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South Africa Expat Health Insurance

The Republic of South Africa, also commonly referred to simply as South Africa is located in the southern tip of Africa. The country is divided into 9 provinces and has 3 capitals; Cape Town (legislative), Pretoria (Administrative) and Bloemfontein (Judicial). South Africa has 3000km of coastline fronting the Indian and Atlantic Oceans, and is bordered by Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe to the north, Mozambique and Swaziland to the east and enclaves Lesotho. South Africa is known for its long sunny days, and has a temperate climate with its main attractions in the categories of adventure, sport, nature and wildlife travel. Popular activities include swimming with sharks, surfing, diving, bungee jumping and hiking. Tourists can also undertake a variety of recreational pursuits and visit elephant sanctuaries, go on safari to view the ‘big five’ game (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard and rhinoceros), visit Table Top Mountain in Cape Town, or walk around Durban’s Botanical Gardens.

South Africa has achieved steady economic growth since the late 90’s. Tourism is one of the fastest growing sectors of the South African economy since the demise of apartheid, and given the adventurous nature and vast array of activities available, travelers are strongly advised to ensure appropriate expatriate travel and medical insurance is arranged which covers all the activities that travelers wish to undertake. Eleven languages are recognized as official by the constitution, and although English is the most commonly used language in public and in business, it is only the fifth most spoken home language. As the first African nation to host the FIFA Football World Cup, the Government spent a considerable amount on infrastructure, noting the social and economic benefits expected as a result of hosting.

South Africa Health Care and Insurance

The health service in South Africa is made up of a large public sector and a smaller, yet growing private sector. The public system services the majority of the population but as with public systems, is chronically underfunded and understaffed. The Government spends approximately 11 percent of its total budget on public health, which is allocated to the nine provinces comprising public health facilities of clinics, community health centers, regional and district hospitals. The Federal Department of Health determines the standards of health care, of which the provinces have responsibility for delivering, however the system faces a number of challenges, lacking adequate resources, dwindling public funding, and an exodus of professionals to the private sector.

Approximately 79 percent of the doctors in South Africa work in the private sector, which caters primarily to middle and high-income earners, who tend to have membership in medical schemes. Most resources are concentrated in this sector, which sees to the needs of approximately 20 percent of the population. Medical facilities are readily available in urban areas and in the vicinity of game parks, but may be limited elsewhere. Private medical facilities can be expensive and often upfront payment in cash is required. In rural areas medical facilities can be very basic, and in remote areas, air evacuation is sometimes the only option in medical emergencies. Expats and travelers to South Africa should therefore have comprehensive travel and medical insurance before starting their trip, including cover for medical evacuation.

The biggest public health concern facing South Africa and a major strain on an already burdened health system is the prevalence of HIV and AIDS. There is an average of approximately 1,000 deaths every day as a result of AIDS related complications. South Africa has been working under the guidelines of the World Health Organization (WHO) to distribute anti-retroviral treatment to HIV positive patients. In 2010, South Africa promised to treat all HIV positive children however are falling short of the recommendations for both adults and children, as only 37 percent of those considered in need of anti-retroviral treatment are receiving it. It is estimated that there are 5,300,000 adults over the age of 15 living with HIV in South Africa, which is approximately 17.8 percent of the adult population. In contrast to a global trend of steadily improving life expectancy, South Africa has seen a decline to below that of 1990 levels. The WHO notes that southern Africa is the only region in the world where this has occurred. Life expectancy for men is 52 years, down from 59 in 1990, and 54 years for women, down from 68 years in 1990, which is largely attributed to the country’s high HIV/AIDS infection rate.

South Africa Travel Insurance Concerns

Arranging expatriate health insurance in case of injury or illness while travelling in South Africa is recommended as is seeking medical advice prior to any travel to ensure that routine immunizations are up to date. Vaccinations recommended by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for South Africa are Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid and Rabies. A vaccine for Cholera is also recommended for those partaking in high risk activities such as humanitarian aid work and travelers with remote itineraries where there is limited access to safe water and medical care. One of the most common vaccine-preventable diseases contracted while travelling is Hepatitis A, with exposure to the virus occurring through food or water. Likewise, Typhoid is contracted through this means and therefore strict hygiene practices should be used, even if vaccinated. Bottled water should be consumed in place of tap water, however if bottled water is unavailable, then water should be treated prior to use. The Hepatitis B virus can be transmitted through infected blood or body fluids, and is recommended in the event travelers might be exposed through medical treatment or via risky behavior such as unprotected sexual contact or needle-sharing.

Rabies is reportedly common in South Africa, of which the main carriers are dogs which transmit the virus via saliva, most often through biting or a lick to an open wound. Children are at greater risk due to being more likely to have contact with animals, and less likely to report a bite or lick. A pre-exposure vaccine is available. There is also a risk of malaria in the northeastern KwaZulu-Natal Province, Limpopo (Northern) Province and Mpumalnaga Province. It is also present in Kruger National Park. Preventative measures are recommended, such as applying insect repellent regularly, covering exposed skin, spraying rooms with bug-spray and using mosquito-nets treated with Permethrin when sleeping. The CDC also advises taking a prescription anti-malarial drug. There is also a certificate requirement for travelers to prove they’ve been vaccinated for yellow fever if arriving from a country that poses the risk of transmission. This also applies where countries with the risk of yellow fever have been visited on route to South Africa.

Travel advisories note vigilance is required with regard to personal safety due to the risk of violent crime. Most cases of violent crime occur in the townships rather than in the main tourist areas, therefore if visiting townships is on ones itinerary, a reliable tour guide should be consulted. Petty theft such as pick-pocketing and passport theft is common, especially in airports. ‘Smash and grab’ scenarios are also common, and extra precautions should be taken when driving at night to minimize the risk of car-jacking. Care should also be taken when visiting South Africa’s expansive coastline. Several shark attacks have occurred, the latest in 2010, with some attacks being fatal. Authorities sound a warning siren to notify swimmers when a shark is spotted close to the coast, but swimmers should also be cautious when swimming in the ocean, as death by drowning occurs every year. Advisories also note that comprehensive South African travel and medical insurance should be taken out to help cover any unexpected costs such as medical bills or stolen belongings.

South Africa Expat Health Insurance

The private sector delivers health services comparable to western standards and good medical care is available in urban areas, however health care services can be limited in rural South Africa. Expat health insurance can cover you for treatment at private medical facilities, which can be expensive and usually expect payment in advance. In remote areas air evacuation is often the only option for medical emergencies, therefore expats and those travelling to South Africa are recommended to purchase South Africa expat health insurance which includes air evacuation. International medical and travel insurance policies can be used worldwide, providing coverage wherever you may travel. Global Health Insurance has various medical insurance plans available for both long and short-term travel, and policies can be tailored to meet your specific needs, whether travelling to South Africa or any other destination. Policies are transferable globally and can include emergency evacuation and repatriation, inpatient services, doctor consultations, medication, specialist care, maternity, dental coverage and many more. To ensure a medical emergency does not become your financial burden contact one of our insurance experts for guidance on the right expat health insurance package for you and your family. You'll receive friendly and helpful advice at no cost.