Visa Regulations for study in South Africa
All
international students taking up studies in South Africa must comply with the
visa regulations in the Immigration Act (Act No. 13 0f 2002).
Regulation
10(1)(h) stipulates that:
An applicant for a study permit
shall submit:
(h) Proof of medical cover with
a medical scheme registered in terms of the Medical Schemes Act, 1998 (Act
No. 131 of 1998) or other medical insurance cover recognised in the Republic.
CUT
Bloemfontein’s interpretation of this regulation is that all international
students wishing to take up studies in South Africa must be in possession of
appropriate medical cover with a registered South African medical scheme for
the duration of their studies. This
minimum basic cover as prescribed in the Medical Schemes Act can be obtained
through very affordable medical scheme products, that are specifically suited
to the needs of international students and which minimise the university’s or a
student’s liability for general medical costs.
Although some foreign medical
insurance products are acceptable to some South African embassies or diplomatic
missions abroad for purposes of securing a study visa, in accordance with the
Immigration Act; for academic registration the CUT Bloemfontein only accepts
proof of medical cover with a South African registered medical scheme
In this regard, CUT Bloemfontein has
appointed Absa Healthcare Consultants (ABSA HCC) who are specialist health
cover intermediaries, to assist international students with obtaining
appropriate medical cover. Students can contact ABSA HCC for further guidance
on the process using the following contact details:
Elmarie Olwagen: +27 (0)51 4010651
(ABSA HEALTHCARE BLOEMFONTEIN)
Or
E-mail: international.students@absa.co.za
Tel: +27 (0) 860 100 380
Fax: +27 (0) 11 467 8486
Prior to submitting your application
CUT Bloemfontein recommends that students carefully study the proposed medical
cover products below. You can also obtain further information by following
these links and completing your application electronically once you have made
your decision.
Comp care Networx: http://www.compcare.co.za/TheScheme/Networx.aspx
Momentum (Ingwe Option): http://www.momentum.co.za
Electronic payment facilities
directly to the schemes are provided for your convenience. Once an application
for medical cover has been submitted proof of payment (copy of deposit slip)
should be forwarded to ABSA HCC who will then forward it to the relevant scheme
on your behalf.
1.
Requirements for
international student’s registration at CUT Bloemfontein
Prior to academic registration at
UCT, all international students must pre-register with the CUT Bloemfontein’s
Registration Office. For pre-registration purposes, CUT requires proof of a valid study permit, proof of payment of
fees for the academic year and full medical aid cover with a South African
registered medical aid scheme for the
academic calendar year (being from the first day of the month of
registration until the last day of November).
2.
Payment of
medical cover
It 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
must be made directly to the medical aid scheme.
3.
Consultation
ABSA Healthcare Consultants currently
operate nationally as healthcare consultants to most South African higher education
institutions. ABSA HCC or representatives of the selected medical schemes will
be on campus during scheduled times throughout the academic year to assist
students with any medical aid related queries. Please confirm the consultation
times with CUT Bloemfontein. Membership cards can be collected during these
consultation times. Any questions
students might have with regard to their medical cover whilst in South Africa
can also be dealt with during these visits. A training session will be
facilitated during pre-registration in February on all aspects of medical aid
cover.
4. Further important notes
Students taking modular programmes are not required to
submit proof of medical insurance for pre-registration with the CUT
Registration Office, however, should such students remain in South Africa for
the continuation of the year, they will be required to purchase medical cover
as stipulated above. Full degree students must obtain medical cover for the
full duration of study while resident in South Africa.
5.
Factors to take into consideration when comparing /
selecting medical schemes/options
i)
Your
specific medical needs e.g. spectacles, chronic medication, dentistry etc :
please consider the benefits in this regard at the different schemes
ii)
The
cost payable per month - the cost will be payable upfront for the duration of
study, e.g. cost x 10 months
iii)
Benefits
offered - please compare the benefits as summarized below
iv)
Proximity
of network of providers (e.g. is your provider accessible or within walking
distance from your residence?) The products offered generally offer network
doctors in close proximity.
2012 BENEFITS
|
COMPCARE
|
MOMENTUM
|
OPTION
|
NETWORX
|
INGWE
|
HOSPITAL
BENEFITS
|
|
|
Network
|
NO
|
NO
|
Limit (non-PMB)
|
R265 000
|
R900 000
|
Other
|
7 Day take out medication
|
7 Day take out medication
|
Specialised Radiology (MRI & CT scans)
|
Subject to scheme approval & protocols
|
Subject to scheme approval & protocols
|
DAY TO DAY BENEFITS
|
|
|
Network
|
COMPCARE NETWORK
|
CARECROSS & PRIMECURE
|
GP consultations
|
Unlimited GP visits
|
Unlimited GP visits
|
Prescribed medication
|
Unlimited at network GP subject to formulary
|
Unlimited at network GP subject to formulary
|
Pathology (Blood tests)
|
Network provider subject to specific list
|
Network provider subject to specific list
|
Radiology (x-rays)
|
Network provider subject to specific list
|
Network provider subject to specific list
|
Flexi Benefit
|
R2 120
|
|
Dentistry
|
Payable from Flexi Benefit
|
Basic dentistry at Network provider and protocols
|
Specialist consultations
|
Payable from Flexi Benefit
|
1 consultation
per year subject to referral, pre-auth and 10% co-pay maximum of R700.
|
Casualty benefit
|
Payable from Flexi Benefit
|
1 visit per year, limited to R770 with 20% co-pay
|
Optometry (2 year cycle - including eye test)
|
Payable from Flexi Benefit
|
Subject to network provider and specific range of frames
and lenses
|
Out of network visits
|
2 consultations per year - pay upfront and claim back to
maximum of R800 per event - refunded at 80 %
|
1 consultation per year - pay upfront and claim back to
maximum of R730 per event - refunded at 80 %
|
CONTRIBUTION
|
R 318 per
month
|
R 329 per
month
|
|
|
|