South Africa’s healthcare system is composed of both public and private healthcare systems. The public healthcare system is called the National Health Insurance (NHI) and is funded by the government. It is available to all South African citizens and permanent residents, and foreigners are allowed to use the public healthcare system in South Africa. However, the public healthcare system is not typically used by foreigners, as it is not as comprehensive as private healthcare. People generally do not recommend using public hospitals for serious medical emergencies and major surgery, as the quality of care is not as high as private hospitals. Public hospitals in South Africa are often overcrowded and understaffed, and the quality of care can be inconsistent.
South Africa’s Private Healthcare System
South Africa’s private healthcare system is more comprehensive and of higher quality than the public system. Private healthcare is more expensive than public healthcare, but it is often the preferred option for expats and digital nomads. Private hospitals in South Africa are well-equipped and staffed, and they provide a higher quality of care than public hospitals. People generally recommend using private hospitals for serious medical emergencies and major surgery, as the quality of care is much higher.
South Africa’s Top Hospitals
Some of the most well-known hospitals in South Africa include:
- Netcare Milpark Hospital (private, Johannesburg)
- Netcare Garden City Clinic (private, Johannesburg)
- Netcare Sunninghill Hospital (private, Johannesburg)
- Netcare Waterfall City Hospital (private, Johannesburg)
- Netcare Blaauwberg Hospital (private, Cape Town)
- Netcare Christiaan Barnard Memorial Hospital (private, Cape Town)
- Netcare N1 City Hospital (private, Cape Town)
- Netcare St Augustine’s Hospital (private, Durban)
- Netcare Umhlanga Hospital (private, Durban)
- Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital (public, Johannesburg)
- Tygerberg Hospital (public, Cape Town)
- King Edward VIII Hospital (public, Durban)
Health Insurance Companies in South Africa
The most popular private health insurers in South Africa are Discovery Health, Momentum Health, and Bonitas Medical Fund. These companies provide comprehensive health insurance plans for individuals, families, and businesses. Expats and digital nomads typically use these companies, rather than specialized expat health insurance providers.
Insider Tips from Expats in South Africa: How to Navigate the Health System
“I’ve lived in South Africa for a few years, and I can tell you that it’s definitely possible to live on $3,000 a month, but you’ll have to make some sacrifices and choose your location wisely. For example, living in upscale neighborhoods in cities like Cape Town or Johannesburg, such as Camps Bay or Sandton, would be too expensive for your budget. Rent, dining out, and entertainment costs in these areas can be quite high. On the other hand, you can find more affordable options in smaller cities or towns, like Port Elizabeth or Durban. These cities still offer modern amenities, but the cost of living is generally lower. You might have to downsize your living space, cook more meals at home, and limit your entertainment expenses, but it’s doable. Another option is to look for more affordable neighborhoods within the larger cities. For example, in Cape Town, you could consider living in areas like Observatory or Woodstock, which are more budget-friendly but still offer a decent quality of life. In summary, living on $3,000 a month in South Africa is possible, but you’ll need to be mindful of your spending and choose your location carefully,” said one expat living in South Africa.
“South Africa has a well-developed healthcare system, with both public and private medical services available. The public healthcare system is largely funded by the government and provides free or low-cost medical services to citizens. Private medical services are also available, offering a higher standard of care and more specialized services. South Africa has a wide range of medical professionals, including doctors, nurses, and specialists, as well as a number of hospitals and clinics. The country also has a number of medical research centers and universities that offer medical degrees,” commented one member living in South Africa.
