South Africa’s National Health Insurance (NHI) Bill, aiming for universal healthcare, seeks to address disparities in access, cost, and quality. With public facilities serving 85% of the population, yet underfunded and overstretched, the NHI intends to consolidate funding from public budgets, GEMS subsidies, and new mandatory taxes. It will purchase services—including from private providers—to improve equity. Lessons from Taiwan and the UK stress the importance of maintaining service quality, managing costs, building digital infrastructure, and ensuring transparency. Implementation is expected by 2030 but faces logistical, legislative, and stakeholder challenges.

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