Why Telephonic Medical Consultations Matter for Students

Tertiary education is an exciting but often stressful time, and access to quality healthcare is crucial for students adapting to new roles, environments, and challenges. For many, juggling academic demands, part-time work, and budgeting can make in-person doctor visits challenging, both cost-wise and time-wise. Telephonic medical consultations offer a budget-friendly, convenient alternative-allowing students to connect with registered healthcare professionals from anywhere in South Africa.

How Telephonic Consultations Support Student Wellness

• Immediate access: No long queues or travel, support via phone when illness or anxiety strikes.
• Affordable cover: Lower consultation costs, included in certain medical insurance options aimed at students and young adults.
• Confidential advice: Discuss symptoms, mental health concerns, and get prescriptions or referrals with complete privacy.
• Support for non-urgent issues: Perfect for minor illnesses, chronic condition follow-ups, academic stress, and medication queries.

Core Health Concerns Students Face

• Cold, flu, and allergy symptoms during exam season
• Anxiety and stress management
• Contraceptive advice and sexual health
• Minor injuries and medication repeats
• Nutritional and lifestyle counselling

Affinity Health’s Approach to Student-Friendly Healthcare

Affinity Health recognises that students need health cover that works with tight budgets and unpredictable schedules. The Day-to-Day and combined plan options (Day-to-Day Cover) include telephonic consultations for guidance on physical and mental wellness-ideal for staying healthy and focused on studies. For anyone aged 18 and above, there are options tailored for young adults (Combined Plan page).

Benefits at a Glance

Getting Started: Steps for Students

1. Choose a student-friendly plan with telephonic consultation benefits. To learn more, please submit a contact form.
2. Register with your provider and keep emergency and advice numbers easily accessible.
3. If you feel unwell, contact the Affinity Health Telehealth Nurses first. If the nurse cannot assist, they will pre-authorise a GP visit. For non-urgent issues, call the designated helpline to discuss symptoms or concerns with a registered healthcare practitioner.
4. Follow up as advised-get prescriptions (where appropriate) or clear guidance on next steps.

Practical Scenarios

• A student experiencing high stress during exams receives immediate coping strategies and professional reassurance over the phone, without needing to travel or miss lectures.
• An individual with cold symptoms gets sound advice and a digital prescription, helping to recover quickly and reduce campus spread.
• For common health topics like sexual health, nutrition, or repeat scripts, the consultation is private and available outside typical work hours-perfect for the unpredictable student lifestyle.

Provider Networks and Access

Affinity Health’s network of accredited professionals ensures that students receive reputable advice, with access to a nationwide range of doctors and mental health experts. To find local in-person providers for follow-up care, please submit a contact form.

Affordability for the Student Budget

With entry-level day-to-day options for students starting from R605 per month, telephonic consultations help control out-of-pocket expenses and minimise disruption to study schedules. These consultations are a key inclusion in standard and innovator plans for adults under 54.

Sources

• Affinity Health - Day-to-Day Cover
• Affinity Health - Combined Plan
• National Institute for Communicable Diseases: Telemedicine in SA
• Health Professions Council of South Africa - Telehealth Guidelines