With more than 126 000 lives covered nationwide and a growing footprint across hundreds of employers, Flexicare health insurance is helping employers give their employees access to quality private primary healthcare through a network of healthcare providers. The result is a healthier workforce, improved wellbeing and stronger business resilience.

Employee wellbeing has become a strategic priority for organisations across industries. Employers increasingly recognise that healthy employees are more productive, more engaged and better able to contribute to business success.

At the same time, many South Africans still have limited access to private healthcare. This is driving growing interest in health insurance solutions that help employees access quality healthcare while remaining affordable for both employers and employees.

“Employee health should not be viewed as a cost to business. It is an investment in productivity, resilience and long-term sustainability,” says Discovery Health Chief Growth Officer Maria Makhabane.

Healthy Employees Help Build Stronger Businesses

Research shows a clear link between employee wellbeing and performance. A global study by analytics and advisory firm Gallup found that organisations with high employee wellbeing report 18% higher productivity, 23% higher profitability and 81% lower absenteeism than those with lower wellbeing levels. Access to healthcare plays an important role. When employees can get care early and easily, they are more likely to remain productive, recover quickly from illness and avoid more serious health complications.

The World Health Organization and International Labour Organization have both highlighted the link between employee wellbeing, productivity and organisational performance.“Employee wellbeing is not only an HR or people priority, but also a business priority. When employers invest in cover that gives their people access to quality private primary healthcare, they reduce avoidable illness and create the conditions for sustained performance,” says Makhabane.

Access To Private Healthcare In South Africa

Many employers exploring healthcare benefits may be unfamiliar with the role of health insurance. Unlike medical aid schemes, which provide more comprehensive cover and include Prescribed Minimum Benefits, health insurance focuses on specific healthcare needs, particularly day-to-day care.For employees who may not have access to traditional medical aid, health insurance offers an affordable way to access private primary healthcare, including GP consultations, medicines, dentistry, optometry and preventive benefits.This makes health insurance particularly relevant for employers looking to extend healthcare access to a broader segment of their workforce.Flexicare members have access to an extensive national provider network that includes 1 708 GP practices, 3 606 pharmacies, 2 560 dental practices, 2 846 optometry practices and 176 specialists, as well as hundreds of nurse-led care sites. The impact is reflected in its use. In 2025, members recorded more than 320 000 in-person and online GP consultations. Preventive care is also growing, with 8 979 health checks completed in 2025, up from 4 973 in 2023. These checks and screenings help identify potential health risks early, before they develop into more serious conditions requiring intensive treatment.“Giving people access to healthcare is about much more than treating illness. It helps people take charge of their health earlier, which benefits individuals, families and employers alike,” says Makhabane.

Growing Demand Reflects Growing Value

Employer participation continues to drive Flexicare’s growth. By April 2026, about 67% of members were covered through employer-

sponsored participation. Total covered lives grew from about 104 600 in April 2024 to 114 200 in April 2025 and over 126 000 by April 2026. The number of participating employers also increased from 637 to 652 between December 2025 and April 2026. Employers across manufacturing, retail, healthcare, financial services, telecommunications and education industries are using Flexicare to help their employees access quality private healthcare.For many working parents, a child’s illness can mean time away from work to visit a clinic or healthcare provider. Access to private healthcare helps employees get care more quickly and conveniently, reducing disruption to both household and work responsibilities. As at April 2026, about one in five Flexicare policies included cover for children, highlighting the value of family protection and peace of mind.

Discover How Flexicare Can Support Your Workforce

As businesses navigate economic uncertainty and changing employee expectations, workforce wellbeing is becoming increasingly important to organisational success. For employers, health insurance is more than an employee benefit. It is a practical investment in people that can help create healthier workplaces and stronger businesses.Whether your organisation employs 20 people or 2 000, providing access to private healthcare can help employees stay healthier, access care sooner and remain productive at work.Learn more about how Flexicare health insurance can support your employees and your business.