioritise higher in-hospital limits and selected routine benefits.

Next steps

• Compare combined plan details and limits on the Combined Plan page and request a personalised quote.
• Confirm any waiting periods that apply to specific benefits before joining.
• Use remote consultations where available to reduce unnecessary travel and get quick clinical advice.

Sources

• Affinity Health - Combined Plan details
• Affinity Health - Day-to-Day Cover
• National Department of Health - South Africa
• Statistics South Africa - Health indicators