With South Africa’s overstretched and underfunded public healthcare system, most people in Johannesburg who can afford it opt for private care. That said, costs can be high, so it’s essential for expats in the city to get medical aid cover or negotiate a provision for health insurance in their employment contract.

Private healthcare in Johannesburg is of a world-class standard. Those with the means to pay or adequate insurance have access to private hospitals with 24/7 emergency ambulance services and highly trained specialists. Private hospitals also afford a level of comfort and privacy.

South Africans typically visit a general practitioner for checkups and minor problems such as colds and flu, which is largely affordable.

Read Healthcare and Health Insurance in South Africa for more on the national healthcare system.

Useful links

Below is a list of recommended private hospitals in Johannesburg.

Private hospitals in Johannesburg

Healthcare worker typing on a laptop with a stethoscope on the table

Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital

Website: www.nelsonmandelachildrenshospital.org 
Address: 6 Jubilee Road, Parktown

Constantia Day Clinic

Website: www.netcare.co.za/netcare-facilities/netcare-constantia-day-clinic 
Address: 374 Ontdekkers Road, Florida

Netcare Linkwood Hospital

Website: www.netcarehospitals.co.za 
Address: 24 12th Ave, Linksfield West

Wits University Donald Gordon Medical Centre

Website: www.dgmc.co.za 
Address: 21 Eton Road, Parktown

What do expats say about healthcare standards in Johannesburg?

"Private hospitals are excellent and on or above European standards. I had to visit our local hospital a few times and the treatment was an extremely positive experience, and the friendliness and efficiency of all the staff was amazing. You have a problem if you have to use public healthcare though."

Read more about German expat Arnd's experience in his expat interview about Johannesburg.

"I find South African healthcare to be excellent, convenient, and affordable. You can walk into a private medical clinic and get an appointment quickly, for much less money than in the United States."

Heather shares her healthcare experiences in her expat interview about Johannesburg.

Further reading

►For more in-depth information on the national healthcare system, see Healthcare in South Africa

Are you an expat living in Johannesburg?

Expat Arrivals is looking for locals to contribute to this guide, and answer forum questions from others planning their move to Johannesburg. Please contact us if you'd like to contribute, or fill in our expat interview form to be featured.