Why Dental Health Is Essential for Couples at Every Stage

Oral health is a vital pillar of overall well-being, impacting everything from nutrition to confidence. For couples-whether newlyweds, parents, or partners in retirement-maintaining dental health reduces long-term risks, controls hidden costs, and supports daily comfort. Basic dentistry cover helps avoid financial setbacks by providing access to routine dental check-ups, necessary extractions, fillings, and emergency care. In South Africa, quality dental services are available privately, but out-of-pocket costs can be substantial without the right health cover.

What is included in basic dentistry within health insurance?

• Annual consultations for preventive care (including scaling and cleaning)
• Basic dental x-rays as needed for diagnosis
• Fillings and extractions for sudden tooth pain or decay
• Emergency dental procedures for trauma or severe pain

Coverage for these essential services gives couples peace of mind, knowing routine and unexpected dental needs won’t require large, unplanned expenses.

How Affinity Health supports couples with dentistry cover

Affinity Health structures dental benefits within its day-to-day health cover and combined cover options. These health insurance plans are tailored for adults between 18 and 54 or retirees over 55, and you can include your partner for added value. Premiums for a couple start from R1,014 per month for standard day-to-day plans (for two adults aged 18-54), with similar or slightly higher rates for combined cover, depending on selected benefits.

Benefits of basic dentistry cover with Affinity Health

• Direct access to a large network of dental practitioners
• Fixed annual benefit limits for predictable budgeting
• Support with finding a provider, pre-authorisations, and telehealth for dental queries

Comparing plans for couples: What to consider

If hospitalisation is required after a severe dental injury, a combined cover option may offer additional assistance. For more details, see the detailed overview at Hospital Plan. For a province-specific guide, read our Guide to Basic Dentistry Cover in Western Cape.

How to Maximise Your Dental Benefits as a Couple

Having reliable basic dentistry benefits is only part of keeping your oral health on track. Couples can take further steps to get the most out of their cover:

• Schedule routine check-ups at the start of the year to make use of annual benefit limits
• Seek advice early for tooth pain to catch issues before they escalate
• Review covered procedures and exclusions with your provider to avoid unexpected co-payments

Understanding the limits and exclusions

Basic dentistry benefits are focused on preventive and simple restorative treatments. Most benefit schedules:

• Do not include major dental work (implants, crowns, bridges, orthodontics)
• Require using a network practitioner to access benefits at agreed rates
• May impose annual limits per person-for example, a certain value for all consultations, fillings, and emergency work per year

Budgeting for couples: What to expect

For two adults (ages 18-54) on a standard day-to-day plan, budget-friendly health insurance premiums start from R1,014 per month. This makes private dental care far more manageable, compared with paying per procedure or facing higher costs without insurance. Premiums for combined plans, which also include hospitalisation cover, offer comprehensive protection and start around R1,300 to R1,900 monthly (depending on age band and selection).

Why Affinity Health plans stand out for couples

• Simple quote process and quick onboarding for couples at any stage
• Special plans for retirees via the Senior Range
• Access to both urban and rural dental practitioners nationwide

Useful links for your dental and general health journey

• Current premiums and plan details
• Affinity Health homepage

Sources

• Affinity Health - Day-to-Day Cover
• Affinity Health - Combined Plan
• Affinity Health - Plan Pricing
• National Oral Health Strategy - South Africa
• National Institute for Communicable Diseases - Oral Health