Student-Friendly Health Insurance: Routine Care and Hospital Protection in One Budget-Friendly Plan

Students need reliable access to everyday healthcare without sacrificing protection against unexpected hospital costs. A combined day-to-day and hospital plan brings together routine benefits - GP visits, basic dentistry and acute medicines - with in-hospital protection for surgery, admissions and approved healthcare practitioner fees. Affinity Health offers plan options aimed at younger adults through the Standard Range and Innovator product line, giving students clear choices that balance monthly cost and benefit levels.

Why a combined plan suits students

• Predictable monthly cost: One premium covers routine appointments and in-hospital events, helping with tight student budgets.
• Continuity of care: Use day-to-day benefits for campus health needs and retain hospital protection for serious events.
• Access to private providers: Faster appointments and a broader network for diagnostics and procedures when needed.

How Affinity Health supports young adults

Students aged 18-54 fall within the Standard Range and can also consider Innovator plan options that combine day-to-day benefits with hospital cover. The Standard Range includes a Combined plan that pairs core day-to-day services with hospital protection, while the Innovator product line offers multiple combination plans for those who prioritise specific benefit mixes. Compare these options to choose the balance of routine benefits and in-hospital limits that matches your needs.

What to expect from day-to-day cover

• GP consultations and acute medicines for short-term conditions.
• Basic dentistry and optometry network access subject to plan limits.
• Virtual consultations with healthcare practitioners for quick advice and follow-up.

Learn more about day-to-day benefits and typical inclusions on our Day-to-Day Cover page.

What hospital protection includes

• In-hospital admissions and ward fees for approved conditions.
• Theatre and procedure fees when treatment occurs in hospital.
• Approved healthcare practitioner fees and in-hospital diagnostics.

For details on in-hospital benefits and how they work with day-to-day services, visit the Hospital Plan page.

Common student priorities

• Low monthly premium that still covers essential GP visits and prescriptions.
• Reasonable hospital limits and straightforward excess choices to reduce out-of-pocket surprise costs.
• Quick access to virtual consultations and a wide provider network for referrals and diagnostics.

Ready to compare options? See the combined plan structure and benefit summaries on the Combined Plan page and get a quote tailored to student ages and family composition.

Compare student-focused plan options

Below is a quick comparison to help decide between a combined Standard Range option and an Innovator combination plan. Consider how many routine visits you expect per year and whether you need higher in-hospital limits for planned procedures or sport-related incidents.

Step-by-step: Choosing the right student plan

1. Estimate routine use: Count likely GP visits, prescriptions and basic dental needs for the academic year.
2. Decide hospital priority: Do you need stronger in-hospital limits for planned procedures or sport injuries?
3. Balance premium and excess: A higher excess can lower monthly cost but increases out-of-pocket amounts for a claim.
4. Compare plan options: Use the combined and Innovator summaries to match benefits to your needs and budget.

Find nearby private hospitals and healthcare facilities that accept Affinity Health plans using our provider search to confirm access while at university: Find a Hospital Provider. For routine practitioner access, check the network details on Find a Provider.

Practical student considerations

• If you move between campus and home, verify provider access in both locations before selecting a plan.
• Keep digital copies of your membership details and policy number for quick authorisation when away from campus.
• Use virtual consultations for minor ailments to save on time and travel while studying.

Compare plans, get a quote and join online to start cover quickly. Students often find the Combined plan option meets both everyday needs and unexpected hospital events without large monthly premiums.

Sources

• Affinity Health - Day-to-Day Cover
• Affinity Health - Combined Plan
• Affinity Health - Hospital Plan
• National Department of Health - South Africa