Hospitals in South Africa – Expats and Travelers Guide

South Africa offers a mix of public and private healthcare options for expats. The private hospitals in major urban centers like Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban are generally well-equipped and provide high-quality care comparable to Western standards. 

Many expats choose private facilities for their modern infrastructure, shorter wait times, and English-speaking staff. However, the quality can vary significantly between urban and rural areas, with rural healthcare often being less developed.

In this Pacific Prime article, we’ll dive deep into everything you need to know about hospitals and healthcare in South Africa. From the bustling medical centers of Johannesburg to the cutting-edge facilities in Cape Town, we’ve got you covered with essential information. 

Start by Comparing
Insurance Plans Online

Browse and Compare 50,000+
International Health Plans

Compare NOW

The Best Hospitals in South Africa for Expats

South Africa boasts a robust healthcare infrastructure, with approximately 600 hospitals with the best ones including Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital, Kingsway Hospital, and Vincent Pallotti Hospital. Of these 600, roughly 400 are public hospitals, whereas 200 are private institutions. 

For expats and international visitors, South Africa’s private hospitals are often the preferred choice. These facilities typically offer a higher standard of care, shorter waiting times, and more comfortable amenities. 

Furthermore, South Africa’s private hospitals are generally better equipped with state-of-the-art medical technology and often have a higher ratio of staff to patients. However, accessing private healthcare usually requires comprehensive health insurance or out-of-pocket payments. 

All in all, we recommend expats secure international health insurance plans that cover treatment in South Africa’s private hospitals, ensuring you can receive top-tier medical care when needed.

List of the Best Hospitals in South Africa for Expats

Fortunately, several hospitals in South Africa are highly recommended for expats. With that in mind, we’ve compiled a list of hospitals that are particularly well-suited to meet the needs of those from abroad living in the country.

Hospitals in Gauteng

While several of the top healthcare facilities are based in Johannesburg, high-quality hospitals can also be found throughout the Gauteng province, not just in the city itself.

Listed below are the best hospitals located in Gauteng:

