Medical Aid

Regulation 10(1) (i) determines the following:

** An applicant for a study permit is required to provide:

(i)*proof of medical cover with a medical scheme registered in terms of the Medical Schemes Act, 1998, recognized in the Republic* - full cover

In terms of the Immigration Act No. 13 of 2002 as Amended and its Regulations any prospective student to the Republic of South Africa, must provide proof of medical cover with a medical scheme registered in terms of the Medical Schemes Act, 1998 Act 131 of 1998.

Although you might be able to secure a study visa with other types of medical products, be they South African or otherwise, the University of the Free State only accepts South African Medical Aid products.

To comply with the regulations, the University requires a membership certificate as proof of full Medical Aid cover with a South African based medical aid scheme for the full calendar year, until 31 December of that year.

To avoid unnecessary complications, please make the necessary financial arrangements with the medical aid provider prior to your entry into South Africa. Should you rely on sponsorship, please ensure that you advise your sponsor of this requirement as soon as you get sponsorship or acceptance. The required medical aid cover fee must be paid directly to the Medical Aid Company, separate to that of the tuition fees. 

Students will not be able to register at the University, unless they can show a membership certificate as proof of a valid and comprehensive medical aid cover for the duration of the academic year (until 31 December). (Receipts that medical aid has been paid will not be accepted.)  Students who are members or dependents on a South African based parent/guardian/spousal/work medical aid are required to present a recent membership certificate for the annual registration. The membership certificate must reflect active membership for the current year.

No cancellation of medical aid without written communication from the Office for International Affairs, confirming the student's deregistration/completion status.

The following are medical aid companies with developed student focused products that are registered in terms of the Medical Schemes Act. They also offer the minimum benefits that a student may need whilst in South Africa. They are accepted by the Department of Health’s medical facilities.

• Momentum Health
• Protea Student Health Plan,
• BestMed Blue Print,
• Bonitas Boncap,
• Resolution Fundamental.
• Compcare

Please note that ABSA Healthcare Consultants have been appointed as (Office for International Affairs) product specialists. The above products are available but not exclusive and students are welcome to purchase any Medical Aid Product registered with the South African Medical Schemes Council (www.medicalschemes.com). ABSA however offers advice on verification of International Products and South African Products and students are encouraged to confirm the validity of the product prior to making payments. Kindly confirm with ABSA Healthcare if you wish to make use of your international or existing local coverage. The University of the Free State will not allow registration with unverified products.

Should you wish to apply for Medical Aid please contact ABSA HCC on the following number (+27 0860 100 380) or e-mail:

ABSA Consultants | Healthcare

Joseph Brown
T: +27 51 401 0780
F: +27 51 401 0808
E: joseph.brown@absa.co.za