Healthcare in South Africa

Understand the healthcare system in South Africa from registering for health insurance to seeking medical treatment…

South Africa has a large public health care infrastructure and a small but growing private sector.

The majority of the country's population (80 percent) use the government-funded public health services under management of the Department of Health. While the public system is large, it is under-resourced and facilities are over-crowded with long waiting lists for services. Budget constraints mean that the public health service is focused on the provision of basic health care; a problem which is exacerbated in the poorer provinces.

All South African citizens and foreign residents are entitled to use the public health services.

The private health sector serves approximately 18 percent of South Africans, mainly middle to high-earners, and foreigners visiting for "medical tourism". The private sector is well-funded (being run largely commercially) and attracts top health professionals and specialists. Private health care expenses are paid for by affiliation to private medical insurance schemes.

Health Insurance

Currently South Africa has no national health insurance scheme. Private medical schemes are available either on an individual basis, or by group scheme with contributions shared by an employer and employee. They are regulated by the Medical Schemes Act. The cover provided depends on the package the insured opts for (from basic hospital plan to full cover); packages vary depending on the insurer.

South Africa has no reciprocal health insurance arrangements with other countries so foreign nationals must pay for any medical care received.

The Southern African Board of Healthcare Funders (BFH Global) publishes links to medical insurance providers: Click here

National Health Insurance

From 2012 South Africa will pilot a National Health Insurance (NHI) financing system. The intention is to improve the quality and accessibility of essential healthcare to all South Africans and foreign residents; hospitals and clinics will have to be of a certain standard to be affiliated. Contributions will be obligatory for people earning over a certain income.