#SHSI Episode 36 - SOUTH AFRICANS CAN'T AFFORD MEDICAL AID... HERE'S WHY!

Here's a reality check that might make your wallet weep: South Africa spends more on voluntary private health insurance (42%) as a share of total health expenditure than any other country in the world. Yes, you read that right—we're world champions in expensive medical aid, and it's not a trophy anyone wants.Only 16% of South Africans can actually afford private healthcare at all. To put this in perspective, that means roughly 8 out of 10 people in the country simply cannot access private medical care. Even for those who can technically afford it, the squeeze is real. Medical aid premiums have been increasing by an average of 10.7% annually—way above the inflation rate of under 4%. That's a 6.7% real increase while salaries are barely keeping up with inflation.Medical aid can cost up to R6,000+ per month for a family of four. That's more than many people's rent! If you're wondering why medical aid feels like a luxury reserved for the ultra-wealthy, you're not alone. Let's dive in!