Expatriate health insurance in South Africa | Mondassur
We've put together a few tips to help you prepare for your move to South Africa and get to grips with everyday life there.
South Africa is a cosmopolitan country par excellence, with around 57 million inhabitants. Indeed, many expatriate communities reside here, including expatriates from African and Western European countries. We’ve put together everything you need to know to prepare for your move to Africa. In this way, you’ll get a good feel for your future daily life on site.
South Africa is a welcoming country, rich in opportunities. However, medical infrastructures are not always sufficiently developed. The costs of private medicine in international facilities can therefore be very high. We strongly advise you to purchase expatriate health insurance in South Africa before you leave, to protect against the risks.
Our insurance offers for expatriates in South Africa
Expatriate insurance South Africa Gold Nomad Expat
Our policy with good levels of cover, suitable for your expatriation to South Africa.
From
74€
- Worldwide coverage
- Maximum age: 65
- Covers up to 100% of routine medical care
- 100% hospitalization coverage
- Up to €500,000 per year
- Maternity coverage up to €4,500
- Covers pre-existing conditions
- Coverage of pharmaceutical costs
- Repatriation assistance
- Civil liability
- Individual protection
Expatriate Insurance South Africa Gold Expat Access
Economical international health insurance tailored to your expatriation plans.
From
93€
- Worldwide coverage
- Minimum age: 14
- Maximum age: 65
- Covers 80% of routine medical care
- 100% hospitalization coverage
- Up to €750,000 per year
- Maternity coverage up to €4,500
- Coverage of assisted reproduction up to €500
- Covers pre-existing conditions
- Coverage of pharmaceutical costs
- Free choice of practitioners and hospitals abroad
- Optional dental and optical care
- Optional repatriation assistance
- Optional third-party liability
Expatriate insurance South Africa Gold Expat Safe
Health insurance with a good cover/price ratio. It offers effective cover against accident and illness.
From
107€
- Worldwide coverage
- Minimum age: 14
- Maximum age: 65
- Covers 90% of common medicine
- 100% hospitalization coverage
- Up to €1,000,000 per year
- Maternity coverage up to €4,500
- Coverage of assisted reproduction up to €1,000
- Covers pre-existing conditions
- Coverage of pharmaceutical costs
- Optional dental and optical care
- Maternity plus option
- Prevention and well-being as an option
- Optional repatriation assistance
- Optional third-party liability
Expatriate insurance South Africa Gold Expat Premium
Our most comprehensive expatriate health insurance, tailored to your expatriation in South Africa.
From
138€
- Worldwide coverage
- Minimum age: 14
- Maximum age: 65
- Covers up to 100% of routine medical care
- 100% hospitalization coverage
- Up to €1,500,000 per year
- Maternity coverage up to €6,000
- Coverage of assisted reproduction up to €1,500
- Covers pre-existing conditions
- Coverage of pharmaceutical costs
- Optional dental and optical care
- Maternity plus option
- Prevention and well-being as an option
- Optional repatriation assistance
- Optional third-party liability
Any questions? Need advice?
Some figures on health insurance in South Africa
| Number of public hospitals | 422 |
| Number of private hospitals | 215 |
| Number of doctors per 1,000 inhabitants | 0,8 |
These figures illustrate the challenges and opportunities facing South Africa’s healthcare sector. The high number of public hospitals is testimony to the government’s commitment to providing accessible healthcare. By contrast, private hospitals generally offer better quality of care and shorter waiting times. This attracts expatriates as well as wealthier residents, such as doctors (nearly 40% of general practitioners are in private practice). Mondassur recommends that you take out expatriate health insurance in South Africa to be covered in the rainbow nation.
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Health insurance in South Africa is a crucial aspect for expatriates. The South African healthcare system is therefore divided into two sectors: public and private. The public sector, although accessible, often suffers from under-funding and long waiting times. Conversely, the private sector offers high-quality services at much higher costs. Understanding these differences is essential to choosing the coverage best suited to your needs.
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Public health insurance
The public health insurance system in South Africa is managed by 2 social systems. Firstly, the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) and also the National Health Insurance (NHI). SASSA provides a variety of social benefits, while NHI aims to offer universal coverage to all residents. While these initiatives are promising, the quality of coverage can vary. Most services are free or very low-cost. However, waiting times can be long and the quality of care uneven. Short-stay expatriates are generally not eligible, as only permanent residents are. Public services are financed mainly by taxes and compulsory contributions. However, demand often exceeds system capacity, leading to significant challenges in care delivery.
Private health insurance
Private health insurance in South Africa operates differently from public insurance. Private insurance policies offer high-quality coverage and access to first-class care facilities. This option is particularly popular with expatriates because of the speed and reliability of our services. However, costs are significantly higher than in the public system. Waiting times are generally short, and most private insurers cover a wide range of medical services, including specialized care. Private insurance generally requires payment of medical expenses in advance, followed by reimbursement by the insurer. Mondassur recommends that you take out private health insurance to ensure that your expatriation goes smoothly.
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In South Africa, healthcare facilities vary widely between the public and private sectors. Public hospitals are numerous but often overcrowded. As a result, the time it takes to take charge of a project is prolonged. Private establishments, on the other hand, offer high-quality care with advanced medical technologies and renowned specialists.
The ratio of care centers to population is therefore more favorable in the private sector. Access is faster and more efficient in terms of medical services. Expatriates therefore need to assess these differences to choose the health cover that best suits their needs.
