Private Healthcare System in RSA

Vlasta Peyerlová 

Now let's talk about private healthcare in RSA. As a tourist, you'll likely use these services. This type of healthcare is covered by private health insurance.

Unlike public healthcare, the private sector doesn't have to rely on funding from the government, which is, I dare to say, very poor. Furthermore, it isn't so horribly understaffed; in fact, 80% of doctors work privately. In terms of quality, the care is on par with Western European countries. You can choose from a number of specialists.

On the other hand, though the care provided is clearly superior and there are much more folk working here, only around 20% of the population uses this sector. It's due to the high prices, which may be too much for many South Africans.

This ties into my last point: RSA's private sector is often criticized for being too expensive and monopolized by a few but huge companies (like Netcare and Mediclinic, the two biggest companies from the private sector). Subsequently, the government is trying to solve this by implementing the NHI (National Health Insurance Bill), which should ensure that everyone, no matter their socioeconomic situation, will have access to quality healthcare. The idea is nice, but will it succeed? Who knows...