Student-focused health cover that balances everyday care and major medical events

Finding cheap comprehensive health cover for students can feel overwhelming when budgets are tight and needs are changing. Affinity Health offers plan options designed for young adults and students who need affordable day-to-day benefits for GP visits, basic dental and optical needs, together with in-hospital protection for accidents or surgery. Our approach helps South African students protect their health without compromising monthly budgets.

What student-friendly cover includes

• Day-to-day benefits: GP consultations, acute medication and basic dental or optical services through selected providers.
• Hospital protection: In-hospital admissions, theatre and ward fees, and approved medical practitioner fees when admitted.
• Remote consultations and advice: Access to quick clinical guidance and follow-up through virtual consultations where available.

Plan types suited for students

• Day-to-day only: Ideal for students who want routine care coverage at a lower monthly cost - see our day-to-day plan details here.
• Hospital only: Focused protection for in-hospital events with affordable excess choices.
• Combined plans: One budget-friendly plan covering both day-to-day care and hospital events for predictable monthly budgeting - learn about combined plans here.

Why choose Affinity Health as a student

• Budget-friendly plan options designed for young adults and families.
• Simple, clear benefit descriptions so you know what is covered when you need care.
• Nationwide provider access for consultations and hospital admissions.

Compare plan options quickly and get a personalised quote online - use our site to compare and get an instant indication of which plan fits your budget and health priorities. Join now or get a quote to see student-friendly pricing and start month-to-month protection.

How to pick the right cheap comprehensive plan as a student

Choosing the right cover depends on your living situation, how often you visit a healthcare practitioner, and whether you need solid protection for unexpected hospital costs. Follow this simple selection process to match a plan to your student life.

Step-by-step selection guide

• Estimate routine needs: Count expected GP visits, dental check-ups and any recurring prescriptions for the coming year.
• Consider risk exposure: Students who commute, play contact sports or live independently may prioritise higher hospital protection.
• Compare combined vs separate plans: Combined plans simplify bills; day-to-day only plans lower monthly costs but leave in-hospital risk uninsured.
• Review waiting periods and exclusions: Confirm any waiting periods for particular benefits and what is not covered before committing.

Saving strategies for students

• Choose a plan option that matches actual usage rather than maximum benefits you are unlikely to use.
• Use remote consultations and in-network primary care providers for routine needs to reduce out-of-pocket visits.
• Consider joining as a family member on a parent’s plan where appropriate to spread costs.

Which plan groups are best for students?

• Standard Range: Core day-to-day, hospital and combined options for 18-54 year olds suitable for most students.
• Innovator Range: Alternative combination plans with different benefit balances for students wanting specific benefit mixes - review the Innovator range here.

Ready to compare plans? Visit the Affinity Health homepage to explore options and get an instant quote to see which student option fits your budget and protection needs: Affinity Health homepage.

Common student scenarios and recommended approach

• Full-time campus student with regular GP visits: Combined plan with moderate day-to-day benefits and basic hospital limits.
• Part-time working student with limited clinic visits: Day-to-day plan plus a low-cost hospital option or combined basic plan for unexpected events.

Sources

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