Making Private Healthcare Affordable for Employees

Access to quality healthcare is a key concern for many employees in South Africa. Rising out-of-pocket costs and limited access to private facilities can put strain on the health and productivity of staff. Employers increasingly recognise the value of providing doctor visit cover as part of their employee benefits, ensuring timely healthcare while controlling absenteeism and supporting overall wellness.

What Is Doctor Visit Cover?

Doctor visit cover provides employees with access to private general practitioners for acute and minor illnesses, routine check-ups, and basic preventive care. This often includes set numbers of GP consultations per year, usually through an established provider network.

• GP consultations for acute and minor conditions
• Referrals for further care when medically necessary
• Prescriptions for basic acute medicines
• Access to basic diagnostic procedures as needed

Why Prioritise Affordable Employee Cover?

• Reduces absenteeism by enabling prompt medical attention
• Supports preventive care and early intervention
• Boosts employee satisfaction and retention
• Encourages a healthier, more productive workplace

How Budget-Conscious Plans Work

Plans designed specifically for the workforce offer set, predictable premiums. With Affinity Health Group Cover, businesses can select affordable options that provide practical, everyday healthcare access for employees, with coverage for GP visits, selected acute medicines, and basic diagnostic testing.

Key Features Employees Value

• Straightforward claims process and digital card access
• Large network of participating GPs
• No waiting for care-prompt doctor appointments
• Clear inclusion/exclusion criteria to avoid confusion

To explore pricing options and available benefits per employee, review the current rates for business group health plans.

Details of Cover for Employees

Affordable group cover solutions typically focus on the health priorities most common in the workforce-doctor visits, acute medications, and essential screening. Below is a summary of features often included in a budget-friendly doctor visit plan for employees.

Affordability for South African Businesses

Plans for businesses start from as low as R432 per employee per month (group entry level, 2024), with pricing remaining predictable regardless of business location or sector. Employers can offer access to regular private GP visits at a cost significantly less than self-funding or paying every visit out-of-pocket.

Employer and Employee Advantages

• Peace of mind for staff - healthcare when they need it
• Reduction in absenteeism and faster return to work
• No complex benefit options for employees to navigate

To help employees locate a participating doctor close to their home or workplace, use the Find a Provider tool on the Affinity Health website.

Tips for Successful Implementation

• Communicate cover benefits and limitations upfront
• Encourage preventive care and regular check-ups
• Educate employees on how to access and use their plans effectively

For more on affordable group cover solutions and to compare options, visit the Affinity Health Group Cover overview.

Sources

• Affinity Health - Group Cover for Businesses
• Affinity Health - Health Cover Pricing
• Affinity Health - Find a Provider
• BusinessTech - Health Cover in South Africa
• Statistics South Africa - Labour Market Dynamics