Why Everyday Health Cover Matters for Students

Routine healthcare is often overlooked by students, yet regular doctor visits, basic medicine, dental care, and vision checks are vital for long-term well-being and academic success. With increased stress, irregular schedules, and frequent communal living, students face risks of minor illness and injury. Without reliable cover, even simple medical issues can disrupt studies and drain limited budgets.

What Does Day-to-Day Health Cover Include?

• General Practitioner consultations for illness, check-ups, and minor injuries
• Dispensed acute medication for everyday conditions like flu or infections
• Optometry assistance for eye tests and basic eyewear
• Basic dental services, including check-ups and X-rays
• Limited pathology and radiology for diagnostic support as required
• Referral to healthcare practitioners if additional care is needed

Typical Challenges Students Face Without Cover

• High out-of-pocket costs at private healthcare providers
• Delays in treatment, causing missed lectures or exams
• Lack of access to professional advice, leading to self-medicating
• Difficulty navigating providers when far from home

How Day-to-Day Plans Are Structured

At their core, student-friendly day-to-day plans offer set benefits and clear limits, making it easier to manage expenses. Policies often provide:

• Certain number of GP visits per year
• Annual maximums for pharmacy-dispensed medicines
• Clear exclusions for major procedures or specialist hospital care

For the age bracket most students fall into (typically 18-26), Affinity Health’s Standard Range Day-to-Day plan starts at R619 per month for a single adult. Junior options are available for younger dependants under 18 (see Junior Cover for details).

Benefits Breakdown Table

What Makes Cover Student-Friendly?

The ideal student health plan provides clear pricing, reliable provider networks, and practical benefits. Affinity Health’s day-to-day plan is designed to match these needs:

• Transparent pricing - single adult from R619 per month (see current rates)
• Wide provider availability, including local GPs, optometrists and dentists near campuses (find a provider)
• Simple claims process for stress-free consultations and medicine collection
• No lengthy lock-in periods - suitable for short-term or temporary needs

Health and Lifestyle Tips for Students

• Schedule regular GP check-ups - early intervention prevents small issues becoming big.
• Don’t skip dental visits; oral health is linked to academic focus and well-being.
• Use optometry benefits for clear, strain-free vision during intense study periods.
• Leverage telephonic healthcare consultations for minor ailments or health questions - especially during exam time or late hours.
• Choose plans that fit your budget, factoring campus location and frequency of healthcare needs.

How to Apply and Maximise Your Benefits

1. Compare plan benefits and limits to your annual healthcare usage
2. Use the provider search to find nearby GPs and dentists
3. Store your policy information securely for easy claims
4. Keep track of available GP visits and medicine allowances

Students who want additional protection for accidents or hospital stays can consider a combined plan (learn about combined options) but most choose day-to-day benefits as a starting point.

Summary Table: Why Choose Day-to-Day Health Cover

Sources

• Affinity Health - Day-to-Day Cover
• Affinity Health - Pricing Schedule
• Affinity Health - Find a Provider
• Statistics South Africa - Health Services Access (PDF)
• National Department of Health