Only 14 Percent of South Africans Have Medical Aid, New Figures Show
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Most people in South Africa do not have private medical cover, according to new analysis from Statistics South Africa. The findings come from the 2022/23 Income and Expenditure Survey, which looked at how households earn and spend their money.
The survey found that 14.1% of people were covered by medical aid. This means that about one in every seven people has private health insurance. The rest of the population depends mainly on the public healthcare system, which is funded by the government and provides services at little or no cost to patients.
Experts say the gap in healthcare cover is not caused by just one issue. Instead, it has several connected parts, including the high cost of monthly medical aid contributions, the level of household income, and the pressure on public hospitals and clinics. These factors together make it difficult for many families to access private care.
The figures are important for the government as it continues to work on plans for national health insurance. Such plans aim to give all South Africans access to quality healthcare, regardless of their income. More details about the next steps are expected in the coming months.
Sources: IOL
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