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When relocating to South Africa, it’s essential to know the best cities to receive quality medical care. Johannesburg, the country’s largest city, boasts many top-class hospitals and clinics. These include the Netcare Milpark Hospital and the Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital, Africa’s largest hospital. Cape Town is also renowned for its modern medical facilities, such as Groote Schuur Hospital and Cape Town Mediclinic. Durban, with its first-class care facilities such as Netcare St Augustine’s Hospital, offers a full range of medical services. Pretoria and Port Elizabeth also have a good medical infrastructure.
Therefore, to purchase health insurance in South Africa gives you access to these quality healthcare facilities, with fast turnaround times. So it’s important to check the proximity and quality of care in the city where you plan to live. Indeed, this can have a significant impact on your well-being.
Choosing health insurance for South Africa
In the event of an emergency in South Africa, you should know the emergency numbers to call:
- 10177 is the general emergency number used to call an ambulance.
- Le 112 in case of emergency from a cell phone.
- Le 10111 is the number to call the police.
These numbers are essential for rapid assistance in the event of an accident, serious medical problem or immediate danger. Make sure these numbers are easily accessible and known to all members of your family.
Health care costs in South Africa
The cost of healthcare services in South Africa can vary widely between the public and private sectors:
- A visit to the doctor is free or low-cost in the public sector, while in the private sector it costs ZAR 350 to 700 (between €18 and €36).
- The medicines are available in pharmacies, with prices varying according to whether they are generic or branded.
- A hospitalization in the public sector is heavily subsidized, whereas in the private sector it can cost between ZAR 1.200 and 2.000 (€60 and €100) per day.
- A delivery in a private hospital will cost between ZAR 20.000 and ZAR 50.000 (between €1,000 and €2,500).
- Visit dental care costs between ZAR 500 and ZAR 1.500 (between €25 and €75).
- Visit optical care can cost up to 1.200 ZAR (around €60).
Taking out health insurance to cover these expenses is recommended to avoid significant health costs. Mondassur offers expatriate health insurance in South Africa to suit all your needs!
Repatriation insurance for South Africa
For expatriates in South Africa, repatriation insurance is crucial in the event of serious illness. This insurance covers the cost of medical transportation to your home country, which can be extremely expensive without adequate coverage. In the event of a complex medical situation requiring specialized treatment not available locally, our insurance for your destination guarantees repatriation to an appropriate facility. So it’s essential to choose an insurance policy that includes repatriation for peace of mind. With repatriation insurance, you’ll be taken care of in extreme emergencies. At Mondassur, we offer insurance policies tailored to the needs of expatriates. This includes repatriation options to ensure the safety of you and your family.
South Africa: take stock of your vaccinations
Before you leave for South Africa, make sure your vaccinations are up to date. Whether you’re going on a classic expatriation or a humanitarian mission, you should take note of these recommendations. There is one compulsory vaccination, against yellow fever, only if you come from a country where this disease is endemic. If you’re wondering what vaccinations to have before you leave, here are the recommended ones:
- Hepatitis A and B
- Typhoid
- Rabies (especially for rural areas)
- Tetanus, Diphtheria, Poliomyelitis (TDP)
You should therefore consult your doctor several weeks before departure to obtain the necessary vaccinations and personalized advice. So it’s essential to take out suitable insurance with Mondassur before moving to South Africa. Your health and that of your family will be protected.
Choose Mondassur for your expatriate health insurance South Africa!
Why take out expatriate insurance?
Buying expatriate health insurance in South Africa is crucial. This is important no matter where you want to expatriate to in Africa. The public and private systems differ significantly in terms of both cost and quality of care. Expatriate health insurance gives you access to the best private medical care without the worry of exorbitant fees. In the event of hospitalization, accident or illness, you’ll have access to fast, high-quality care that is often unavailable in the public sector. What’s more, expatriate insurance offers comprehensive coverage, including consultations, hospitalization, medication and even medical evacuation if necessary. With Mondassur, you can enjoy the peace of mind you need to make the most of your life in South Africa.
South Africa, like many countries, is confronted with various diseases and infections that can affect expatriates. Here is an overview of the main diseases to be aware of:
- HIV/AIDS
- Tuberculosis
- Malaria
- Cholera
- Malaria
- The Flu
- Measles
Quick and easy subscription
Applying for expatriate health insurance with Mondassur is quick and easy. We’ve optimized our platform so that you can get a personalized quote in just a few minutes. By filling in an online form with basic information about your situation and needs, you’ll immediately receive tailored proposals. Our team of brokers is also available by phone or e-mail to help you choose the best option and answer any questions you may have. Once you’ve made your choice, you can subscribe online, without any unnecessary paperwork. We’re committed to making the process as smooth as possible, so you can focus on your new life in South Africa.
A wide choice of warranties
With Mondassur, you have access to a wide choice of coverage tailored to your specific needs. Our plans include comprehensive coverage for medical consultations, hospitalization, dental and optical care. We also offer options for specific types of care, such as provident care, wellness and third-party liability. Our offers are flexible and customizable, allowing you to select the cover that best suits your situation and budget.
A wide choice of warranties
For complete coverage in South Africa, explore our other insurance offers:
- South Africa travel insurance to enjoy safaris without worrying about your health!
- Student insurance in South Africa for worry-free study!
You can also see all our offers in South Africa. When you choose Mondassur, you choose security, reliability and quality for your health insurance in South Africa. Our solutions are designed to meet the needs of expatriates and offer you comprehensive protection tailored to your lifestyle.
