Why Health Insurance Matters for Students

Navigating university, college, or tertiary studies comes with new responsibilities, including safeguarding your health. Students face unique risks: from sudden illnesses and sports injuries to everyday ailments and essential check-ups. Without a reliable health insurance plan, out-of-pocket medical expenses can become overwhelming. Having the right cover ensures you maintain your well-being and stay focused on your education.

Key Features of Student Health Cover

• Day-to-day care for general practitioner visits, basic dental treatment, prescribed acute medication, and optometry.
• Hospital benefits for accidents, major surgeries, and emergency admissions.
• Telephonic clinical consultations, healthcare practitioner support, and emergency medical response services.

Types of Cover Available

Health insurance plans for students typically come in three options:

• Day-to-Day: Covers primary healthcare needs such as GP consultations, pathology, basic dentistry, and acute medication.
• Hospital: Provides coverage for in-hospital stays due to emergencies or scheduled procedures.
• Combined: Offers both out-of-hospital and in-hospital cover in a single, budget-friendly plan.

Affinity Health offers the Junior health cover for ages up to 17 and the Standard range for individuals aged 18-54, both suited for school and university students. These plans suit students who live on campus, at home, or independently.

Core Benefits Breakdown

To see all premium levels and family options, refer to the policy rates and pricing page.

Affordability and Value for Students

Budget is critical when you’re a student. Affinity Health’s plans start from:

• Day-to-Day cover for ages 18-54: from R649 per month.
• Hospital plans for the same age range: from R869 per month.
• Combined plans for 18-54: from R1,168 per month.

For younger students (under 18), the Junior Day-to-Day plan starts at R459 per month. To learn more about junior plans, explore Affinity Health’s Junior Cover.

Accessing Healthcare Providers and Hospitals

Affinity Health members can use extensive networks of GPs, dentists, and optometrists nationwide. If you need hospitalisation, use the hospital provider locator to find nearby facilities, which is essential for students living far from home or campus.

Practical Steps for Choosing Student Health Cover

1. Evaluate your healthcare needs: consider chronic illnesses, sports participation, travel, and any regular medicines.
2. Choose the appropriate age group plan (Junior or Standard Range).
3. Decide on Day-to-Day, Hospital, or Combined cover for optimal protection.
4. Review benefit limits per service and monthly premium.
5. Ensure that provider access matches your living location and study schedule.

Students benefit from prompt access to general practitioners, dental emergency treatment, and private hospital admissions in serious situations. Pairing day-to-day and hospital cover gives robust protection for both common ailments and unexpected emergencies.

Sources

• Affinity Health - Junior Health Cover
• Affinity Health - Day-to-Day Cover
• Affinity Health - Policy Rates & Pricing
• Affinity Health - Find a Hospital Provider
• National Department of Health South Africa