Despite Sandton’s reputation as one of Johannesburg’s economic centres, many young adults living, studying, and working in and around the area are delaying medical and mental healthcare because they believe they cannot afford it.

According to the Health Funders Association (HFA), based in Woodmead, young South Africans remain the least-insured age group, leaving many without financial protection when they need healthcare the most.

Read more: Parkmore thrift shop appeals for donations for its healthcare initiatives

HFA CEO Thoneshan Naidoo said there is a common misconception that living or working in an affluent area automatically means people have access to healthcare. “One of the biggest misconceptions is that access to healthcare automatically follows economic opportunity. While Sandton is a major economic hub, many young adults are entering the workforce, freelancing, studying, or working in contract-based roles without healthcare cover.”

He said, nationally, only 7.8% of South Africans aged between 20 and 24 belong to a medical scheme, making them the least-insured age group in the country. “We are seeing young people delay seeking care until a condition becomes severe enough to interfere with their studies, work, or daily life. This is particularly concerning for mental health conditions, where early intervention can make a significant difference.
“In more affluent areas, such as Sandton, there is often a false sense of health security. Young people generally perceive themselves as healthy and therefore prioritise immediate financial commitments and lifestyle expenses ahead of healthcare. The challenge is that illness and accidents are unpredictable, and delaying healthcare can allow relatively manageable conditions to become more serious and costly to treat.”

Naidoo pointed out that mental health remains one of the biggest concerns. Anxiety, depression, burnout, and stress-related conditions continue to affect young adults navigating economic uncertainty, unemployment, and the pressures of establishing careers.

The HFA also warned that chronic conditions, such as hypertension, diabetes, and asthma, are increasingly being diagnosed in younger adults. Preventative healthcare, including routine check-ups, blood pressure monitoring, and blood sugar testing, is often neglected, allowing illnesses to progress before they are diagnosed.

Naidoo believes affordability is only one of several barriers preventing young people from seeking help. “Stigma remains a significant challenge. Many young people are reluctant to speak openly about mental health or seek professional help because they fear being judged or perceived as weak. There is also a lack of awareness about the symptoms of mental health conditions, which means many people do not recognise when they need support.”

Also read: Parkmore thrift shop seeks support to sustain healthcare initiatives

He said many young adults are also unaware that medical schemes offer different benefit options to suit different budgets, and that prescribed minimum benefits (PMBs) provide cover for the diagnosis and treatment of certain serious conditions. “My advice would be not to wait until something is seriously wrong before taking your health seriously. Many of the most important health interventions are low-cost or free. Exercise regularly, eat a healthy diet, get enough sleep, avoid smoking, and limit alcohol consumption.”

He added that regular health screenings, workplace wellness programmes, and community health initiatives can help detect problems early, improving long-term health outcomes. “Good health is one of the most important investments a young person can make. It supports educational success, career development, productivity, and overall quality of life. The earlier health concerns are identified and addressed, the better the outcomes.”

Follow us on our WhatsApp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates!