If you’re a student, you’re probably juggling lectures, assignments, and maybe a part-time job to keep the lights on. Amidst the chaos, health might not be your top priority. But what happens when you’re suddenly hit with a medical emergency or need routine care? This is where having medical aid as a student becomes vital. But which one should you be on? There are so many options out there, after all. We’ve made it easy for you by outlining Profmed’s best medical aid plans for students and giving you the scoop on exactly what we cover so you can make the best decision for your health (and wallet).
What is Medical Aid?
Medical aid in South Africa offers financial protection against medical expenses for individuals who contribute to a monthly premium. These payments are made to various medical aid schemes, such as Profmed, where the funds are collectively managed and secured under a not-for-profit framework.
Members benefit from coverage for healthcare costs such as hospital stays, treatments, and medications, which align with their specific medical aid plan and the governing rules of their scheme. These regulations ensure equitable care for all members. The operations of all medical schemes in South Africa comply with the Medical Schemes Act 131 of 1998 and are under the oversight of the Council of Medical Schemes.
Why Students Should Be on Medical Aid
Healthcare costs can quickly spiral out of control, especially if you don’t have a steady income. A visit to the doctor, a prescription, or even a minor procedure can set you back a couple of thousand Rand – money you likely don’t just have lying around as a student.
Medical aid provides a safety net, ensuring you can access the care you need without worrying about hefty bills in case of an emergency or unexpected illness. Being on medical aid also encourages proactive healthcare. Regular check-ups and preventative measures can help catch potential issues early, ultimately saving you from more serious and costly treatments down the line.
Our Best Medical Aid Plans for Students
At Profmed we understand that your budget is limited, but that shouldn’t restrict you from accessing quality healthcare. We offer tailored medical aid plans to suit your student’s lifestyle and budget. Let’s take a closer look at some of the options available:
The ProSelect Savvy Plan
The ProSelect Savvy Plan is ideal for students who prioritise wellness without breaking the bank. In addition to covering hospitalisation and preventative care, this plan also has a day-to-day dentistry benefit which is in high demand for young adults. You have a wide range of network hospitals to choose from; however, if you land up in a non-network hospital, we’ll still cover your treatment – you will only be liable for a co-payment.
Here’s what else this medical aid plan covers:
- Hospitalisation
- Emergency Care
- Preventative Care
- Contraceptives
- Chronic medication
- Trauma, and HIV Assistance Programme
- Tums2Tots Baby and Toddler programme (Baby)
- Gender-Based Violence Support Programme
- International Travel Medical Assistance
- Healing@home provides medical treatment in the comfort of your home
- Profmed WellBeing, a benefit that supports you with mental health
We consider this to be one of our top medical aid plans for students, as it includes essential coverage for mental health, chronic conditions, preventative care, and sexual health, all at an affordable cost. If you’re seeking even more comprehensive coverage, we recommend our ProActive Plus Savvy Plan, another popular choice among students. You can learn more about the details of this plan here.
ProActive Plus Savvy Plan
The ProActive Plus & Savvy Plan is designed for students who want all the necessities with some added benefits to provide even more comprehensive coverage without breaking the bank. Should you need to be hospitalised, whether in an emergency or for a procedure, you can select from a network of trusted hospitals. You’re not required to make any deposits or co-payments to receive care in the hospital. You are also covered for pregnancy, maternity programs, MRI/CT scans out-of-hospital, and acute medications, which are not covered with the ProSelect Savvy Plan.
Here’s what else this medical aid plan covers:
- Hospitalisation
- Emergency Care
- Maternity Care
- Contraceptives
- Acute Medications
- Chronic medication
- Trauma, and HIV Assistance Programme
- Tums2Tots Baby and Toddler programme (Pregnancy)
- Gender-Based Violence Support Programme
- International Travel Medical Assistance
- Healing@home provides medical treatment in the comfort of your home
- Profmed WellBeing, a benefit that supports you with mental health
We recommend this medical aid plan for students who want even more comprehensive coverage along with maternity benefits in case you are thinking of starting a family in your later years at university, or in the event of an unplanned pregnancy. This remains one of our best plans for students as it still does not break the bank, but provides more than enough coverage for what you will need as you navigate the waters of becoming a young professional. You can learn more about this plan here.
Value-Added Benefits
We approach your health from a “whole person” perspective, and we understand that health is more nuanced than just being able to visit your doctor or dentist a few times a year. That’s why we offer members additional benefits that would be helpful to young students like you. You can learn more about the value-added benefits of each plan here.
The Takeaway
Taking care of your health as a student is essential for academic success and overall well-being. With Profmed’s range of medical aid plans, you can access quality healthcare without breaking the bank. We hope this guide on our best medical aid plans for students has helped make your decision easier! If you still have questions, don’t hesitate to contact one of our expert medical aid consultants or fill in this form and we will contact you!
