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Before you travel check that: 

• you haveâ€�appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation
• your destination can provide the healthcare you may need

This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.Ìý

Emergency medical number

Dial 112 (from a mobile) or 10177 and ask for an ambulance.

Contact your insurance or medical assistance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.

There may be other regional emergency numbers available, check locally.

Vaccine recommendations and health risks

At least 8 weeks before your trip:

• check the latest
• see where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the 

See , including:  �

• malaria
• chikungunya
• cholera

Altitude sickness is a risk in parts of South Africa, including Johannesburg. Read more about .

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HIV is a risk in South Africa. Take normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS. There is more information on .Ìý

Medication

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.

If you take regular medication, make sure you can get repeat prescriptions if needed. Most prescription medicines in the UK need a prescription (‘script�) from a doctor in South Africa. The doctor may ask you to get an electronic prescription from your medical practitioner in the UK. There are pharmacies across the country � some have medical practitioners on site who can write prescriptions.

TravelHealthPro explains .

Healthcare in South Africa

There is no healthcare agreement between the UK and South Africa.

Public medical care varies across South Africa. Standards of treatment and hygiene may not be the same as in the UK.

South Africa has a very high standard of private medical care. Private healthcare can be expensive, so make sure you have the right travel health insurance and funds to cover the cost of medical treatment abroad and repatriation if needed.

FCDO has a list of medical providers in South Africa. �

Rehabilitation centres for drug or alcohol addiction

Private rehabilitation centres are widely accessible to foreign visitors. You should read available guidance on rehabilitation, recovery and residential treatment in South Africa, if you are considering attending an inpatient treatment programme.

You should also:

• do extensive research beforehand
• choose a reputable facility that is registered with the South African  or the 
• get the right visa for your stay
• get the right travel insurance, including medical cover suitable for a rehabilitation stay and your particular circumstances

Make plans in case: 

• you relapse abroad
• treatment is unsuccessful
• you need unplanned repatriation to the UK â€� this may need to include access to extra funds

TravelHealthPro has .Ìý

has information on the impact of travel and substance use.Ìý

The British High Commission in Pretoria does not usually contact or visit people who have travelled specifically for medical treatment.Ìý

Travel and mental health

¸é±ð²¹»åÌýFCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also .