Expatriate insurance in South Africa
We've put together a few tips to help you prepare for your move to South Africa and get to grips with everyday life there.
South Africa is a cosmopolitan country par excellence, with around 57 million inhabitants. Many expatriate communities (Belgians, French, Germans, Dutch, African refugees from other countries on the continent, etc.) live here. We’ve put together a few tips to help you prepare for your move to South Africa and get to grips with everyday life there. Safety aside, South Africa is a welcoming country rich in opportunities. However, medical infrastructures are not always sufficiently developed, and the costs of private medicine in international establishments can be very high. That’s why we strongly advise you to take out international health insurance for expatriates before you leave, to prevent any risks.
Expatriate insurance South Africa Gold Nomad Expat
Our policy with good levels of cover, suitable for your expatriation to South Africa.
From
74€
- Worldwide coverage
- Maximum age: 65
- Covers up to 100% of routine medical care
- 100% hospitalization coverage
- Up to €500,000 per year
- Maternity coverage up to €4,500
- Covers pre-existing conditions
- Coverage of pharmaceutical costs
- Repatriation assistance
- Civil liability
- Individual protection
Expatriate Insurance South Africa Gold Expat Access
Economical international health insurance tailored to your expatriation plans.
From
93€
- Worldwide coverage
- Minimum age: 14
- Maximum age: 65
- Covers 80% of routine medical care
- 100% hospitalization coverage
- Up to €750,000 per year
- Maternity coverage up to €4,500
- Coverage of assisted reproduction up to €500
- Covers pre-existing conditions
- Coverage of pharmaceutical costs
- Free choice of practitioners and hospitals abroad
- Optional dental and optical care
- Optional repatriation assistance
- Optional third-party liability
Expatriate insurance South Africa Gold Expat Safe
Health insurance with a good cover/price ratio. It offers effective cover against accident and illness.
From
107€
- Worldwide coverage
- Minimum age: 14
- Maximum age: 65
- Covers 90% of common medicine
- 100% hospitalization coverage
- Up to €1,000,000 per year
- Maternity coverage up to €4,500
- Coverage of assisted reproduction up to €1,000
- Covers pre-existing conditions
- Coverage of pharmaceutical costs
- Optional dental and optical care
- Maternity plus option
- Prevention and well-being as an option
- Optional repatriation assistance
- Optional third-party liability
Expatriate insurance South Africa Gold Expat Premium
Our most comprehensive expatriate health insurance, tailored to your expatriation in South Africa.
From
138€
- Worldwide coverage
- Minimum age: 14
- Maximum age: 65
- Covers up to 100% of routine medical care
- 100% hospitalization coverage
- Up to €1,500,000 per year
- Maternity coverage up to €6,000
- Coverage of assisted reproduction up to €1,500
- Covers pre-existing conditions
- Coverage of pharmaceutical costs
- Optional dental and optical care
- Maternity plus option
- Prevention and well-being as an option
- Optional repatriation assistance
- Optional third-party liability
Any questions? Need advice?
Working in South Africa
It’s difficult to find a job in South Africa for an expatriate, as priority for employment is given to South Africans. To find a job in South Africa, it’s important to have specialized skills and to be fluent in English.
We advise you to apply for jobs on the critical skills list, particularly in computer science, engineering and information technology.
Schooling in South Africa
The South African education system is divided into three parts: General Education and Training, Further Education and Training, and Tertiary and Higher Education. The first ten years are compulsory.
The “matric year” is the year when students prepare for the equivalent of the French baccalauréat and their entry into university.
There are two French schools in South Africa: the Ecole Française François le Vaillant in Cape Town, and the Lycée Français Jules Verne in Johannesburg.
Accommodation in South Africa
The price of accommodation depends, as in many countries, on the city where you are going to live, with the highest prices going to South Africa’s most pleasant city: Cape Town. Rent for a 3-room apartment in downtown Cape Town costs around €1,400 per month. 600 for the same type of property in Pretoria.
As a first step, it’s advisable to rent for a short time, while you get your bearings and choose the accommodation that suits you best.
What is the cost of living in South Africa?
South Africa is one of the lowest-cost countries in the world. The latter is 56% lower than in France. However, imported products such as cars and electronics are more expensive than in Europe.
To reduce your expenses in South Africa, it’s advisable to take out international health insurance so that you’re covered and don’t have to pay high health costs in the event of a problem.
Driving in South Africa
The first thing to remember about driving in South Africa is that you drive on the left side of the road. So it’s best to remain vigilant to avoid unpleasant surprises. South African roads are generally well-maintained, so it’s easy to get from one city to another in the country. But traffic can be heavy in and around major cities.
Checks are infrequent, but the penalties are quite heavy. The speed limit is 60km/h in town, 100km/h on non-town roads and 120km/h on freeways. If you want to settle in South Africa, you can drive with your French driving license, provided it has been fully translated into English. This translation must be done by a sworn translator and validated by the French Consulate General in Cape Town.
Hygiene and eating habits in South Africa
Good hygiene in restaurants, markets and stores. Tap water is safe to drink. You can also drink locally-branded bottled water: Schoon Spruit, Van Riebeeck Water. South Africa has inherited many Anglo-Saxon habits. Breakfast is hearty with eggs and bacon, lunch is light, and dinner is served around 6pm.
South African cuisine is inspired by Dutch, English and Oriental recipes. The main ingredients are meat, mashed corn with tomato sauce, a few vegetables and chutney.
Choosing health insurance for South Africa
Taking out international health insurance is a formality of the utmost importance, and even more so in South Africa. Firstly, because the South African government requires it, and secondly, to ensure that your expatriation takes place under the best possible conditions and that all your medical expenses are covered by good health insurance. For expatriates, there are two categories of health insurance: so-called “1st euro” insurance and complementary insurance to the Caisse des Français à l’Etranger (CFE). Depending on your profile and criteria, we can present you with different packages tailored to your needs. So don’t hesitate to contact us and ask for our advice – we’ll be delighted to hear from you! What’s more, if you wish, you can get an immediate free quote online.
