Visa Regulations to study in South Africa

All international students must comply with the visa regulations as determined by the Immigration Act, Act 13 of 2002. 

Regulation 10(1) (i) states

An applicant for a study permit is required to provide:

• proof of medical cover with a medical scheme registered in terms of the Medical Schemes Act, 1998, …recognized in the Republic

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Each Higher Education institution interprets this requirement to mean that appropriate medical cover via a registered South African medical scheme is essential. This minimum basic cover as prescribed in the Medical Schemes Act, which can be obtained through very affordable medical scheme products specifically suited to the needs of international students, is the best way to minimise risk for both the university and student of liability for general medical costs.

 

 

1. Medical Aid Registration RequirementsAlthough you may, with some other foreign medical insurance products, secure a study visa from a South African diplomatic mission, universities in accordance with the spirit of the Immigration Act should only accept South African registered medical schemes for registration purposes. It is therefore recommended that you study the comparison of the proposed products on the attached links. You can also obtain further information by following the links provided and complete your application electronically once you have made your decision. Electronic payment facilities directly to the schemes are provided for your convenience. Should you require assistance, contact the official specialist intermediaries, appointed by IEASA to assist students, Absa Healthcare Consultants:international.students@absa.co.za Tel: (+27) 860 100 380 Fax: (+27) 11 467 8486. You may also submit your application via Absa Healthcare Consultants to the above email and fax, together with proof of payment (copy of deposit slip). They will then forward it to the relevant scheme.

2. Evidence needed for registration purposesFor registration, submit proof of full Medical Aid Cover with a South African registered medical aid scheme (no insurance products, from SA or abroad, are accepted) for each full academic calendar year (being from the first day of the month of registration until the last day of November). Study Abroad and Exchange Students must secure medical cover for the full duration of their stay. A minimum of six (6) months cover is provided by medical aid companies, no less. English Skills Students are required to purchase cover for the duration of six (6) months. Note that a medical scheme membership certificate is required when applying for a study permit. This will be provided to you within days after an electronic application is submitted.

3. Payment of Medical CoverIt is thus advisable that international students make the necessary financial arrangements for the medical aid cover prior to entry into South Africa. Should the student rely on sponsorship he/she should ensure that the sponsor is advised of this requirement at the onset of the sponsorship. Payment for the required medical aid cover is made directly to the Medical Aid Company, separately from the tuition fees.

4. ConsultationPlease note that ABSA Healthcare Consultants have been appointed as product specialists for the Higher Education sector. They have operated nationally as Healthcare Consultants to most Higher Education Institutions since 2011.Absa HCC will also be on campuses during scheduled times to assist students with any medical aid related queries – please confirm the consultation times with your institution’s international office.All membership cards can be collected during these consultation times. Any questions students might have with regard to their medical cover whilst in SA can also be dealt with during these visits.

5. Further Important NotesBlock release students – students are to submit proof of travel insurance for the full duration of their stay in South Africa. Should the student remain in South Africa for the continuation of the year, the student must purchase medical cover as stipulated in item 2 above. Students, whose stay in South Africa includes December, need to take the further month of cover. Degree seeking students doing in service training will be required to make payment for medical cover for the full duration of the stay in South Africa.

6. Factors to take into consideration when choosing medical schemes/options

   • Specific medical needs you might have (e.g. spectacles, chronic medication etc). Please consider what is offered by the different schemes

   • Compare the benefits by clicking on the link below

   • Proximity of network of providers (e.g. if a student will not have transport – is the provider within walking distance from residence?) The products offered generally offer network doctors in close proximity. You can change your selected doctor when you arrive on campus.

   • Cost of the option. The cost will be payable upfront for the duration of study, e.g. cost x 10 months

   • Services provided by the Scheme

7. Please note that no cash payments for medical schemes will be accepted on the university campuses.

8. Apply for medical aid membership online

    

   • Link for further information and application to: CompCare NetworX: http://www.studentplan.co.za/

   • Link for further information and application to: Momentum Health: http://www.ingwehealth.co.za/