Expat Healthcare in South Africa

Located in the southernmost region of Africa, and encompassing a wide variety of languages and cultures, South Africa today is a developed country with a vibrant culture, environment and people. The economy of South Africa ranks the second-largest in Africa, and there are several urban centres with large cities. South Africa has also been maintaining significant regional influences in international affairs. The wildlife, beautiful natural scene and golden beaches have attracted millions of travellers and thousands of expats.

Healthcare in South Africa

Both public and private hospitals are available in most parts of South Africa. The public healthcare system in South Africa is meant to provide basic medical services. The hospitals are often overcrowded with patients and have long queues. It takes a long time to be seen by a specialist in most public hospitals. The public healthcare system also charges patients based on their income and number of dependents.

Private hospitals, however, offer high-quality health care and have been considered to exceed the standard of care in some European countries. There are two hundred private hospitals in total with many excellent doctors and nurses. These private medical facilities have excellent equipment and highly trained staff. They attract health tourists both inside and outside of Africa. Although the cost will be higher, the quality of private healthcare will satisfy expats. Check out our list of hospitals in Africa that often treat expatriate clients.

Why you Require International Health Insurance in South Africa? 

The cost of private medical care in South Africa is accelerating yearly. It is strongly suggested that expats in South Africa obtain comprehensive international health insurance including medical evacuation coverage before departure. If you expect the standard of medical care in Western countries, you will want to bring international health insurance with you. With an appropriate medical insurance plan, you and your family will be covered from full medical service to emergency plans.

If you are going for a short visit to South Africa, then it is advisable to purchase travel medical insurance for up to one year; If you are planning to work and live in South Africa, it is critical that you purchase international health insurance plan that will not only cover you in South Africa but globally as well.

Expat Financial offers several different international health insurance plans for expatriates of any nationality across the world. We also provide excellent service before and after you purchase your international health insurance plan. As a division of TFG Global Insurance Solutions Ltd, we are very experienced in sourcing group plans for multinational firms with expats in South Africa.  If you have questions about our international medical insurance plans or if you want to discuss your needs and produce a customized quote, please contact us or complete the quote form.