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Healthcare in South Africa is comprised of a large public and small, but burgeoning private sector. The public sector, despite sizeable government spending (about 11% of the annual budget), lacks resources and much of the specialist and acute care is now provided by the private sector. Public or state hospitals charge patients based upon how much they earn and the number of dependents they have. The maximum these hospitals will charge is R55 (about $8) for a consultation.

Medical aid schemes are pervasive, and seen as almost mandatory given the rising cost of health care in the country. It is in the private sector that rapid, effective emergency care is most prevalent. Specialist treatment is available at state hospitals, but the waiting lists are typically exceptionally long.

Medical aid schemes offer everything from full medical cover to a hospital plan only. However, medical aids have ceilings for each category of medical expense beyond which the member is expected to pay.

Netcare is the biggest private health provider in SA with 43 hospitals, 18 clinics and the largest fleet of emergency response vehicles in operation throughout the country via its Netcare911 service. Netcare911 services are available for R240 ($35) a year, but most medical aid schemes include this.

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