Why Combined Health Plans Are Essential for Children

Children require regular access to healthcare - from GP visits and dental check-ups to unexpected emergencies. A combined health plan ensures that both day-to-day needs and major medical events are covered under a single, convenient policy. For South African parents seeking reliable medical insurance for their kids, this type of cover unites peace of mind with affordability.

What Does a Combined Health Plan Include?

• Day-to-day benefits: GP consultations, basic dental care, prescribed medication, and optometry for childhood vision checks.
• Hospitalisation: Emergency admissions, illness-related stays, theatre and ward fees, and treatment for serious accidents or conditions.
• Telephonic and online advice: Access to registered healthcare practitioners for guidance and immediate support in case of illness or injury.

Plan Options by Age and Premium

Affinity Health offers an exclusive policy designed for children: the Junior Combined Plan, offering full protection for those aged 0-17 years. Monthly premiums are especially competitive to put quality care within reach.

Benefits of Child-Focused Medical Insurance

• Quick access to a national network of private healthcare practitioners (find a provider).
• Reduced financial stress in emergencies, with a single monthly payment covering minor and major healthcare needs.
• Convenient, predictable budgeting for growing families.

How Combined Plans Differ from Hospital or Day-to-Day Only

A stand-alone hospital plan covers only in-patient events, while a day-to-day plan provides for routine care. By merging both, combined plans ensure children aren’t left without vital GP benefits or exposed to potentially high hospital costs. This is particularly important for young children who typically visit doctors more often than adults and are more prone to accidents or sudden illness.

Find out more about day-to-day cover at Affinity Health’s Day-to-Day Cover page.

Key Features of the Affinity Junior Combined Plan

• Unlimited GP visits (subject to managed healthcare approval and benefit limits)
• Basic dentistry and optometry for routine child healthcare
• Acute and chronic medication within the network
• In-hospital cover for accidents and medical emergencies
• Access to a dedicated support team for authorisations and advice

Parents can ensure their children have access to private primary medical care as well as in-hospital treatment for more serious conditions or accidents. Learn more about the Junior Combined Plan on Affinity Health’s site.

How to Choose the Right Combined Health Plan for Kids

1. Consider your child’s current and expected healthcare needs (such as frequency of GP visits, dental or eye checks).
2. Compare combined plan benefits against day-to-day or hospital-only options.
3. Review exclusions and waiting periods to understand when benefits begin and for which types of claims.
4. Discuss your budget and coverage preferences to avoid unexpected costs.

Network and Accessibility

With a wide provider network, families have access to excellent care in both urban and rural locations. Search for nearby options using the Find a Hospital Provider tool.

Budgeting for Health: Understanding the Value

At R699 per month (as of 2024), the Junior Combined Plan delivers a strong balance of affordability and benefits. For many families, this can mean access to high-quality care without sacrificing other important household needs.

Sources

• Affinity Health - Junior Cover Overview
• Affinity Health - Current Premiums
• South African National Department of Health
• Statistics South Africa - Child Health Data
• Affinity Health - Provider Network Tool