Illness has terrible timing, it never makes an appointment, and it certainly does not check whether your GP is away on leave. Between Christmas and New Year, many doctors’ rooms close or work shorter hours, and that is often exactly when someone in the family wakes up with a fever, a sore throat or an upset stomach. Knowing which GP room is open and their operating hours during the holidays can save you a lot of stress.
Start with a phone call
As an Affinity Health member, you have unlimited access to our 24/7 telephonic hotline, where you can speak to a nurse, doctor or mental health professional at any hour, including public holidays. There is no waiting period on these consultations. The person on the line will listen to your symptoms, advise you on what to do next and tell you whether you need to see a doctor in person. For many small worries, one phone call is all it takes to put your mind at ease.
Find a network provider near where you are
If you do need to see a GP, the hotline can refer you to a doctor in the Affinity Health network. Before you leave on holiday, use the Find a Provider tool on our website or the Affinity App to see which GPs, hospitals, radiologists and pathologists are close to where you will be staying. It only takes a few minutes, and it means you will not have to search for help while someone you love is feeling ill.
Check your cover before you need it
The holidays are a good time to remind yourself what your plan includes. Some benefits need pre-authorisation before you receive treatment, such as a planned hospital stay, so please call us first whenever you can. Our team is available day and night to confirm your cover and guide you through the next steps.
Know when it is an emergency
Some situations cannot wait for a phone consultation. Chest pain, difficulty breathing, heavy bleeding, sudden weakness on one side of the body, or someone who has collapsed all need emergency help straight away. Use the free iER App to send an alert, and the 24/7 emergency centre will send help to your location anywhere in South Africa.
Save these numbers today
Before the festive rush begins, save 0861 11 00 33 and our WhatsApp number, 0861 11 3000, on your phone, and download both the Affinity App and the iER App. Share the numbers with your family too, so that anyone can reach help if you are not around.
Enjoy the break with peace of mind
Let’s be honest, your doctor has earned a holiday and so have you. With help available day and night, you can relax and enjoy the season, knowing that care is only a phone call away if anyone in your family needs it.
