International patients
Coming to Johannesburg for treatment? Here's how it works.
Your doctor at home sends the referral, the rooms help you plan the practical side before anything is booked, your medical aid gets the paperwork it asks for, and your own doctor is kept informed throughout.
Where are you travelling from?
Your journey
From first message to home again
Each step is finished before the next one starts, so that you travel once the referral has been reviewed and your funding is confirmed.
1
Before travel
Secure referral and imaging upload
The referring doctor submits a referral letter, clinical summary and DICOM imaging through the encrypted portal. Consent to cross-border transfer of records is recorded.
More informationReview with your doctor
The referral is reviewed and discussed with the referring doctor, who remains responsible for the patient's care at home.
Travel planning call
An administrative call to plan dates, documents and logistics. No diagnosis or clinical advice is given before the patient is seen in South Africa.
More information
2
Authorisation & logistics
Quotation and clinical motivation
The practice provides a clinical motivation letter, ICD-10 diagnosis codes, procedure codes and a quotation for submission to the patient's funder.
More informationVisa and travel documentation
Guidance on whether a South African medical treatment visa is required, and the supporting letter from the treating specialist.
More informationNetcare pre-admission
Hospital pre-admission is completed in advance so that admission on arrival is straightforward.
3
Treatment & return
Consultation in Johannesburg
The consultation and examination take place in person. Any treatment, including surgery, is discussed and agreed with you at this stage.
Discharge summary and fitness to fly
If you have treatment, a discharge summary is sent to the referring doctor, together with guidance on when it is safe to fly.
Follow-up at home
Follow-up in your home country is with your own doctor. Dr Kana communicates with your doctor, and further in-person review in Johannesburg can be arranged if needed.