The Rise of Virtual Healthcare in South Africa

As digital technology transforms the way South Africans access medical services, virtual consultations have emerged as a practical and affordable option for individuals, families, retirees, and working professionals. Telehealth allows you to connect with qualified healthcare practitioners remotely-using your phone, computer, or mobile device-for routine consultations without the need to visit a physical facility. This innovation is making healthcare more accessible and reducing unnecessary travel and waiting times.

How Virtual Consultations Work

• Patients schedule virtual appointments via secure platforms or call-centres.
• Consultations are typically conducted by registered healthcare professionals.
• Advice, prescriptions, and medical certificates can be provided for everyday health needs.
• Follow-ups or referrals to in-person care are arranged if required.

Affinity Health members benefit from virtual consultations as part of their health cover options, providing affordable access to healthcare from the comfort of home or on the move. This is especially helpful for minor illnesses, chronic condition follow-ups, basic mental health support, and repeat prescription renewals.

For an overview of plan ranges that include telehealth as a core service, visit the Day-to-Day Cover and Junior Cover pages.

Comparing the Cost of Virtual Consultations

Virtual consultation fees are generally lower than traditional in-person visits. For Affinity Health members, these consultations are included in various plan options at no additional out-of-pocket cost up to the plan’s annual benefit limits. For example, day-to-day cover plans, starting from as low as R674 per adult per month, allow members to access virtual consultations for common ailments, medication adjustments, and wellness guidance without the need to visit a clinic or GP office. This makes it easier to budget for routine healthcare-especially valuable for families with children or individuals managing chronic conditions.

Benefits of Choosing Virtual Care

• Reduced travel, saving time and money on transport.
• Shorter waiting times and same-day access to healthcare practitioners.
• Safe consultations-minimising exposure to transmissible illnesses.
• Accessible for people in remote areas or with mobility challenges.
• Convenient when juggling work, school, or family commitments.

Maximising Value: Affordable Virtual Consultation Tips

To make the most of your health cover and manage costs effectively, consider these steps:

1. Review your plan’s annual visit benefits and use virtual options for non-emergency issues.
2. Prepare your questions in advance to ensure an efficient and productive session with your healthcare practitioner.
3. Maintain updated medical history and list of medications for accurate remote consultations.
4. Access approved virtual platforms as guided by your health cover provider for seamless processing of benefits and prescriptions.

Who Benefits Most from Virtual Consultations?

• Young professionals: Find it easier to consult after-hours or from their workplace.
• Families: Easily manage minor childhood illnesses and routine health questions.
• Retirees: Reduce travel for follow-up care or regular prescriptions, especially when mobility is limited.
• Rural dwellers: Gain access without the need for long-distance commuting to urban healthcare providers.

Improving Access Through Provider Networks

Affinity Health supports one of the largest provider networks in South Africa, covering both virtual and physical healthcare practitioners. To check access for providers near you, use the Find a Provider tool. For hospital-related needs, refer to the Hospital Provider Locator.

Cost Comparison Table for Telehealth and In-Person Care

This table demonstrates the significant cost savings and convenience offered by virtual consultations for South African households, especially when included in your health insurance plan.

Integrating Virtual Care into Your Health Strategy

Adopting virtual care allows South Africans to enjoy reliable, ongoing healthcare access while keeping expenses manageable. With health plans like those from Affinity Health-including options for adults, children, and pensioners-you can ensure your family’s well-being with essential benefits, whether at home or away. To compare plan benefits and find affordable options for your needs, review the Affinity Health plan rates.

Sources

• Affinity Health - Day-to-Day Cover
• Affinity Health - Policy Rates
• Government South Africa - Healthcare Services
• South African Health Review 2022 - Health Systems Trust