Orlando Harmon
International students in South Africa are required to have medical insurance. This is a mandatory requirement for registration at South African universities and for obtaining a visa. There are various options for medical insurance for international students in South Africa, including the Atlas Travel plan, the Student Health Advantage plan, and the Patriot Travel plan. The cost of these plans varies, with some offering the ability to choose a deductible and coverage amount. One popular option is the Momentum Medical Scheme's Ingwe Option, which offers unlimited access to any private hospital in South Africa for R589 per month. Other options include the Umbono Plus option from CompCare, which offers essential cover for in-and-out of hospital services, and the HealthSaver account from Momentum, which allows students to save for medical expenses.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| International student insurance options | Atlas Travel plan, Patriot Travel plan, Student Health Advantage plan, Student Secure plan, Umbono Plus option from CompCare |
| Atlas Travel plan coverage | Doctor visits, hospitalization, emergency medical evacuation, repatriation of remains, organized sports |
| Student Health Advantage plan | Can be applied for without parents' involvement |
| Momentum Medical Scheme's Ingwe Option | R589 per month |
| Momentum Health Solutions | Makes arrangements with family or loved ones to repatriate mortal remains |
| CompCare | Most affordable student option on the South African medical schemes market |
| Medical aid cover | Must be obtained before receiving international clearance from educational institution of choice |
| Medical aid fees | Not included in tuition fees; paid directly to the scheme and usually upfront for each year of study |
| Membership renewal | Must be done annually for the duration of studies |
| Coverage start date | Based on study visa period, not arrival date |
| Cancelling studies | Inform medical aid provider one month before cover starts to avoid unnecessary charges |
| Chronic medication | Subject to the Core Formulary list of medicines and a Formulary Reference Price (FRP) |
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What You'll Learn
International students' insurance plans
International students have a variety of insurance plans to choose from when studying in South Africa. It is compulsory for international students to have hospital and primary healthcare insurance before enrolment day at some educational institutions, such as IIE MSA.
Atlas Travel Plan
The Atlas Travel plan is a great option for international students in South Africa. It provides coverage for doctor visits, hospitalization, emergency medical evacuation, repatriation of remains, and organized sports. Students can also choose their own deductible and coverage amount.
Student Health Advantage Plan
The Student Health Advantage plan is recommended for students under 18 who are studying in South Africa. This plan can be applied for without parental involvement and offers coverage anywhere outside of the student's home country.
Momentum Health's Ingwe Option
Momentum Health's Ingwe Option is a popular and affordable student healthcare cover solution in South Africa. For R589 per month, students can get unlimited access to any private hospital in South Africa, as well as comprehensive day-to-day benefits such as doctor and specialist visits, prescribed medication, and more.
CompCare's Umbono Plus Option
CompCare's Umbono Plus option is specifically designed for students and offers essential cover within a contracted provider network for in-and-out of hospital services. This plan includes unlimited essential care, specialist consultations, and more.
Patriot Travel Plan
The Patriot Travel plan is ideal for international students traveling outside of their home country.
International students can also explore other insurance providers such as ISI, which offers comprehensive and affordable health insurance plans starting at $29/month, tailored to meet the requirements of the student's school and country.
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Local students' insurance plans
Local Students Insurance Plans
Local students in South Africa have several insurance plan options available to them. One popular option is the Momentum Medical Scheme's Ingwe Option, which offers full medical cover to students. For R589 per month, students have unlimited access to any private hospital in South Africa, as well as day-to-day benefits such as doctors' visits, specialists, dentists, and prescribed medication. The scheme also includes a wellness rewards programme called Momentum Multiply, which rewards students for taking steps towards a healthier lifestyle.
Another option for local students is the CompCare Umbono Plus plan, which offers essential cover for in-hospital and out-of-hospital services within a contracted provider network. This plan includes unlimited essential care, specialist consultations, and acute medication, subject to referral from a Universal Care Network GP.
It is important for local students to ensure that their chosen insurance plan is accepted by their academic institution and registered with the Council for Medical Schemes in South Africa. Payment for medical aid is typically made directly to the scheme and is separate from tuition fees, with most plans requiring upfront payment for each year of study. Students should also be aware that their medical cover begins based on their study visa period, not their arrival date, and they must renew their membership annually.
In addition to the above, local students can also consider the HealthSaver account by Momentum. This is not a medical scheme but a product that allows students to save for medical expenses, such as vitamins, cosmetic surgery, and more. Students may also choose to enhance their medical aid by adding on additional products offered by Momentum, such as Momentum Multiply.
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Registration and visa requirements
International students in South Africa are required to have medical insurance. This is a prerequisite for registration at South African universities and for obtaining a visa. The specific requirements vary depending on the university and visa type, but here are some general guidelines:
- It is advisable to arrange for medical insurance before arriving in South Africa. This helps to ensure compliance with registration and visa requirements and avoids any delays or stress.
- The medical insurance must be obtained through a registered South African medical scheme. Foreign medical insurance products are generally not accepted by universities or for visa purposes.
- The insurance should cover the entire period of your stay in South Africa. For example, CPUT requires proof of full medical aid cover for each full academic calendar year, while Study Abroad and Exchange students must secure medical cover for the full duration of their stay.
