Capital city in Gauteng, South Africa
Healthcare in Pretoria: hospitals, costs and insurance
Healthcare in Pretoria
Good private hospitals; pay upfront or show insurance. Public hospitals are crowded. ER24 and Netcare 911 offer private ambulances.
Hospitals for foreigners in Pretoria
| Hospital | Good to know |
|---|---|
| Netcare Pretoria East Hospital | Private hospital with emergency unit in the east |
| Life Groenkloof Hospital | Private hospital near the center |
| Mediclinic Medforum | Private hospital in Arcadia area |
Key facts
- Doctor's visit: R500–1,000 ($30–60) 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 Pretoria for foreigners?
Netcare Pretoria East Hospital: Private hospital with emergency unit in the east
How much does a doctor's visit cost in Pretoria?
About R500–1,000 ($30–60) 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 Pretoria
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Sources
- World Bank: health expenditure per capita
- CDC Travelers' Health: South Africa
- Gautrain
- City of Tshwane
- Airports Company South Africa
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 Spotted something out of date?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.