More affordable healthcare for South Africa

Doctors receive full payment while patients pay in installments

Spotted: Financing healthcare is out of reach of millions of people and many households are pushed into extreme poverty after paying for essential tests and treatment. In South Africa, payment platform Athena wants to change this situation and make healthcare more financially accessible.

Rather than one lump sum, patients pay for care in installments over a three- or six-month period, while doctors receive payment in full, shortly after care is provided. Athena covers the administrative burden of credit-checking patients and assumes the burden of defaults on debts.

After signing up and providing Athena with the necessary information, users then accept the repayment terms and make the first installment to start their coverage. Once the medical procedure is complete, Athena then pays the full amount to the doctor, and the patient continues to pay back Athena in stages. Procedures that cost between R500 to R30,000 (around €25 to €1,500) are covered, depending on what an individual’s credit check reveals they can afford to pay.

Using Athena, patients pay less than they would through other credit alternatives because the company charges a single administrative fee rather than monthly interest. South African residents with a valid ID number are eligible for the service, and individuals can pay for care for dependents, friends, and other family members via the platform as well.

Written By: Keely Khoury