Traveling to South Africa? Everything you need to know about the healthcare system

How does the South African healthcare system work?

The local healthcare system operates through a public and a private system. The public system is subsidized by the government through taxes and tends to about 80% of the population. This system has many problems due to lack of staff and quality of care. Although the vast majority of the population is treated in the public system, only 20% of the professionals work in it.

How much a patient must pay depends on their income level and family size. Patients who have to pay the full cost are those who see a private doctor, are externally funded or are not South African citizens.  There are patients who must partially pay for health services and those who are fully funded, who tend to be those with lower incomes.

The private healthcare system is noted for its good quality and short waiting times. In the main cities, such as Cape Town and Johannesburg, they have the best doctors in the country, modern equipment and high quality care. 

How does the system work for foreigners?

By constitutional law, everyone has the right to health care in South Africa. Foreigners who travel for a short period of time and have travel insurance or international health insurance have the option of getting medical attention both in the public or private system. Those who are living permanently can also choose between the public or private system depending on their level of income.

If you are on vacation, you will be required to have private health insurance to be treated. For the best travel insurance and international health insurance with coverage in South Africa, go to InternationalHealth.com where you can compare, quote and purchase a wide variety of insurance plans fully online.

Remember that medical care in public health centers can be very slow and and low in terms of quality.

What do I do if I have an emergency in South Africa?

In case of any emergency, you can dial 112. There you will be redirected to the nearest emergency service.

If you need ambulance assistance, dial 10111 or 10177 directly.

Some health care providers provide their own ambulances. If you are affiliated with an insurance company that offers the service, call that number directly when you need an ambulance. The insurance will reimburse you for the entire service. If you call an alternative ambulance service, you will have to pay for it.

According to the local system, no one can be denied medical attention if they need it. However, if you do not have health insurance, you will be charged for the service according to your income level. That is why it is important to always travel with health insurance. 

How do pharmacies operate in South Africa?

At pharmacies nationwide you will find prescription and non-prescription drugs. Many pharmacies also sell hygiene and beauty products.

Medicines dispensed at primary health care facilities are free of charge even if you do not have health insurance.

When you enter the country, you are only allowed to have a one-month supply of any medication. Any amount that exceeds that must come with a certified prescription or a letter signed by a doctor.

In order to purchase prescription medication, you must present a prescription written by a local doctor. Medications that do not require a prescription can be purchased without a problem at any pharmacy. 

Entry Requirements

There are no restrictions for locals or tourists to enter South Africa due to the Covid-19 pandemic. It is important to check if your country of nationality requires a visa for entry.

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends a series of vaccinations before traveling to South Africa. These are: typhoid, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, yellow fever, rabies, and influenza.