Hoedspruit Private Hospital is open!

by admin

 

The long-awaited wish for a hospital in Hoedspruit has finally been realized

For years, having a local hospital in Hoedspruit was at the top of the wish list for the community. While Hoedspruit offers a wide range of shops and services, there was a clear gap when it came to healthcare facilities. The only healthcare option in the area was a clinic, but for more serious treatments or emergency care, residents often had to travel long distances to nearby towns like Phalaborwa or even Nelspruit. That situation has now come to an end.

Several meetings were held to discuss what the hospital should offer, ranging from basic care to specialized treatments, maternity services to rehabilitation. After years of planning and discussions, the moment finally arrived.

A piece of land was purchased on the edge of the village, close to the main road, ensuring good accessibility for both locals and visitors. Construction began in the spring of 2024, and the hospital started recruiting staff. The final steps included waiting for the official inspection and license from the Department of Health. Those steps have now been completed, and the hospital is officially open as of January 27, 2025.

What does Hoedspruit Private Hospital offer?

The hospital provides a range of services, including:

  • A 24/7 staffed emergency department
  • 72 hospital beds
  • Operating theater
  • An intensive care unit
  • A maternity ward
  • A radiology department, and more

Next door, at the Hoedspruit Medical Clinic, you'll also find services like:

  • A general practitioner’s office
  • A dental practice
  • A physiotherapy center
  • Optometry services, and more

Hopefully, you won’t need any of these services during your stay, but it’s reassuring to know that these facilities are now available. As Hoedspruit is a popular tourist destination, the hospital also provides care for tourists who may get injured or fall ill during their visit.

Link: More information about the hospital.

Travel Insurance Tips

If you do need to visit the hospital, it's important to make sure your health insurance is in order before your trip. You are generally not automatically covered for treatment in private hospitals abroad,including in South Africa. Many health insurance plans do not cover medical costs outside your home country, unless it's an emergency situation.

If you don't have specific coverage for international medical care, you'll need to pay for hospital services out of pocket, and private hospitals can be quite costly. It's common for private hospitals like Hoedspruit Private Hospital to request a deposit or a payment guarantee before providing treatment.

To avoid unexpected costs, it's recommended to take out travel insurance before your trip. Travel insurance often covers medical expenses (including hospital stays) resulting from accidents or illness during your travels. Be sure to check your policy in advance to confirm whether it covers medical expenses in South Africa, and whether it provides full or partial reimbursement for hospital care.