Share of medical aid scheme members in South Africa 2018, by population group

As of 2018, 16.4 percent of all individuals in South Africa were members of medical aid schemes. However, when comparing membership rates by population group, covers by medical schemes were noticeably higher amongst white individuals (at 72.9 percent) and Indians/Asians (at 52 percent) than amongst Colored (at 17.1 percent) and Black Africans (at 9.9 percent). Note that medical aid schemes should not be confused with health insurances, as these two differ much in terms of financial coverage in South Africa. Medical aid schemes covers expenses associated with the necessary medical treatment, whereas health insurances are to ensure that when you are in need of financial coverage for medical purposes, you receive a fixed, lump sum.