- The chosen medical scheme must be accepted by your academic institution. It is important to research different student medical insurance plans and their costs to find one that suits your budget and needs, as well as one that is recognised by your university.
- Payment for medical insurance is made directly to the insurance provider and is usually paid upfront for each year of study. It is a separate expense from your tuition fees, and you may need to renew your membership annually.
- Some universities, such as CPUT, require proof of medical insurance for registration purposes. This may include a medical scheme membership certificate.
- If your studies are sponsored, it is essential to inform your sponsor about the medical insurance requirements to ensure that you have seamless coverage.
- In addition to basic medical cover, you may want to consider a plan that offers access to specialist services such as dentistry and physiotherapy, as well as international travel emergency benefits.
- There are several recommended insurance providers for international students in South Africa, including Momentum Health, CompCare, and International Student Insurance. These providers offer plans tailored to the needs of students, such as the Umbono Plus option from CompCare and the Student Secure plan from International Student Insurance.
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Day-to-day medical care
Momentum Health's Student Options
Momentum Health offers comprehensive day-to-day benefits through their contracted network providers. This includes unlimited access to doctors, specialists, and dentists, as well as prescribed medication. Their Ingwe Option provides unlimited access to any private hospital in South Africa for R589 per month. Momentum Health's student options are popular, with over 18,000 students from 75 countries currently members.
CompCare's Umbono Plus
CompCare's Umbono Plus is specifically designed for students and offers essential cover within a contracted provider network for both in-and-out of hospital services. While specific pricing information is not available, it is marketed as the most affordable student option on the South African medical schemes market.
International Student Insurance Plans
For international students, there are several insurance plans that provide day-to-day medical care. The Atlas Travel plan covers doctor visits, and students can choose their own deductible and coverage amount. The Student Secure plan offers four levels of coverage, ranging from Smart to Elite, with outpatient medical coverage included in all levels.
Standard Bank's Medical Aid for International Students
Standard Bank offers guidance on medical aid for international students, recommending that they apply for medical aid as soon as possible and ensure they have a membership certificate for the entire academic year. They also advise students to research different student medical aid plans and their costs to find one that fits their budget and needs.
Expatica's Guide to Health Insurance in South Africa
Expatica provides valuable information for students seeking health insurance in South Africa. They highlight that health insurers often offer affordable plans for students up to their mid-20s, which can be beneficial for international students who are required to have medical aid for the duration of their studies. Additionally, Expatica mentions gap cover, which is like insurance for your medical aid, covering things like hospital shortfalls, outpatient procedures, and emergency care.
In summary, students in South Africa have a range of options for day-to-day medical care, with both local and international insurance providers offering comprehensive benefits to meet their health needs. It is important for students to research and choose a plan that best suits their individual requirements and budget.
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Specialist medical services
International students in South Africa can access specialist medical services by purchasing medical insurance. The cost of medical insurance for students in South Africa is not included in tuition fees and must be budgeted for separately. One option for students is the Momentum Medical Scheme's Ingwe Option, which costs R589 per month and provides unlimited access to any private hospital in South Africa. The Ingwe Option also covers everyday medical expenses such as doctor's visits and prescribed medication. Students can also access Momentum's Hello Doctor service, which allows them to talk to a doctor on the phone anytime, anywhere.
Another option for international students is the Atlas Travel plan, which provides coverage for doctor visits, hospitalization, emergency medical evacuation, repatriation of remains, and organized sports. Students who purchase this plan can also choose their own deductible and coverage amount. The Student Health Advantage plan is also recommended for international students, as it offers coverage outside of their home country.
It is important for students to research different student medical aid plans and their costs to find one that fits their budget and needs. Students should also ensure that their chosen medical aid scheme is accepted by their academic institution and is registered with the Council for Medical Schemes in South Africa. Additionally, students should have a medical aid membership certificate for the entire academic year to ensure uninterrupted access to healthcare.
Some academic institutions in South Africa, such as CPUT, only accept South African-registered medical schemes for registration purposes. Students planning to study at CPUT should carefully review the proposed products and complete their application electronically. ABSA Healthcare Consultants have been appointed as product specialists for CPUT and are available to assist students with any medical aid-related queries.
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Frequently asked questions
The cost of a student's medical insurance in South Africa varies depending on the plan chosen and the student's specific needs. Some plans offer unlimited private hospital access across South Africa, such as the Momentum Student Medical Aid Plan, which costs R589 per month. The Umbono Plus option from CompCare is another affordable option designed specifically for students, offering essential cover for in-and-out-of-hospital services.
It is important to consider your specific needs and budget. Different plans offer various benefits, such as access to specialist medical services like dentistry and physiotherapy, international travel emergency benefits, and day-to-day medical care. It is also essential to ensure that your chosen plan is accepted by your academic institution and registered with the Council for Medical Schemes in South Africa.
Payment for student medical insurance in South Africa is typically made directly to the medical aid company and is separate from tuition fees. The cost is usually payable upfront for each year of study. Some plans may offer the option to pay monthly.
Yes, international students must obtain medical aid cover from a South African-registered medical scheme before arriving in the country. This is a requirement for receiving an international clearance certificate from their chosen educational institution and for obtaining a study visa. It is advisable to research and choose a plan that suits your needs and budget, ensuring seamless coverage during your studies in South Africa.
