Featured Articles
Stay ahead with our latest insights and proven strategies
Stay ahead with our latest insights and proven strategies
Please wait while we prepare your content...
Learn what basic dentistry cover includes in South Africa. Compare benefits, pricing, plan options, and access routine dental care with Affinity Health.
Includes check-ups, cleanings, fillings, simple extractions, and relief for minor dental pain.
Day-to-day health plans make dental care accessible for adults, children, and retirees.
Understand annual limits, approved providers, and steps to maximise your dental health benefits.
Oral health plays a major role in overall wellbeing, yet many South Africans hesitate to seek regular dental care due to cost concerns. Basic dentistry cover within health insurance plans has emerged as a practical way to support routine check-ups, simple procedures, and early intervention while keeping expenses predictable and manageable. This article explores what basic dentistry cover means, the types of services included, and how health insurance offerings in South Africa make essential oral care accessible for individuals, families, and retired adults.
In South Africa, untreated dental problems can escalate rapidly, leading to pain, infection, and extended absenteeism from work or school. Having structured health cover with clear dental benefits empowers people to address concerns early, maintaining confidence and quality of life.
Health insurance providers offer a range of options that incorporate basic dentistry as part of their day-to-day benefits. For example, Affinity Health’s Day-to-Day Cover provides routine dental consultations and basic treatments for adults and children-ideal for families anticipating annual visits or anyone with a history of dental sensitivity. Policy designs aim to balance affordability and comprehensive inclusion of core dental procedures.
| Service | Typical Cover |
|---|---|
| Check-ups, Cleanings | Included annually, subject to benefit cap |
| Fillings, Simple Extractions | Covered for routine cases |
| X-rays | Included as part of diagnosis |
| Major Procedures (Crowns) | Usually excluded from basic dentistry |
Most providers set annual maximums or visit caps for dental benefits. It’s important to understand where key dental practitioners are located: Affinity Health offers a directory to Find a Provider for non-hospital services, helping families connect with local dental professionals covered under their plan.
Dental needs differ by age and life stage. For children, routine check-ups aid in early development-plans like the Junior Cover from Affinity Health specifically address these needs. Likewise, retirees benefit from regular consultations to monitor oral health, which may be affected by chronic medical conditions or medications; Senior Cover plan options may help keep care affordable.
Day-to-day plans with dental cover are often priced from about R 599 per month for adults (as per current rates), with discounts for children and certain plan groupings. This includes a basket of benefits, of which dentistry forms a defined part. Always check the intended benefit limits for dental care per year.
Basic dentistry cover is not intended for advanced procedures like crowns, orthodontics, or in-hospital oral surgery. If you anticipate needing advanced interventions, consult your insurer regarding coverage options; you may need to consider higher-level plans or combined cover.
Prevention is always better than cure. By taking advantage of dental benefits built into standard health insurance plans, you can reduce future complications, maintain good oral health, and support your family’s lifelong wellness.
South African households seeking budget-friendly dental care should review the different day-to-day health cover options available. For plan comparisons, see the Affinity Health homepage or consult the combined cover options for comprehensive family solutions.

Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any decisions about your health or treatment.
Contact us today and we will get back to you shortly
Get answers to common questions about Day To Day Health Cover
Choose the option that fits your needs
We believe that quality healthcare should be accessible to everyone. Our plans are designed to be cost-effective, providing value without compromising on essential benefits.
Affinity Health members have access to the largest healthcare provider network in the country, including GP’s, Dentists and Hospitals.
From routine check-ups to emergency medical services, our plans encompass a wide spectrum of healthcare services, including chronic medication cover and emergency medical services.
Understanding that healthcare needs vary, we offer flexible plans that can be customised to suit your specific requirements.
Qualified and motivated service agents powered by a state-of-the-art call centre.
Our dedicated team is available 24/7 to assist with pre-authorisation, telehealth consultations and emergency services.