Akasia Clinic

Cnr. Heinrich Ave & Brits Road Karen Park Ext 25

Pretoria

Gauteng

South Africa

Tel: + 27 12 549 1023

Fax: + 27 12 549 1032

Argyle Clinic

Cnr. De Korte & Hospital Hill Braamfontein

Johannesburg 2044 Gauteng

South Africa

Tel: + 27 11 720 5656

Fax: + 27 11 720 7075

Bagleyston Day Clinic

400 Louis Botha Avenue

Highlands North Johannesburg

Gauteng

South Africa

Tel: + 27 11 640 3000

Fax: + 27 11 640 1021

Curomed Medi-Clinic

177 Du Toitspan Road

Kimberley 8301 South Africa

Tel: + 27 53 838 1111

Fax: + 27 53 838 1299

Bedford Gardens Hospital

7 Leicester Road

Bedford Gardens Bedfordview 2008 Gauteng

South Africa

Tel: + 27 11 622 8404

Fax: + 27 11 622 2494

Benoni Day Clinic

2nd Floor

CJS Centre

Cnr. Woburn Avenue/Tom Jones Street

Benoni 1501

Gauteng

South Africa

Tel: + 27 11 421 2452

Fax: + 27 11 845 4046

Birchmed Surgical Centre

8 Tiger Street

Birchleigh 1610

Gauteng

South Africa

Tel: + 27 11 391 3300

Fax: + 27 11 391 1091

Constantia Clinic

374 Ontdekkers Road Florida Park

Florida

Gauteng

South Africa

Tel: + 27 11 472 1478

Fax: + 27 11 472 2968

Eugene Marais Hospital 695 5th Avenue

Les Marais

Pretoria 0084

Gauteng

South Africa

Tel: + 27 12 334 2777

Fax: + 27 12 334 2508

Faerie Glen Hospital Cnr. Atterbury & Oberon Avenue

Faerie Glen 0043 Gauteng

South Africa

Tel: + 27 12 348 8811

Fax: + 27 12 361 8991

Femina Clinic

460 Belvedere Street Arcadia

Pretoria

Gauteng

South Africa

Tel: + 27 12 328 3838

Fax: + 27 12 326 2714

Jakaranda Hospital

213 Middelburg Street Meukleneuk

Pretoria

Gauteng

South Africa

Tel: + 27 12 343 2360

Fax: + 27 12 344 3392

Linksfield Park Clinic 24

12th Avenue Orange Grove

Johannesburg Gauteng

South Africa

Tel: + 27 11 640 7555

Fax: +27 11 640 5314

Linmed Hospital

5 Hull Street Rynfield

Benoni Gauteng

South Africa

Tel: + 27 11 425 2331

Fax: + 27 11 425 2594

Little Company of Mary

50 George Storrar Drive Groenkloof

Gauteng

South Africa

Tel: + 27 12 346 1080

Fax: + 27 12 346 3945

Netcare Rehabilitation Hospital 

2 Bunting Road

Auckland Park

Johannesburg

Gauteng

South Africa

Tel: + 27 11 489 1111

Fax: + 27 11 489 1190

New Kensington Clinic 

23 Roberts Avenue Kensington

Gauteng

South Africa

Tel: + 27 11 614 7125

Fax: + 27 11 614 3037

Olivedale Clinic

Cnr President Fouche & Windsor Way

Olivedale Johannesburg

Gauteng

South Africa

Tel: + 27 11 462 5588

Fax: + 27 11 462 5611

Optiklin Eye Hospital Klein Street Lakefield

Benoni

Gauteng

South Africa

Tel: + 27 11 918 5478

Fax: + 27 11 918 3486

Rosebank Clinic

14 Sturdee Avenue Rosebank Johannesburg

Gauteng

South Africa

Tel: + 27 11 788 1980

Fax: + 27 11 447 7351

Springs Parkland Clinic Artemis Road

1560 Pollack Park Springs 1559

Gauteng

South Africa

Tel: + 27 11 815 5212

Fax: + 27 11 815 2618/362 4474

Suikerbosrand Clinic

Cnr. H F Verwoerd, Mare & Begeman Street Heidelberg 2400

Gauteng

South Africa

Tel: + 27 16 349 2431

Fax: + 27 11 16 341 4821

Sunninghill Hospital

Cnr. Witkoppen & Nanyuki Roads

Sunninghill

Johannesburg

Gauteng

South Africa

Tel: + 27 11 806 1500

Fax: + 27 11 806 1636

Sunward Park Hospital

Cnr. Kingfisher Avenue, Aquarius Road & Bert Lacey Drive

Lacey Drive

Sunward Park

Boksburg

Gauteng

South Africa

Tel: + 27 11 913 2050

Fax: + 27 11 897 1607

Hospitals in KwaZulu-Natal

Durban Oncology Centre

99 Jan Smuts Highway

West Ridge

Durban

Kwazulu Natal

South Africa

Tel: + 27 31 261 8221

Fax:+ 27 31 261 8156/207 3763

Empangeni Garden Clinic

Biyela & Ukula Streets

Empangeni 3880 Kwazulu Natal

South Africa

Tel: + 27 35 772 7716/792 6211

Fax:+ 27 35 792 1240

Entabeni Hospital

148 South Ridge Road Berea

Durban 4001

Kwazulu Natal

South Africa

Tel: + 27 31 204 1300

Fax: + 27 31 261 6435

Kingsway Hospital

607 Kingsway Road Kingsway

Amanzimtoti Kwazulu Natal South Africa

Tel: + 27 31 904 3600

Fax: + 27 31 904 3575

Parklands Hospital

Hopelands Road Durban

Kwazulu Natal South Africa

Tel: + 27 31 208 8181

Fax: + 27 31 207 3369

St. Anne’ Hospital

320 Loop Street Pietermaritzburg

Kwazulu Natal South Africa

Tel: + 27 331 45 0014

Fax: + 27 33 897 5001

St. Augustine’s Hospital

107 Chelmsford Road Glenwood

Durban

Kwazulu Natal

South Africa

Tel: + 27 31 268 5053

Fax: + 27 31 201 4606

Umhlanga Hospital

323 Umhlanga Drive Umhlanga

Kwazulu Natal South Africa

Tel: + 27 31 560 5500

Fax: + 27 31 566 1660

Hospitals in Western Cape

With Cape Town, Western Cape is second to Gauteng in the number of hospitals that are recommended for foreigners.

