What will the NHI not cover?

For those who are navigating what the NHI will and will not cover, understanding these exclusions is key to making informed healthcare choices and managing additional health-related expenses. In this article, we’ll outline what the NHI won’t cover, helping you make the best decisions for yourself and your family.

Management of Healthcare Facilities

Under the NHI, the actual management of hospitals, clinics, and private practices is not covered. This means that the NHI’s responsibility will be focused on funding and purchasing healthcare services, while the daily management of these facilities will remain with the hospitals, clinics, and private health practices themselves. The system is designed this way to allow healthcare professionals and institutions to maintain operational control, while the NHI concentrates on delivering affordable, equitable healthcare access.

Services Covered Exclusively by Medical Schemes (Top-Up Services)

Once fully implemented, the NHI will provide a comprehensive package of services covering primary healthcare, hospital care, mental health services, rehabilitation, and palliative care, among others. However, private medical schemes will not be permitted to duplicate services already covered by the NHI. In other words, medical schemes will be limited to offering top-up services, which are additional benefits that fall outside the NHI’s coverage. This change is intended to prevent duplication and focus medical scheme resources on services that enhance care but aren’t covered under the public system.

For those who prefer or require specific medical treatments not included in the NHI package, private medical schemes can still offer coverage for these add-ons. This is significant for patients who may need or prefer specialized treatments, elective procedures, or upgraded services not deemed essential by the NHI.

Non-NHI Contracted Providers

An important aspect of the NHI is that it will only cover services from healthcare providers who are contracted under the NHI. This means that if a provider chooses not to participate in the NHI system, the NHI will not cover the costs of treatments from that provider.

Patients can, however, use their private medical schemes to cover these services if they prefer a specific provider not affiliated with the NHI. This could be an essential option for individuals who already have established relationships with particular doctors or specialists who opt to remain outside of the NHI framework.

Excluded Treatments and Procedures

Although the NHI plans to cover a wide array of services, there are some treatments and procedures that may fall outside its scope. While the exact list of exclusions may be refined as the NHI progresses, elective and non-essential procedures are often not included in public health coverage worldwide, and South Africa’s NHI is expected to follow a similar model. Cosmetic surgery, luxury services, and other non-medically necessary treatments are likely to be excluded. Additionally, patients seeking private rooms or services outside of standard provisions may need to fund these out-of-pocket or through supplementary medical schemes.

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What the NHI Will Cover

  • Primary healthcare: Preventative care, doctor visits, and outpatient services.
  • Hospital services: Inpatient treatment and necessary hospital care.
  • Mental health services: Access to mental health professionals and therapy.
  • Rehabilitation and palliative care: Support for patients needing long-term or end-of-life care.
  • Emergency medical services: Immediate treatment for acute and life-threatening conditions.
  • Patient transport services: Transportation for those needing access to healthcare facilities.

 

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Complete Guide to NSFAS Online Loan Application for South African Students (2025)

If you are a South African student looking to pursue higher education but are facing financial difficulties, the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is one of the most accessible funding options available. NSFAS provides financial aid in the form of bursaries and loans to qualifying students at public universities and TVET colleges in South Africa.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the NSFAS loan application process, from eligibility requirements to application steps and frequently asked questions.

📌 What is NSFAS?

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a government-funded financial aid scheme aimed at helping students from low- and middle-income households to access tertiary education without the burden of upfront fees.

NSFAS offers both bursaries and income-contingent loans:

  • Bursaries: For eligible students who meet academic and household income criteria (especially for TVET and university students).
  • Loans: For students who do not meet all bursary criteria or who are pursuing postgraduate qualifications not funded under bursary schemes.

✅ Who Qualifies for an NSFAS Loan?

