Healthcare in South Africa

Healthcare in South Africa is a black and white affair, quite literally. A gargantuan gap exists between the private and public sector, and each respective system seems to cater to separate populations. The public healthcare system predominately serves lower-income individuals, which is still mostly made up of people of colour; and the private healthcare system is mainly utilised by the small middle-class and upper-class populations, which still largely consists of the white population.

It's strongly recommended expats take out private insurance, and opt for treatment in private facilities.

Contrary to popular belief, malaria is not a problem in South Africa (some instances may be encountered in the Kruger National Park) and no vaccinations are needed to enter the region (unless coming from a Yellow Fever destination). The drinking water is safe, but caution should be exercised in rural locations.

Though prevalence rates remain high for HIV/Aids, the virus is most prominent within the nation's large pockets of poverty; expats who take appropriate protective measures will not need to be concerned.

The public healthcare system in South Africa is plagued by a lack of resources and a lack of funding. The system is not universal, though in many cases, fees are nearly next to nothing.

The facilities, though often manned by highly-qualified professionals, are generally shocking. Expats will find minimal creature comforts, and will be much more likely to come across long queues, dingy exam rooms and overworked staff members.
 

It follows, that those who can afford it, opt for private healthcare in South Africa.

This system, contrary to its state-sponsored sister, is defined by excellence. Over 200 private hospitals and the majority of the nation's trained health professionals service the private sector and the small percentage of the population (estimated at 20 percent) that can foot the bill. Most cities, towns and villages have clinics, hospitals and General Practitioners.; though in the very rural areas it will be necessary to travel to the nearest centre to obtain appropriate treatment – never more than a two hour commute.

The standard of treatment, facilities and professionals is by far the most highly-regarded on the African continent, and in the opinion of many expats, on par with that of Europe. Foreigners are even starting to flock to South African institutions for affordable and reliable care.

That said, private healthcare in South Africa certainly comes at a price, especially for those making a South African salary.

Though it's possible to pay-as-you-go, and inconsistent and once-off general practitioner visits are equivalent to a mere insurance co-pay in many countries (~400 ZAR), medical costs can quickly add up and expats should organise some sort of private health insurance to protect against the hefty bills that accompany emergency situations or repeated consultations.

Expats can choose from an assortment of local health insurance providers or the standard international service providers.
 

Local providers offer a variety of schemes, and charge monthly premiums on a progressive scale according to your income (and of course, your package of choice). Nearly all local health insurance providers in South Africa require that claims be pre-authorised; a stipulation which makes it a more than just a good idea to make your health card a permanent fixture in your wallet.

Most providers offer a basic "In-Hospital Plan", which includes 100 percent hospital cover and ambulance transport, but may be limited to a list of private hospitals. This plan is mainly perceived by the population that uses it as an emergency plan, as it allows absolutely no coverage for, what is known as, "day-to-day expenses" in South Africa; a term which includes primary care doctor consultations and treatment, dental treatments, prescription medications, specialist consulations and treatment, etc.

Expats interested in obtaining coverage for "day-to-day expenses", should take time to compare and evaluate the different packages offered by some of the larger insurance providers, like Discovery, Momentum, Bonitas and Resolution Health. More recently, some service providers have started introducing incentives for individuals who uphold health living practices; including discounts on gym contracts, movie nights and grocery shopping.

Medicalaidcomparisons.co.za is a useful site for weighing the pros and cons of each.

Alternatively, expats may opt to use international insurance providers, like BUPA. That said, no need for emergency evacuation insurance is needed, as private South African facilities are up to speed.