City in Western Cape, South Africa
Healthcare in Cape Town: hospitals, costs and insurance
Healthcare in Cape Town
Excellent private hospitals; show insurance or pay upfront. Public hospitals are overstretched. For emergencies call 112 or 10177, or ER24.
Hospitals for foreigners in Cape Town
| Hospital | Good to know |
|---|---|
| Netcare Christiaan Barnard Memorial Hospital | City Bowl private hospital with 24-hour emergency unit |
| Mediclinic Cape Town | Private hospital near the city center |
Key facts
- Doctor's visit: R600–1,200 ($36–72) at a private clinic without insurance.
- In South Africa: Private hospitals (Netcare, Mediclinic, Life) are excellent but costly without insurance; public hospitals are overstretched. Malaria risk around Kruger and the far northeast.
- Pharmacies: Clicks and Dis-Chem are everywhere, many with nurse clinics; antibiotics and many medicines need a prescription.
- Health spending: US$537 per person a year (2023); 0.8 doctors per 1,000 people (2022), World Bank.
- Emergency: Police 10111 · Ambulance 10177 · All emergencies 112.
Travel and health insurance
Travel insurance isn't required to enter South Africa, but treatment for visitors is paid upfront.
| Insurer | Good for |
|---|---|
| SafetyWing Nomad Insurance | Monthly subscription for nomads and long trips; cancel anytime. |
| Genki | Health insurance for nomads, from a European insurer. |
| World Nomads | Trip insurance that covers many adventure activities. |
| Heymondo | Single-trip, annual and long-stay plans with a medical app. |
| IMG Global | Travel medical and long-term international health plans. |
Quick answers
What is the best hospital in Cape Town for foreigners?
Netcare Christiaan Barnard Memorial Hospital: City Bowl private hospital with 24-hour emergency unit
How much does a doctor's visit cost in Cape Town?
About R600–1,200 ($36–72) at a private clinic.
Do I need travel insurance for South Africa?
It isn't required for entry, but recommended: hospitals in South Africa expect visitors to pay or show insurance.
More about Cape Town
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Sources
- World Bank: health expenditure per capita
- CDC Travelers' Health: South Africa
- MyCiTi
- Airports Company South Africa
- Cape Town Tourism
SoloSquare has no commercial relationship with the insurers listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.