Free Health Care in South Africa

Can I get Free Health Care in South Africa?

Public healthcare in South Africa is subsidized up to 40% of total costs; charges are based on your income and number of children. Visits to the doctor can cost around R55. However, waiting lists can be long, especially when it comes to seeing a specialist. There are plans to implement a National Health Insurance (NHI) scheme to provide more free services for all and improve the quality of public healthcare. However, estimates for funding this range from R165bn to R450bn. South Africa’s total healthcare spending in 2014 was 8.8% of GDP, which amounts to R16,957 per capita.

Who qualifies for free health care in South Africa?

All pregnant and breastfeeding women and children under the age of six are eligible for free health care services at public clinics or hospitals.

Does South Africa have a free health service?

However, South Africa does not have a system of universal healthcare. Instead, it has two parallel systems. A private healthcare system and a public healthcare system operate in tandem with one another. The majority of the public, up to 80% of the population, relies on the public system for their care.

Is primary health care free in South Africa?

Public primary health care (PHC) is provided through a nurse-based, doctor-supported infrastructure of over 3500 clinics and community health centres, available within 5 kms to more than 90% of the population, and free at the point of use.

How much does it cost to see a doctor in South Africa?

On average, South Africans can expect to pay R514 for a private GP visit. The pricing below is based on information obtained from one practice in each area.