UK NHS = SA public health care (both free to citizens).
UK private health care = SA Medical aid
Form your above statement you almost make it sound like one is limited to the NHS in the UK? There are no restrictions to join a private medical aid.
Not strictly true. You cannot avoid the NHS. There's no such thing as a private A&E here, or private emergency services.
The ambulance queues and A&E wait times will hammer you one way or the other, and you will be triaged like anyone else.
We're all trapped in the same system when we have an emergency.
Also, while you can see a private GP, if you get a prescription through them you will pay full price for medication, which can be exorbitant, as opposed to the NHS subsidised £10~.
So, ultimately, you'll still have to deal with your NHS GP, who will sometimes refuse to prescribe what the private GP has.
Also, depending on your private cover, you may need to request a referral from your NHS GP to be able to see a private specialist.
South African private healthcare is substantially better-established and functions largely independently of the state healthcare, and, arguably, to a much higher standard.
Here, private healthcare complements the state healthcare. It doesn't function independently.
Many people here also make the assumption that the handful of private urgent treatment/care centres are equivalent to an A&E. They're not. They're also not open 24/7. They will see you for minor injuries or ailments, but you'll be told to go to A&E or have an ambulance called for actual emergencies.
It's a bit of a shitshow that makes you wonder if private healthcare is worth it, but if you have the choice of a private room with its own bathroom facility, and flawless 5-star care from the doctors and nurses (and pretty decent meals included); and the NHS? It's worth it.
Did the song and dance around two years ago. The NHS staff are often lovely, but they're overworked, the A&Es are generally horrific, and you are absolutely not their priority.
Of course, your experiences may differ depending on your location.
Also, your local GP practice can substantially vary in quality, too.
Had one years ago with the worst reception imaginable (good luck getting an appointment) who viewed his patients like slabs of meat. The bedside manner was of the "It's not my job to provide reassurance" persuasion for a cancer scare.
In contrast, our recent experiences have been great. Though my current GP doesn't seem to actually listen and will drag you through five million tests to conclude what you've already told him while ignoring the thing that actually concerns you.
They drive me nuts.
