Only 7.8% of South Africans aged 20 to 24 belong to a medical scheme, making them the least-insured age group in the country.
At the very stage of life when young people are entering the workforce, building careers and becoming financially independent, fewer than one in ten have medical scheme cover.
This matters because every June we focus on youth empowerment, education and employment. Yet good health underpins each of these goals. Young people cannot fully participate in the economy or realise their potential if they are struggling with untreated physical or mental health conditions.
The challenge is particularly acute for young people entering the workforce. Many already rely on private doctors, pharmacies and healthcare services, but do so through direct out-of-pocket payments without any form of financial protection.
While young people are often viewed as healthy and less likely to need medical care, this assumption overlooks a growing concern. Recent health data shows that chronic conditions among adults aged 25 to 34 are nearly double those seen in younger age groups. Mental health challenges are also on the rise. Research by the South African Medical Research Council found that 10.1% of young South Africans experience depressive disorders, 6.7% experience anxiety disorders and 17.6% experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Depression alone is estimated to affect roughly one in 25 young adults, with underdiagnosis particularly high among young men.
Many young adults delay seeking healthcare because of affordability pressures and competing financial priorities such as accommodation, transport, education costs and supporting family members. As a result, conditions that could be identified and managed early are often only treated once they become serious.
The consequences extend beyond health. Untreated depression can affect educational attainment, employment prospects and personal wellbeing. Chronic conditions such as hypertension, asthma and diabetes become more difficult and costly to manage when diagnosis and treatment are delayed.
Healthcare access should therefore be viewed not only as a health issue, but as an investment in South Africa’s future workforce and economic development.
While National Health Insurance remains a long-term policy objective that may take 10 to 15 years to be realised, millions of young South Africans need access to affordable healthcare today. Expanding access will require practical solutions that support more affordable healthcare products, encourage innovation and strengthen prevention, screening and wellness programmes.
There are also practical steps that young people can take to protect their health today. Prevention remains better than cure. Regular exercise, healthy eating, avoiding smoking, limiting alcohol consumption, and adequate sleep can significantly improve long-term health and wellbeing. Whatever your circumstances, do not wait until something is seriously wrong before taking your health seriously. Know your numbers. Check your blood pressure and blood sugar levels regularly, seek help when you are struggling and talk openly about mental health. Early action can make a significant difference to long-term health outcomes.
We cannot accept a future in which millions of young South Africans remain uninsured. The cost of inaction will be measured not only in poorer health outcomes, but also in lost educational opportunities, reduced productivity and greater financial vulnerability.
Addressing this challenge will require collaboration between government, employers, healthcare funders, healthcare professionals and civil society. If we are serious about empowering South Africa’s youth, ensuring access to affordable healthcare must form part of the solution.
Investing in youth health is ultimately an investment in South Africa’s future workforce, economic growth and long-term prosperity.
