What to do if you can't find an affordable addiction rehab?
- Mitchell Curtis
- Jul 21, 2023
- 5 min read
Updated: 9 hours ago
Exploring every avenue for affordable addiction rehabilitation
People often ask: what should you do if you can’t afford rehab in South Africa? Addiction is a deeply challenging and isolating journey, particularly when the cost of treatment seems insurmountable. In South Africa, many families face financial barriers when trying to access affordable addiction rehabilitation services, but it’s important to understand that support is still available.
What are ALL of the options available for help?
There are various treatment options, including state-funded facilities, community-based programmes, and affordable addiction treatment services partially covered by medical aid, all of which cater to different financial situations. Even if private rehab feels out of reach, recovery remains possible. In this article, we’ll explore the key support options available, helping you make informed decisions and ensure your loved one gets the help they need.
Can my medical aid cover addiction rehab in South Africa?
Many South African medical aid schemes provide coverage for rehabilitation under prescribed minimum benefits (PMB), but with limitations. Most plans cover up to 21 days of inpatient treatment, which may not be sufficient for individuals with severe addiction or co-occurring mental health issues. Some medical aids may approve extended stays if deemed medically necessary. For those with medical aid, this can be a valuable option, potentially covering part or all of the treatment costs. It’s essential to review your plan’s coverage and understand the process for requesting extensions.
For a more in-depth look at medical aid options, see our Part 1 guide on medical aid cover, understanding prescribed minimum benefits (PMB's), and extended medical aid rehab stays.
Can I still get my loved one into private rehab if I can’t afford the costs?
If private addiction rehab seems out of reach, don’t worry. There are still options available. Two key alternatives include medical loans and crowdfunding. In South Africa, several companies offer medical loans, making private rehab more affordable with flexible repayment plans. Additionally, crowdfunding has become an effective way for many families to raise the funds needed for treatment. Let’s explore both of these options in more detail below.
2A. Medical loans can make addiction rehab affordable
For families who prefer private rehab but can't afford the upfront costs, medical loans offer a practical solution. Providers like DirectAxis, and Arcadia Finance offer loans with flexible repayment plans, making rehab more accessible without the burden of a lump-sum payment. Medical loans can be a great option for those seeking private treatment but needing financial support.
For more in-depth information on medical loans, see our Part 2A guide on finding addiction support.
2B. Crowdfunding
Another option is crowdfunding. Platforms like BackaBuddy and Thundafund enable families to raise money for addiction treatment by sharing their story online. Crowdfunding allows you to reach out to friends, family, and even strangers who are willing to contribute, no matter how small. This method has become increasingly popular in South Africa as a way to make private rehab more affordable. By creating a fundraising campaign and telling your story, you can gain support from a broader community, which can be vital in covering treatment costs.
For more information on crowdfunding in South Africa, see our Part 2B guide on finding addiction support. Additionally, you can read the dos and don't of telling your story here.
Government-funded
If private treatment is not financially feasible, government-funded rehab programs offer free or low-cost options. The Department of Social Development (DSD) operates state-funded rehab centres that provide detoxification, therapy, and aftercare services at no charge. These services are available to all, regardless of financial status, making them a crucial option for those unable to afford private or medical aid-covered treatment. However, accessing these services typically involves a referral process, and in some cases, documentation, a social worker fee, or an assessment may be required.
For a more in-depth look at government-funded options, see our article, Part 3 guide on finding addiction support.
Non-Profit Organisations
various non-profit organisations across South Africa provide free addiction recovery services. These organisations typically offer outpatient programmes, counselling, therapy, and support groups. Well-known groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Narcotics Anonymous (NA), and the South African Federation for Mental Health (SAFMH) provide support and guidance, often at no cost. Many of these services focus on long-term recovery, helping individuals continue their sobriety journey when inpatient care is unavailable or unaffordable.
For more information, see our article, Part 4 guide on finding addiction support.
Next steps: How to explore your options
Now that you have a better understanding of the key options available, the next step is to begin exploring which path is best for your situation. Each treatment option has its own eligibility criteria, and navigating them can be complex, but there’s no need to face it alone.
Take the time to:
Check your medical aid coverage: Contact your provider to inquire about rehab coverage and extended stays. Read Part 1 to learn about different medical aid providers, what they typically cover, prescribed minimum benefits (PMBs), and the conditions for extended addiction treatment beyond the standard 21 days.
Research loan providers: If you prefer private rehab, consider medical loan companies to help make treatment more affordable. You can find a list of providers in our Part 2A article.
Start a crowdfunding campaign: If you need additional financial support, crowdfunding could be a valuable option for raising funds. You can find a list of crowdfunding platforms in our Part 2B article.
Reach out for government services: Inquire about free or low-cost government-funded rehab services through the Department of Social Development. Find a full list of government-funded free rehab centres in South Africa in our Part 3 article.
Connect with non-profits: Organisations like AA, NA, NICRO, and others offer free outpatient services that could complement inpatient treatment or be an alternative if you’re unable to afford residential care. Read Part 4 to connect with non-profits offering free community support, including contact details.
At Wellvale Recovery Centre, we understand the emotional and financial strain addiction places on families because we’ve been through it ourselves. As a family-run centre, we work hard to keep our costs low without compromising the quality of care. We only admit those serious about recovery, ensuring every space counts. No matter how tough things feel, there are always options. Contact WellVale today to take the first step toward real, lasting recovery.
Read our new 2025 4-Part Guide to Finding Affordable Addiction Treatment in South Africa, Even When It Feels Impossible.
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