Health Care in Port Elizabeth

The healthcare system in Port Elizabeth, is a mix of public and private healthcare services. The public healthcare system, known as the National Health Insurance (NHI), is government-funded and provides basic healthcare services to all South African citizens and permanent residents, while the private healthcare system is funded through private health insurance and offers a higher standard of care.

South Africa's Healthcare System

The public healthcare system in South Africa, the National Health Insurance (NHI), is accessible to all South African citizens and permanent residents, including foreigners. However, the quality of care in public hospitals varies, and for serious medical emergencies and major surgeries, many people recommend using private hospitals. Public hospitals in Port Elizabeth, like many other parts of South Africa, are often overcrowded and under-resourced. Foreigners, including expats and digital nomads, are allowed to use the public healthcare system, but many choose to use private hospitals due to the higher standard of care. Private hospitals in Port Elizabeth offer a high standard of care, with modern facilities and well-trained staff. For serious medical emergencies and major surgeries, private hospitals are often recommended.

Hospitals and Clinics for Expats in Port Elizabeth

There are several hospitals and clinics in Port Elizabeth that are recommended for expats. These include:

• Netcare Greenacres Hospital (Private) - Located in the heart of Port Elizabeth, this hospital offers a wide range of services including emergency care and specialist services.
• Life St George's Hospital (Private) - This hospital is known for its cardiac centre, which is one of the best in the country.
• Livingstone Hospital (Public) - This is one of the largest public hospitals in the city, offering a range of services including emergency care.

In the event that specialized medical care is needed that is not available in Port Elizabeth, expats often travel to Cape Town or Johannesburg, which are approximately 8 and 10 hours away by car respectively.

Emergency Services in Port Elizabeth

There are ambulance services available in Port Elizabeth. In case of an emergency, you can dial 10177 to call for an ambulance. The response time can vary, but there can sometimes be delays due to traffic or high demand for services.

Health Insurance Companies in Port Elizabeth

There are several popular private health insurance companies in Port Elizabeth, including Discovery Health, Momentum Health, and Medshield. These companies offer a range of plans to suit different needs and budgets. While some expats and digital nomads choose to use these local companies, many opt for international health insurance providers that offer coverage in multiple countries. These international plans are often more suited to the needs of expats and digital nomads, who may move between countries frequently.