Brakenfell Sameday Surgical Centre

Jeanette Street

Brakenfell

7560

Western Cape

South Africa

Tel: + 27 21 981 4547

Fax: + 27 21 982 0439

Cape Anaesthetic Clinic

421 Medical Centre Foreshore 8001 Western Cape

South Africa

Tel: + 27 21 425 2900

Fax: + 27 21 419 0246

City Park Hospital

181 Longmarket Street

Cape Town, Cape

South Africa

Tel: + 27 21 480 6111

Fax: + 27 21 426 1451

Geneva Clinic

7 Varing Avenue Dormehlsdrift 6529 Western Cape

South Africa

Tel: + 27 44 873 6200

Fax: + 27 44 874 4452

Jan S Marais Hospital

10 Blanckenberg Street Bellville 7530

Western Cape

South Africa

Tel: + 27 21 948 8131

Fax: + 27 21 946 4030

Kingsbury Hospital

Wilderness Road Claremont 7735

Western Cape South Africa

Tel: + 27 21 670 4000

Fax: + 27 21 683 5138

Lamprecht Clinic

Cnr. Gloucester & York Street George 6529

Western Cape

South Africa

Tel: + 27 44 874 6770

Fax: + 27 44 874 0932

Libertas Hospital

Voortrekker Road Goodwood

Cape Town

Cape

South Africa

Tel: + 27 21 591 1151

Fax: + 27 21 591 5734

Louis Leipoldt Medi-Clinic Broadway

Bellville 7530

Western Cape

South Africa

Tel: + 27 21 946 1170

Fax: + 27 21 948 7100

Vincent Pallotti Hospital 

Alexandra Road Pinelands

Capetown 7405 Western Cape

South Africa

Tel: + 27 21 506 5111

Fax: + 27 21 531 116

West Coast Private Hospital 

22 Voortrekker Road Vredenburg 7380

Western Cape

South Africa

Tel: + 27 22 719 1030

Fax: + 27 22 719 1037

Hospitals in Free State

Medovs Sameday Surgical Centre

Cnr. Ella & Victoria Road Bloemfontein 9301

Free State

South Africa

Tel: + 27 51 444 2119

Fax: + 27 51 444 155

Pasteur Hospital

2 Addison Street Hospital Park Bloemfontein 9301

Free State South Africa

Tel: + 27 51 522 6601

Fax: + 27 51 522 6654

The Kroon Hospital

Noord Road Kroonstad

Free State

South Africa

Tel: + 27 56 215 1881

Fax: + 27 56 213 2626

Hospitals in Mpumulanga

Bronkhorstspruit Private Hospital

Barney Hurwitz Avenue Bronkhorstspruit Mpumulanga

South Africa

Tel: + 27 13 932 4101

Fax: + 27 13 932 2868

Cosmos Hospital

President Street Witbank 1035

Mpumalanga

South Africa

Tel: + 27 13 656 6524

Fax: + 27 13 665 5658

Midmed Hospital

Cnr. Mark & Joubert street Middelburg 1050

Mpumalanga

South Africa

Tel: + 27 13 282 6143

Fax: + 27 13 282 6126

Palm Sameday Surgical Centre 3rd Floor

Cosmos Centre

President Street

Witbank 1034 Mpumalanga

South Africa

Tel: + 27 13 690 2890

Fax: + 27 13 690 2453

Hospitals in Eastern Cape

Greenacres Hospital

Cnr. Rochelle and Cape Roads Port Elizabeth

Eastern Cape

South Africa

Tel: + 27 41 363 1515

Fax: + 27 41 363 2274

Grey Monument Private Clinic Behind Provincial Hospital

Lonsdale Road

King William’ Town 5600 Eastern Cape

South Africa

Tel: + 27 43 643 3522

Fax: + 27 43 643 3569

Hunterscraig Private Hospital

22 Park Drive

Central

Port Elizabeth 6000

Eastern Cape

South Africa

Tel: + 27 41 586 2664

Fax: + 27 41 586 4944

Mercantile Hospital

Cnr. Kempston & Durban Roads

Korsten

Port Elizabeth 6020 Eastern Cape

South Africa

Tel: + 27 41 401 2700

Fax: + 27 41 401 2850

Oasim Private Hospital 

Ground Floor

Oasim North

Havelock Street

Port Elizabeth 6000 Eastern Cape

South Africa

Tel: + 27 41 585 6537

Fax: + 27 41 586 3574

St. Dominic’s Hospital

45 St. Mark’ Road Southernwood

East London 5201 Eastern Cape

South Africa

Tel: + 27 43 743 4303

Fax: + 27 43 722 3250

St. George’s Hospital 

40 Park Drive

Port Elizabeth 6001 Eastern Cape

South Africa

Tel: + 27 41 392 6111

Fax: + 27 41 392 6000

St. James Hospital

36 St. James Road Southernwood

East London 5201 Eastern Cape South Africa

Tel: + 27 43 722 9685

Fax: + 27 43 722 5000

St. Mary’s Private Hospital

30 Durham Road

Umtata 5100

Eastern Cape

South Africa

Tel: + 27 47 531 2911

Fax: + 27 47 532 3125

Westways Medical Centre Newton Park

Port Elizabeth 6000 Eastern Cape

South Africa

Tel: + 27 41 365 1026

Fax: + 27 41 365 4320

Hospitals in North West

Anncron Clinic

Cnr. Brady Avenue & Hartley Streets Wilkoppies

Klerksdorp 2571

North West Province

South Africa

Tel: + 27 18 468 1031

Fax: + 27 18 468 7188/6775

Daylene Clinic

Cnr. Brady & Hartley Streets Wilkoppies

Klerksdorp 2572

North West Province

South Africa

Tel: + 27 18 468 5380

Fax: + 27 18 468 6775

Ferncrest Hospital 

Mouma Street Thlabane Rustenburg

North West

South Africa

Tel: + 27 14 568 4399

Fax: + 27 14 568 4255

Peglerae Hospital

173 Wolmarans Street Rustenburg 0300

North West Province South Africa

Tel: + 27 14 597 2680

Fax: + 27 14 592 7527

Victoria Private Hospital 

Victoria Road

Mafikeng

North West Province South Africa

Tel: + 27 18 381 2043

Fax: + 27 18 381 1457

What Is the Largest Hospital in South Africa?

