Understanding Private Combined Medical Insurance

Private combined medical insurance has become a vital solution for South Africans who want a practical, budget-friendly way to manage their healthcare needs. Unlike separate policies, a combined plan links both routine day-to-day care (like GP visits, basic dental, or eyewear) with extensive hospital protection if you need an admission due to illness, accident, or surgery. This approach suits young professionals, growing families, and older adults alike - providing peace of mind and control over monthly healthcare costs.

What does a combined plan provide?

• Day-to-day benefits: Consultations with General Practitioners, acute medication, basic dental care, and network optometry services.
• Hospital protection: In-patient hospitalisation, ward and theatre fees, prescribed in-hospital medication, and selected diagnostic scans.
• Support services: Quick access to healthcare practitioners by phone for guidance, and prompt response to emergencies with ambulance coordination services.

Key advantages of combining day-to-day and hospital cover

• Simplifies budgeting by consolidating your medical premiums into one predictable monthly amount.
• Removes the risk of major hospital bills derailing your finances.
• Encourages preventive care by including everyday benefits, leading to better health over time.

How does pricing work?

Affinity Health offers private combined plans at accessible rates for different family situations. For example:
• Adults (18-54 years) can access combined cover starting from R1,237 per month.
• Children (0-17 years), enrolled as dependants, start from R867 per month.
• Seniors (55+) begin from R1,585 per month.
Full details and options are available on the Affinity Health rates page.

Who should consider a combined plan?

• Families with young children needing regular healthcare access
• Retirees focused on in-hospital safety and everyday wellness
• South African professionals who want one plan that grows with changing health needs

Read further to discover plan choices, provider access, and expert tips for selecting the best private combined medical insurance for your household.

Exploring Affinity Health's Combined Options

Affinity Health offers several categories of combined cover to suit unique life stages. The Combined Plan is the most popular for adults (18-54), while Junior Combined Cover addresses the needs of children and students. Seniors benefit from specialised options designed for their age and health priorities. Each plan type is built to be affordable without compromising necessary protection.

Comparing Plan Benefits and Provider Networks

Combined plans remove the gap between everyday health needs and high-cost medical events. Families can access private hospitals and clinics using a large, vetted provider network. Find participating hospitals via the Affinity Health hospital partner directory, and search for out-of-hospital providers here.

Selecting the Best Cover for Your Situation

1. Evaluate your family's medical usage (GP visits, child health, medication, hospital admissions in the last year).
2. Estimate what level of hospital vs. day-to-day benefit feels safe given your stage of life.
3. Consider monthly affordability - use Affinity Health’s price guides as a reference.

The Value of Private Medical Insurance in South Africa

• More than 70% of South Africans rely on public health facilities that can be overwhelmed by demand.
• Private health cover reduces waiting times and increases access to advanced treatment options.
• Preventive day-to-day care can lower long-term medical expenses by catching problems early.

Affinity Health makes private combined medical insurance accessible so more South Africans can benefit from a comprehensive solution. For in-depth detail on specific inclusions, age categories, and pricing, visit the Affinity Health homepage.

Sources

• Affinity Health - Official Policy Rates
• Affinity Health - Combined Plan Information
• Statistics South Africa - General Household Survey 2021: Health findings
• South African National Department of Health