Why South African Families Need Both Day-to-Day and Hospital Coverage

South African families often juggle the demands of routine healthcare needs - such as GP consultations, children’s check-ups, and dental visits - alongside the concern for costly in-hospital events like surgeries or emergency admissions. A combined health plan ensures you do not need to choose between affordability and reliable healthcare. This dual approach is key in managing both the expected and the unexpected, enabling parents to safeguard their households year-round without facing financial stress.

Understanding Combined Health Plans

Combined health cover integrates benefits for routine (day-to-day) healthcare and in-hospital needs. Instead of two separate policies, a single plan provides access to:

• Primary care visits: General practitioners, clinics, and medicines for minor illnesses or injuries
• Dental and optometry care: Essential for the wellbeing of school-age children and working adults
• Hospital admissions: Protection for surgeries, accidents, maternity, and severe illness admissions

This means your family can attend to routine health checks, receive prescribed medication, and be covered for unforeseen emergencies under one budget-friendly monthly premium.

Who Benefits Most from a Combined Plan?

• Families with children needing regular doctor visits and immunisations
• Young couples planning for future care, such as maternity
• Busy professionals balancing work demands with access to preventive healthcare
• Retirees seeking to manage ongoing chronic care and hospital needs

Benefit Highlights & Network Access

• Day-to-day benefits typically include doctor consultations, acute medicine, basic dentistry and optometry, X-rays, and pathology
• Hospital coverage pays for hospitalisation, theatre and ward fees, and selected in-hospital procedures
• Use the Affinity Health Provider Search tool to find a clinic or GP in your area

Plan Overview and Premium Example

*Rates as of the latest update. Actual costs depend on family size and ages, but combined cover remains a budget-friendly alternative to hospital-only or day-to-day-only plans. Explore all current rates here.

Choosing the Right Combined Plan for Your Family

Selecting the best combined option depends on your family’s unique situation. Review these practical tips to ensure you get the right mix of day-to-day and hospital benefits:

• Estimate expected doctor and dental visits annually per person
• Factor in chronic conditions or active children who may require more regular care
• Assess your savings and comfort with excess - Affinity Health plans allow you to choose an excess amount to adjust your monthly premium
• Consider how easily you can access private healthcare providers in your area (see Affinity Health’s provider map and hospital finder)

Combined Cover vs. Separate Plans

• Paying for each event separately can increase monthly out-of-pocket costs
• Single combined plan means simple administration and consistent cover
• Better control over annual health spending for families needing routine and emergency care

Practical Use Cases

• Families with both school-going children and older adults benefit from streamlined documentation and transparent limits on day-to-day and hospital claims
• Plans are designed for individuals aged 18-54, juniors 0-17, and seniors 55+, so every family member has an age-appropriate option (learn more about Junior Cover and Senior Cover)

Steps to Get Started

1. Review your family’s annual health needs
2. Compare plan structures and pricing options
3. Decide on the level of day-to-day and in-hospital protection desired
4. Use Affinity Health’s online tools to connect with a provider or hospital in your region

Sources

• Affinity Health - Combined Plan Benefits
• Affinity Health - Latest Rates
• National Department of Health
• Statistics South Africa - Health Sector Overview