To qualify for an NSFAS loan (especially for postgraduate students or programs not funded under the bursary system), you must:

  • Be a South African citizen.
  • Be financially needy, with a household income of less than R350,000 per year.
  • Have a valid South African ID.
  • Be enrolled or accepted to study at a public university or TVET college.
  • Not be funded through another bursary program that covers all expenses.
  • Maintain satisfactory academic progress (returning students).

📚 Courses Funded by NSFAS

NSFAS primarily funds undergraduate qualifications, but certain postgraduate programs (e.g., PGCE, postgraduate diplomas in education, and professional courses like LLB) may be considered under the NSFAS loan scheme, not bursaries.

If you’re studying:

  • Undergraduate degree or diploma: You are likely eligible for a full NSFAS bursary.
  • Postgraduate study: You may qualify for a loan, depending on the course and funding availability.

📄 Required Documents for NSFAS Application

When applying, make sure you have the following documents scanned and ready:

  1. Certified copy of your South African ID or Smart Card.
  2. Parent(s) or guardian(s) ID documents.
  3. Proof of income (latest payslips, UIF, or affidavit if unemployed).
  4. Consent Form signed by your parent(s)/guardian(s) to allow NSFAS to verify income.
  5. Proof of registration or acceptance at a public institution.
  6. Academic transcripts (for continuing or postgraduate students).

🖥️ How to Apply for an NSFAS Loan Online

Step-by-Step NSFAS Online Application Process (2025)

  1. Visit the NSFAS Website

    Go to: https://www.nsfas.org.za

  2. Create an Account

    • Click on “MyNSFAS” and register your profile.
    • You’ll need a valid email address and South African cellphone number.
    • Choose a strong password and verify your account via email or SMS.

  3. Login and Start the Application

    • After registration, log in to your MyNSFAS account.
    • Click on “Apply” to begin a new application.

  4. Fill in Your Personal Details

    • Input your ID number, name, surname, and other details exactly as they appear on your ID.
    • Provide household income information and living arrangements.

  5. Upload Required Documents

    • Upload all supporting documents in PDF or JPEG format.
    • Each document must be clear and under the size limit specified.

  6. Submit Your Application

    • Review your application for accuracy.
    • Click “Submit” and wait for a confirmation message.

  7. Track Your Application

    • Log in regularly to check your application status.
    • You will be notified via SMS and email at each stage of the process.

🗓️ Important NSFAS Dates (2025)

  • Application Opening Date: September 1, 2025
  • Application Deadline: January 31, 2026
  • Appeals Period: February 2026 (if rejected)
  • Disbursement: After registration and approval

Note: Dates are subject to change; always confirm on the official NSFAS website.

💸 What Does the NSFAS Loan Cover?

NSFAS funding typically includes:

  • Tuition fees
  • Registration fees
  • Accommodation (if living away from home)
  • Meals and transport
  • Learning materials (e.g., textbooks)

For loans, repayment is only required once you start working and earn above a threshold (around R30,000 annually, but subject to change).

🔄 NSFAS Loan Repayment

Repayments are:

  • Income-contingent – you only repay when you can afford to.
  • Administered by DHET (Department of Higher Education and Training).
  • Interest-bearing, but interest rates are low and favorable.

You can also apply for a partial loan conversion to a bursary if you perform well academically.

🔁 How to Appeal a Rejected NSFAS Application

If your application is rejected, you may submit an appeal via your MyNSFAS portal:

  1. Log into your MyNSFAS account.
  2. Click on “Track Funding Progress”.
  3. If rejected, click on “Submit Appeal”.
  4. Upload any missing or corrected documents.
  5. Provide a clear explanation or motivation.

📱 NSFAS Contact Information

📝 Final Tips Before Applying

  • Apply early to avoid system overload near the deadline.
  • Use your own email and cellphone number (do not use someone else’s).
  • Double-check that all your documents are certified and legible.
  • Keep a copy of your submission confirmation for reference.

By following this guide, you can confidently apply for NSFAS funding and move one step closer to achieving your academic and career dreams—without the burden of immediate financial pressure.

 

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