Does having ABSA HCC as intermediary cost the student anything?
No, intermediary fees are highly regulated in South Africa and form part of the contribution set out by the medical scheme. This means that the commission paid to ABSA HCC (not the specific consultant) already forms part of your contribution and it will not decrease if you do not make use of the service.
ABSA HCC also has a national footprint, which means in some areas where the medical aid cannot provide service, the university/students’ ABSA HCC will be available to assist students.