Choosing the Most Practical Health Cover for Your Family

For families seeking complete medical insurance, combining day-to-day benefits with hospital protection brings peace of mind. Unexpected emergencies, routine check-ups, and children’s healthcare needs place unique demands on a household’s budget. South Africans increasingly choose combined health cover to efficiently manage both everyday and major medical costs.

What makes combined medical insurance valuable for families?

• Protection for both out-of-hospital and in-hospital events on a single policy.
• Predictable monthly premiums to help budget more effectively over time.
• Access to private care for GPs, basic dentistry, optometry, and hospitalisation if serious illness or injuries occur.

How combined plans differ from stand-alone options

Traditional plans separate day-to-day benefits (for routine care) and hospital-only benefits. Combined plans merge these under one structure, eliminating the need to juggle two sets of paperwork and providing streamlined support in times of need. With Affinity Health’s combined options, you can select cover optimised for family size and age, and benefits designed to address real South African healthcare scenarios.

Key benefits typically included

• Doctor visits, network optometry and basic dentistry
• Acute and chronic medication options
• Pre-authorised hospital admission for covered accidents or illness
• Maternity support, pathology, and certain preventative screenings
• 24/7 telephonic consultation with healthcare practitioners

Monthly premium ranges for families (2024)

See detailed, up-to-date premium examples for every family member on the official policy rates page.

Network access for your peace of mind

• Extensive provider network including top private hospitals and local GPs.
• Quick claim processing and network search tools for clinics and providers.
• Multiple plan groups available to suit different ages and household needs.

How to Evaluate Combined Cover for Your Household

Selecting the best solution isn’t just about price. Consider these practical points tailored to real-life South African family scenarios.

Steps to compare and select

1. Determine the number and ages of family members to be covered.
2. Weigh expected day-to-day use (child visits, GP care, chronic medication) against risk of major hospital events.
3. Compare benefit details, such as annual limit for GP visits and dentistry, hospital event cover, maternity and wellness checks.
4. Review waiting periods for large claims and pre-existing condition limitations in the plan documentation.

Practical examples

• Families with young children benefit from generous GP and basic dentistry limits, as well as network optometry, all bundled with emergency hospital cover.
• Households caring for a parent over 55 can add Senior Combined Plan cover, ensuring everyone has the correct benefit mix.

Different plans are available by age group to match specific needs. For parents aged 18-54 and their children, review the Combined Plan details. For those over 55, see Senior Plan features. Junior cover is available for those under 18. Read more about options for children on the Junior Cover page.

What makes Affinity Health unique for families?

• Affordability is prioritised, with market-oriented premiums and plan selection by age.
• Nationwide, easy-to-access provider directories.
• Seamless integration of telephonic healthcare practitioner support throughout South Africa.

Summary Table: Who should consider combined plans?

Sources

• Plan premiums and eligibility - Affinity Health
• Combined Plan Details
• Junior Health Cover Options
• Senior Health Cover Overview
• Statistics South Africa: Health and Wellbeing Indicators
• South African National Department of Health