Why a combined health plan is often the right choice

A combined health plan brings day-to-day benefits (GP visits, dental basics, optometry access and acute medicines) together with in-hospital protection for surgeries, ward and theatre fees and approved clinician costs. For many South African households - young professionals, growing families and retirees - this balance reduces the risk of forgoing routine care while ensuring protection from large hospital bills.

Key advantages for South African members

• Predictable monthly budgeting for both routine and major healthcare needs.
• Access to private healthcare providers and in-hospital services with clearer cost expectations.
• Plan options that let you prioritise essential benefits while managing premium levels.

What a combined plan typically includes

• Day-to-day cover: GP consultations, basic dentistry, optometry network benefits and acute medication allowances.
• Hospital cover: In-hospital admissions, theatre and ward costs, approved clinician fees and in-hospital diagnostics.
• Support services: Remote consultations with healthcare practitioners and Emergency Medical Response when required.

How Affinity Health structures combined plans

Affinity Health separates core day-to-day benefits from in-hospital protection so you can choose a budget-friendly level for routine care and a matching hospital benefit. If you want to explore the structure and benefit summaries for combined options, view the combined plan overview and compare what’s included in each plan option.

Who should consider a combined health plan?

• Young professionals who need routine GP access plus protection for unexpected surgical events.
• Families with children who want regular wellness visits and a safety net for in-hospital treatment.
• Retirees and older members seeking combined day-to-day and hospital cover within Senior plan options.

For details on day-to-day benefit inclusions and how they interact with in-hospital cover, review the day-to-day plan details. If you want to obtain plan pricing or get a quote, use the combined plan page to start the process and compare the available plan options and benefit mixes.

Selecting the right combined plan for your situation

Choosing the most suitable combined plan depends on household composition, expected routine use and risk tolerance for larger medical events. Use the steps below to compare options and make a choice that fits your monthly budget and healthcare needs across South Africa.

Step-by-step selection guide

• Identify routine needs: estimate annual GP visits, dental or optometry requirements and any ongoing acute medication needs.
• Consider hospital exposure: think about potential surgical risks or planned procedures and whether higher in-hospital limits are prudent.
• Compare plan options: weigh day-to-day visit limits versus hospital limits and excess choices to understand likely out-of-pocket exposure.
• Request a quote: get precise monthly premium figures and plan comparisons to finalise your selection.

Affordability, provider access and practical features

• Budget-friendly premiums: Affinity Health focuses on accessible pricing while offering core protections for routine and in-hospital events.
• Provider access: Use the online provider search to find participating hospitals and practitioners in your area and plan your care path. Find providers here: find a provider.
• Start quickly: apply online and receive confirmation of cover so your family has protection in place without lengthy delays.

Common South African use cases

• Dual-income couples in the city: choose balanced day-to-day benefits for weekday care and robust in-hospital limits for surgical events.
• Families with young children: prioritise stronger day-to-day benefits to cover frequent GP visits and immunisation-related care.
• Older adults on Senior plans: consider combined Senior options that include hospital protection and relevant day-to-day benefits for ongoing consultations.

How to compare plans and next steps

Compare combined options across the Standard Range, Innovator range and Junior/Senior combined offerings to find the right match. Review benefit summaries, permitted waiting periods and in-hospital inclusions. You can also check hospital coverage detail on the hospital plan page: hospital plan information. When ready, get a quote or join online to begin cover and protect your household against unexpected medical costs.

Sources

• Affinity Health - Combined Plan information
• Affinity Health - Day-to-Day cover
• Affinity Health - Hospital plan guide
• National Department of Health - South Africa
• Statistics South Africa - Health indicators