Flexicare is helping agricultural employers give workers affordable access to private primary healthcare, supporting healthier teams and stronger businesses. With a growing nationwide provider network, the health insurance solution is improving workforce wellbeing while reducing barriers to care.
With more than 126 000 lives covered nationwide and growing adoption among employers, Flexicare health insurance is helping businesses give employees access to quality private primary healthcare through an extensive provider network. The result is a healthier workforce, improved wellbeing and stronger business resilience.
Whether managing a fruit farm during harvest season, operating a packhouse, running a feedlot or overseeing a processing facility, agricultural employers rely on healthy teams to keep operations running smoothly.
A shortage of workers during critical planting, harvesting or production periods can have immediate operational and financial consequences.
Yet for many employees, accessing healthcare is not always easy. Long travel distances, limited access to private healthcare and time away from work can delay treatment and affect productivity. As a result, more employers are looking for affordable healthcare solutions that make quality care more accessible.
“Employee health should not be viewed as a cost to business. It is an investment in productivity, resilience and long-term sustainability,” says Maria Makhabane, chief growth officer at Discovery Health.
Healthy employees help build stronger businesses
The link between employee wellbeing and business performance is well established. A Gallup study found that organisations with high employee wellbeing report 18% higher productivity, 23% higher profitability and 81% lower absenteeism than organisations with lower wellbeing levels.
Access to healthcare plays an important role. When employees can get care early and easily, they are more likely to recover quickly, remain productive and avoid more serious health complications.
The World Health Organization and International Labour Organization have also highlighted the connection between employee wellbeing, productivity and organisational performance.
“Employee wellbeing is not only an HR priority; it is a business priority. When employers invest in cover that gives people access to quality private primary healthcare, they help reduce avoidable illness and support sustained performance,” says Makhabane.
What is health insurance?
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 services, including GP consultations, medicines, dentistry, optometry and preventive benefits.
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For agricultural employers, this creates a practical way to expand access to private healthcare across their workforce without the cost associated with medical aid.
Access to private healthcare across South Africa
Flexicare members have access to an extensive provider network that includes 1 708 GP practices, 3 606 pharmacies, 2 560 dental practices, 2 846 optometry practices, 176 specialists and hundreds of nurse-led care sites.
A broad national network is particularly valuable for employees working outside major urban centres where healthcare access may be limited.
The impact is reflected in utilisation. During 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, compared with 4 973 in 2023.
“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, approximately 67% of members were covered through employer-sponsored participation.
Total covered lives grew from approximately 104 600 in April 2024 to 114,200 in April 2025 and more than 126 000 by April 2026. The number of participating employers also increased from 637 in December 2025 to 652 in April 2026.
Employers across agriculture, manufacturing, retail, healthcare, financial services, telecommunications and education are using Flexicare to help employees access quality private healthcare.
Supporting employees and their families
For employees living on or near farms, taking a child for medical treatment can mean losing a full day of work.
Access to private healthcare helps families receive care more quickly and conveniently, reducing disruption to both household and work responsibilities.
As at April 2026, around 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 face economic pressure and changing employee expectations, workforce wellbeing is becoming increasingly important to long-term success.
For employers, health insurance is more than an employee benefit. It is a practical investment that helps employees access care sooner, stay healthier and remain productive.
Whether you employ 20 people or 2 000, providing access to private healthcare can help support healthier workplaces and stronger businesses.
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