South Africa Health Expenditure per Capita
Current health expenditure per capita SH.XPD.CHEX.PC.CD
South Africa's health expenditure per capita was $573 in 2025, ranked 89th globally. This represents a 6.9% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 2000–2025.
Overview
South Africa's health expenditure per capita stood at $573 in 2025, a rise of +$37 from 2023. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach $573 by 2025. South Africa ranked 89th globally.
South Africa's health expenditure per capita has experienced fluctuations over the past 25 years, with the latest figure standing at 573.49 in 2025. This places the country at the 89th global rank, closely trailing Paraguay's 578.08. The country's all-time peak was reached in 2011 with a value of 686.87, whereas the lowest point was recorded in 2002 at 179.51. In comparison to its peers, South Africa's health expenditure per capita is slightly higher than that of the Dominican Republic, which stood at 571.94. As the country continues on its current trajectory, a shift in policy or significant investment in the healthcare sector would be necessary to alter the trend and potentially drive health expenditure per capita towards the levels seen during its peak in 2011.
Data & projection
| Year | Health Expenditure per Capita | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026* trend | $580 | - | - |
| 2025* trend | $573 | - | - |
| 2025 | $573 | +$37 | #89 |
| 2023 | $537 | −$34 | #85 |
| 2022 | $570 | −$22 | #79 |
| 2021 | $593 | +$89 | #79 |
| 2020 | $503 | −$35 | #80 |
| 2019 | $539 | −$20 | #80 |
| 2018 | $559 | +$31 | #75 |
| 2017 | $528 | +$71 | #74 |
| 2016 | $457 | −$35 | #78 |
| 2015 | $492 | −$47 | #74 |
| 2014 | $539 | −$54 | #74 |
| 2013 | $594 | −$53 | #69 |
| 2012 | $646 | −$40 | #63 |
| 2011 | $687 | +$65 | #60 |
| 2010 | $621 | +$134 | #60 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
South Africa matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 1994. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw health expenditure per capita improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
South Africa's health expenditure per capita was $573 in 2025. Ranked 89th globally. This represents a 6.9% increase from the previous year.
South Africa's health expenditure per capita peaked at $687 in 2011.
The lowest health expenditure per capita in South Africa was $180 in 2002.
South Africa ranks 89th globally in health expenditure per capita as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SH.XPD.CHEX.PC.CD. Data sourced from World Bank.
South Africa's health expenditure per capita is projected to reach $573 by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The health expenditure per capita of South Africa in 2025 was $573. This ranks 89th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_south-africa_health-expenditure-per-capita,
title = {South Africa Health Expenditure per Capita},
url = {https://historysaid.com/south-africa/health-expenditure-per-capita/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}