For those who are navigating what the NHI will and will not cover, understanding these exclusions is key to making informed healthcare choices and managing additional health-related expenses. In this article, we’ll outline what the NHI won’t cover, helping you make the best decisions for yourself and your family.
Management of Healthcare Facilities
Under the NHI, the actual management of hospitals, clinics, and private practices is not covered. This means that the NHI’s responsibility will be focused on funding and purchasing healthcare services, while the daily management of these facilities will remain with the hospitals, clinics, and private health practices themselves. The system is designed this way to allow healthcare professionals and institutions to maintain operational control, while the NHI concentrates on delivering affordable, equitable healthcare access.
Services Covered Exclusively by Medical Schemes (Top-Up Services)
Once fully implemented, the NHI will provide a comprehensive package of services covering primary healthcare, hospital care, mental health services, rehabilitation, and palliative care, among others. However, private medical schemes will not be permitted to duplicate services already covered by the NHI. In other words, medical schemes will be limited to offering top-up services, which are additional benefits that fall outside the NHI’s coverage. This change is intended to prevent duplication and focus medical scheme resources on services that enhance care but aren’t covered under the public system.
For those who prefer or require specific medical treatments not included in the NHI package, private medical schemes can still offer coverage for these add-ons. This is significant for patients who may need or prefer specialized treatments, elective procedures, or upgraded services not deemed essential by the NHI.
Non-NHI Contracted Providers
An important aspect of the NHI is that it will only cover services from healthcare providers who are contracted under the NHI. This means that if a provider chooses not to participate in the NHI system, the NHI will not cover the costs of treatments from that provider.
Patients can, however, use their private medical schemes to cover these services if they prefer a specific provider not affiliated with the NHI. This could be an essential option for individuals who already have established relationships with particular doctors or specialists who opt to remain outside of the NHI framework.
Excluded Treatments and Procedures
Although the NHI plans to cover a wide array of services, there are some treatments and procedures that may fall outside its scope. While the exact list of exclusions may be refined as the NHI progresses, elective and non-essential procedures are often not included in public health coverage worldwide, and South Africa’s NHI is expected to follow a similar model. Cosmetic surgery, luxury services, and other non-medically necessary treatments are likely to be excluded. Additionally, patients seeking private rooms or services outside of standard provisions may need to fund these out-of-pocket or through supplementary medical schemes.
What the NHI Will Cover
- Primary healthcare: Preventative care, doctor visits, and outpatient services.
- Hospital services: Inpatient treatment and necessary hospital care.
- Mental health services: Access to mental health professionals and therapy.
- Rehabilitation and palliative care: Support for patients needing long-term or end-of-life care.
- Emergency medical services: Immediate treatment for acute and life-threatening conditions.
- Patient transport services: Transportation for those needing access to healthcare facilities.
Overview of Public Universities in South Africa
Here's an overview of some public universities in South Africa, including general admissions requirements and estimated application periods. Keep in mind, specific program requirements and dates can vary significantly, so it's important to check each university's official website for the most current information.
University of Pretoria
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with minimum scores in specific subjects related to the chosen program; for international students, equivalent qualifications.
- Application Period: Usually opens in March and closes at the end of July for most programs.
University of Cape Town
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with pass levels required for degree study; subject-specific requirements depending on the program.
- Application Period: Application opens in April and closes at the end of July.
Stellenbosch University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required marks; some programs have additional testing.
- Application Period: Opens in March and typically closes at the end of June.
University of the Witwatersrand
- Admissions Requirements: Matriculation certificate with university exemption; required scores vary by faculty.
- Application Period: Begins in March and ends on the 30th of September.
University of Johannesburg
- Admissions Requirements: Matric exemption with a minimum APS score; specific subject requirements based on the faculty.
- Application Period: Opens in April and generally closes by the 30th of September.
University of the Free State
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific marks for the program applied to; additional requirements for certain courses.
- Application Period: Typically opens in April and closes at the end of August.
University of Venda
- Admissions Requirements: Completion of the National Senior Certificate with an endorsement for diploma or degree studies; specific APS scores needed.
- Application Period: Usually from May to September.
University of Fort Hare
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with university exemption; certain programs may have specific requirements.
- Application Period: Opens around May and closes at the end of September.
University of the Western Cape
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific performance levels; additional requirements for certain programs.
- Application Period: Generally from May to September.
North-West University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with university exemption; program-specific requirements may apply.
- Application Period: Opens in March and usually closes by the end of August.
Rhodes University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate or equivalent; minimum academic performance in certain subjects.
- Application Period: Applications open in April and close at the end of September.
Nelson Mandela University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required scores for chosen programs; portfolio or additional tests for some faculties.
- Application Period: Opens in April, with a deadline at the end of August for most programs.
Cape Peninsula University of Technology
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific scores; additional requirements for certain courses.
- Application Period: Opens in May and typically closes by the end of September.
University of Limpopo
- Admissions Requirements: Senior Certificate with endorsement for diploma or degree courses; specific APS scores for different programs.
- Application Period: From April to September.
University of Zululand
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with an endorsement for bachelor’s degree studies; specific score requirements for various programs.
- Application Period: Usually between April and November.
Central University of Technology
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific scores for the chosen field of study; additional criteria for certain programs.
- Application Period: Application period generally starts in May and ends in October.
Vaal University of Technology
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with a pass that qualifies for admission to bachelor’s degree, diploma, or higher certificate programs.
- Application Period: Typically from May to September.
Walter Sisulu University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required scores for chosen programs; additional criteria for certain faculties.
- Application Period: From April to September.
This list provides a starting point for understanding the admissions landscape across South Africa's diverse higher education institutions. Given the variability in programs and requirements, it's crucial to consult each university's website for the most accurate and up-to-date information.