Expats Talk about Health Insurance and Healthcare in Cape Town, South Africa
Last updated on Mar 09, 2023
Summary: The quality of medical care in Cape Town, South Africa is generally considered to be good, though it may not be on par with the medical care available in the United States. There are a number of hospitals and clinics in Cape Town, including Groote Schuur Hospital, Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital, Tygerberg Hospital, and Karl Bremer Hospital. Emergency services are available in Cape Town, and an ambulance can be called by dialing the emergency number, 112.
How are healthcare services Cape Town?
When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Cape Town, they replied:
"Cape Town, offers a diverse range of healthcare services to cater to the needs of its residents and visitors. The city is home to both public and private healthcare facilities, ensuring that individuals have access to medical care regardless of their financial status. Public hospitals and clinics provide essential healthcare services at low or no cost, while private hospitals and medical centers offer more specialized and advanced treatments. The healthcare system in Cape Town is known for its skilled and experienced medical professionals, many of whom have received international training. These professionals work in various fields, including general medicine, surgery, dentistry, and mental health services. Additionally, the city has several specialized facilities that focus on areas such as oncology, cardiology, and orthopedics. Cape Town also has a strong focus on preventative healthcare, with numerous clinics and organizations offering services such as vaccinations, health screenings, and family planning. The city's healthcare system is supported by a network of pharmacies, which provide prescription medications and over-the-counter remedies. Emergency medical services in Cape Town are well-equipped and responsive, with ambulances and paramedics available to attend to urgent medical situations. The city also has a number of medical helplines and emergency numbers that residents and visitors can call for assistance in case of a medical emergency. Overall, Cape Town's healthcare services are comprehensive and accessible, ensuring that individuals in the city have access to quality medical care when they need it," remarked one expat in Cape Town.
"I have insurance that covers hospital stays and some surgery. I also pay for "gap insurance", which pays most all of the shortfall in coverage for surgery. Result is that almost 100% of the costs were paid for the five major surgeries that we have had in the post 10 years," remarked one expat living in Cape Town.
What are medical services in Cape Town like?
Please login to continue reading this article.
Not a member? Join Today (it's free).
William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.
William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.
Get Quote
William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.
William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.
Get Quote
William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.
William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.
About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.
Additional Information:
- Expat Guide to Cape Town
- Healthcare & Health Insurance in Cape Town
- 7 Tips for Living in Cape Town
- Pros & Cons of Living in Cape Town
- Tips for Expats Driving in Cape Town
- Cost of Living in Cape Town
- Health Care in Cape Town
- Discovering the Best of Cape Town
- Healthcare & Health Insurance in South Africa
- Best Places to Live in South Africa
- Pros & Cons of Living in South Africa
- Do I need Health Insurance When Moving to South Africa?
- Pros and Cons of Living in South Africa 2024