Relocation

Medical aid: everything you need to know before your trip to South Africa

29 February, 2024

Planning a trip to South Africa? This vibrant country certainly offers a lot of fun experiences, but it’s vitally important to be well-informed about the healthcare system, particularly regarding medical aid. We’ve gathered all the necessary information for you to have not only fun but also a safe journey! Alternatively you can schedule a call with us and we will give you a detailed review of the insurance companies in South Africa and choose the one that works best for you.

South Africa has 2 sectors of healthcare: a State sector and a Private one.

The state (or public) sector is mostly state-funded, aiming to provide healthcare to the majority of the population. Unfortunately, it faces big challenges such as underfunding, lack of resources and high demand. All that affects the quality and accessibility of healthcare services. The private sector operates on an individual contribution model. People fund their healthcare through medical aid schemes or health insurance. Private healthcare is known for its quality but it has quite high costs, making it inaccessible for the majority of South Africans.

You do have the option of using the public healthcare services even when you are a foreign national, but we don’t recommend that. The public hospitals and clinics in South Africa are struggling under a lot of pressure and are unable to provide the same level of medical treatment that is normally accessible in other parts of the world. Our advice is: whether you are planning a short holiday in South Africa or relocating to this beautiful country, be sure to arrange your medical aid in advance. Contact us to get the best price.

We offer

Here’s a list of the most popular health insurance companies in South Africa:

  1. Discovery Health: Discovery Health is one of the largest and most well-known medical aid providers in South Africa. They offer a range of plans with various benefits, including wellness programs and discounts on gym memberships. For example “Vitality” — Discovery Health’s wellness program that encourages members to lead healthier lifestyles through rewards and discounts. Cost starts from R2075 per month.
  2. Bonitas: Bonitas is a reputable medical aid company with a history of providing comprehensive healthcare coverage. They offer a variety of plans catering to different needs and budgets. Bonitas focuses on flexibility, allowing members to change their plans to suit individual healthcare requirements. The average cost is R3228 per month.
  3. Medihelp: Medihelp is known for its individual approach and a broad variety of plan options. They provide extensive coverage, including chronic medication and maternity benefits. They also offer a unique “Hospital+” plan, which covers both in-hospital and out-of-hospital expenses. Their Students Plan starts from R894 per month.
  4. Fedhealth: Fedhealth is recognised for its innovative approach to medical aid. They offer a range of plans with additional benefits such as maternity programs, health assessments and chronic medicine cover. “The FlexiFED” option allows members to choose their preferred benefits, providing a customised healthcare solution. Cost starts from R2508 per month.

Please note that as a foreigner, most local health insurance companies will require you to have a current working, student or residency visa in addition to a valid passport and proof of address. If you do not hold any long-term visas, then International health insurance for travelers is your perfect option.

When choosing an international medical insurance provider, it’s essential to consider factors such as coverage options, flexibility, customer service, and the specific needs of the applicant. Here are some well-known international medical aid companies:

  1. Cigna Global Cigna Global offers a range of health insurance plans with extensive coverage, including staying in the hospital, maternity, mental health, and preventive services. They have a large network of healthcare providers, ensuring access to quality healthcare services from most places in the world. The price starts from R2809 per month.
  2. Allianz Care Allianz Care provides a variety of health insurance plans, including international health, travel, and expatriate insurance. Coverage includes both inpatient and outpatient services and emergency medical evacuation. Allianz Care offers flexible plans, allowing you to change coverage to your specific needs. R3352 per month for up to $2.5 million in coverage.
  3. GeoBlue GeoBlue specializes in international health insurance for expatriates, travelers, and international students. Their plans include comprehensive medical coverage, emergency evacuation and access to a global network of healthcare providers. It is the most pricey option with the cost of R8915 per month.

When selecting an international medical insurance company, it’s essential to thoroughly review policy details, exclusions and customer reviews to ensure that the chosen plan meets your needs and expectations. Whether you’re a temporary visitor or a long-term resident, investing in a suitable medical aid plan is a very important step towards a healthier and more secure time abroad. Our friendly, experienced team is always there to help you with arranging your health insurance and other essential things when travelling or relocating to South Africa. Enjoy your time in the land of milk and honey and stay healthy!