Understanding NHI
Everything you need to know, made simple
Our Position
Discovery has always been steadfast in its support for universal health coverage (UHC), recognising the urgent need to expand access to quality healthcare for all South Africans. We believe that a well-designed National Health Insurance (NHI) system is key to achieving this. With this in mind, Discovery remains committed to continuing to engage constructively with government, healthcare professionals, and civil society to shape a practical and sustainable NHI. To help South Africans navigate this complex and evolving landscape, we have developed Understanding NHI - a reliable source of factual, up-to-date information on the NHI Act and developments and what these means for individuals, healthcare providers, and businesses.
Key Points
Discovery agrees that the levels of inequality in access to healthcare in SA are unacceptable and need to be urgently addressed.
Medical schemes will not be affected by NHI for at least 10-15 Years and possibly longer. Don't cancel or reduce your cover!
NHI will be implemented gradually as the country can afford it - starting with the vulnerable populations (such as the elderly, people with disabilities, children and those living in poverty.)
The NHI Act does not increase taxes. Only National Treasury can define taxes and there is very limited scope to add to taxes in SA.
Medical scheme members can't run out of benefits for PMBs and the NHI is unlikely to be able to cover the extent of benefits that medical schemes currently provide.
There are many UHC models being implemented in middle income countries like ours that include private health cover. Integrating medical schemes with the NHI will mean greater benefits for everyone as compared to a single fund model.
NHI Resources
NHI Act 2024
The NHI Act 20 of 2023 was signed into law on 15 May 2024 and published in the Government Gazette on 16 May 2024.
NHI Policy Papers
The NHI Green Paper (2011) and White Papers (2015 and 2017) show the evolution in the policy framework to the NHI Act.
NHI Green Paper 2011
NHI White paper 2017
NHI White Paper 2015
Perspective
Discovery's submission highlights our position and recommendations relating to the NHI to the National Council of Provinces process in 2023.
Frequently Asked Questions
Since the tabling of the National Health Insurance Bill (NHI Bill) in August 2019 and the subsequent signing of the NHI Act into law on 15 May 2024 by President Cyril Ramaphosa, we have received many questions and comments from medical scheme members and the public. Here we answer some of the frequently asked questions about what we know about the NHI Act, and our views on it.