Not only is the Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital the largest hospital in South Africa, but it’s also the largest on the African continent and also the world’s third-largest hospital. Located in Johannesburg, the hospital has 3,400 beds, and a staff of 6,760. 

Furthermore, the Gauteng Provincial Department of Health funds Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital. While it is a public hospital, it also serves as a teaching facility for the University of the Witwatersrand Medical School.

The Quality of Healthcare in South Africa

The quality of healthcare in South Africa can be described as excellent. However, the industry faces significant challenges, with one of the main challenges being a severe shortage of doctors.

This issue is much more extreme in the public sector than in the private sector, which means expats must ensure they have adequate insurance to access the private healthcare system. Without the right coverage, they may struggle to receive the timely and quality care available in private facilities.

In the public healthcare system, there is an alarming ratio of 4,024 people per doctor and 807 people per nurse, which strains the resources and the quality of care provided. 

In contrast, the private sector is more favorable, with a ratio of 330 people per doctor and 160 people per nurse, allowing for better access to medical professionals.

Is Healthcare Free in South Africa?

In South Africa, residents can access basic primary care for free, but only through the public health system, which is limited to essential services. This system is underfunded and faces a severe shortage of healthcare professionals, including doctors, yet it must serve over 80% of the population.

Conversely, the private healthcare system provides a more reliable option for receiving high-quality medical care. However, this care comes at a cost and is not free. Many who rely on South Africa’s private healthcare system do so through the support of international health insurance.

Let Us Get You Covered in South Africa

Navigating healthcare options in South Africa can be complex, especially with the differences between the public and private systems. While the public system provides basic care free of charge, it struggles with severe shortages and is underfunded. 

The private sector, though more expensive, offers higher-quality care and better access to medical professionals, making it a preferable choice for expatriates and travelers.

To ensure you can access South Africa’s superior private healthcare, securing international health insurance is essential. This coverage will help manage the costs incurred from private medical care, providing much-needed peace of mind.

With numerous insurance options available, working with an experienced broker like Pacific Prime can simplify the process. With over two decades of expertise, our experts excel in finding the best international health insurance plans that suit your unique needs and budgetary requirements.

Contact us today to get started on your expatriate journey, or use our online quote tool for an obligation-free quote!

Kickstart Your Search for the Perfect Insurer

Compare over
50,000 Plans
from Top Insurers

Compare NOW

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a hospital visit cost in South Africa?

Depending on your city, the private hospital, and the ward, a hospital bed costs R1,200 to over R2,000 per day. This simply includes the cost of staying in the hospital for each day and meals.

Are public hospitals free for foreigners in South Africa?

Generally, emergency treatment at a public hospital is free or low-cost, although non-South Africans might have to pay fees. Emergency care at private hospitals is usually more expensive. It should cover most of the costs if you have coverage, but you may still need to pay co-pays or deductibles.

Can you go to private hospitals without medical aid in South Africa?

Private fixed fees are available to patients paying upfront for their surgery. This may include those without medical insurance, those whose insurance does not cover specific procedures, or where medical aid benefits have been exhausted for the year.

• Author
• Recent Posts

Veerabhatr Sriyananda

Content Writer at Pacific Prime

Veerabhatr is a content writer with over 6 years of experience with a particular penchant for storytelling and marketing, both in print and online. He now works with an experienced team of writers at Pacific Prime, aiming to shed light on the essence and benefits of insurance for companies and individuals by creating engaging, informative content across multiple platforms.

After obtaining his Bachelor’s Degree in Social Sciences, International Relations from Mahidol University International College, Veerabhatr has forged his career as a content writer in the travel, lifestyle, and real estate industries, writing in both English and Thai. He now continues to hone his skills as a writer at Pacific Prime, looking to engage and educate the audience by simplifying insurance.

Writer by day, and a DJ by night, Veerabhatr is a staunch music lover, and listens to all spectrums of genres available. He also loves to drink beer (moderately), eat all types of food, go to the beach, and learn about different cultures across the globe. He is also a die-hard fan of football and motorsports.

Latest posts by Veerabhatr Sriyananda (see all)

• Best Hospitals in Japan for Expats and Visitors – Top Recommendations - September 17, 2024
• Top 9 Insurance Companies in the Dominican Republic for Expats - September 17, 2024
• Hospitals in Brazil for Expatriates – Reliable Options - September 13, 2024