DOCTOR:

  • Tokai Medicross - 021 715 7063 (Dr. Chouler) note: not a psychiatrist but can make a referral to one). You can book appointments online if you would prefer.

  • Muizenberg Medical Square, Main Road - 021 788 8880 

DENTIST:

HOSPITALS: 

CHIROPRACTORS:

Suggestions for Health Insurance:

While you might be able to obtain health insurance in your home nation for a certain period of time (or deal with things when youre home on furlough), there are also some options locally that are popular that you may want to consider: Discovery or Momentum - this page gives very detailed information about how all this works in South Africa

We shifted to Discovery after living here for a while - I would recommend signing up for Discovery - we have their Classic Smart plan (this is basically a Hospital Cover +)

  • Vitality Health - this is an additional add-on that give you discounted access to Virgin Active, free movies at Ster Kinekor and other perks

  • Savings Account - (this video helps explain the reasoning) you should also plan to set aside money (at least R2500/month) that goes straight into a high yield savings account in your local bank account - that way when things arent covered by your insurance, you can draw from your savings. Basically - they will only cover hospital-related things unless you sign up for a very pricey status - so might as well cover the difference on your own terms through your own savings account

  • Insurance Broker - this is a free service through Discovery and helps you process claims - I would highly recommend Daniel Fisher (daniel.fisher@dfc.discovery.co.za) as he is fantastic at helping explain how things work and give good advice for your unique circumstances

  • Gap Cover - (this video helps explain the reasoning) - your Broker can help set this up - this is going to be an additional cost

  • I would also suggest following this instagram as she gives great advice around optimizing your Discovery account

Another option for missionaries is Talent Trust an international insurance company specifically designed for missionaries that in the past gave a substantial discount (30%) to YWAMers so thats worth asking if thats still an option ! I had this as my health insurance for the first year I was first here and had a great experience - but its pricey - so for how affordable local insurance can be, it seemed to make more sense to shift to that, despite the added administration with a local health insurance. Ultimately its weighing what your needs are from an insurance, your budget and what you have capacity for. Talent Trust will be more comprehensive in coverage and will be easier to file claims with - where as local health insurance requires more effort to manage, but is more affordable.

BUT there is currently legislation being debated in South Africa that could mess with all of this, so just follow the NHI bill to see how this might impact your coverage, in the meantime I still think Discovery makes the most sense

Blood Tests

When you are given a blood test by your doctor, make sure to read over the tests you’re going to be doing and whether they require fasting prior to the test (it will be in parentheses next to the checked ordered test)

To get your bloodwork done, you’ll need to find a Lancet or Pathcare facility near you (you can just google). the form your doctor gives you will be from one or the other lab, but it doesn’t matter, they can each process it for you despite the logo.

My tip - go to the Simonstown Pathcare lab, as you can pop over Blue Door Coffee Roasters (the best coffee on the peninsula) and to Blue Kiwi for some food — its only wisdom to have some treats after a blood draw ;)

For both labs, you can register for a Patient account to access your results, pay for your account, etc.

Prescriptions

When you pick up a prescription, the pharmacist may or may not tell you about the medication, so you will want to ask your doctor when you are given a scrip the relevant information :

  • What kind of side effects may this medication have and what do if I notice I am affected ?

  • Could this medication make me sleepy ?

  • What time of day do I need to take this, and with food ?

  • Can I drink alcohol while on this medication ?

HEALTHCARE :