South Africa
Make employment in South Africa easy. Let us handle payroll, benefits, taxes, compliance, and even stock options for your team in South Africa, all in one easy-to-use platform.
- Capital City
Pretoria (executive), Bloemfontein (judicial), and Cape Town (legislative)
- Currency
South African Rand (R, ZAR)
- Languages
English and 10 other official languages
- Population size
59,622,350
Remote builds belonging for your global team with comprehensive local plans at competitive rates. 🙌
Remote Benefits Plans
At Remote, we provide tailored benefits to ensure that all Remote employees receive comprehensive coverage from top providers. Our plans offer competitive rates designed for larger groups - even if the team is still growing!
Upon onboarding, Remote will enroll team members in their benefits and provide detailed information about their coverage. Remote manages all administrative tasks, allowing you to focus on scaling your global team.
To ensure benefit equality, any benefits offered will apply to all team members in the country, providing consistent coverage and support across the team.
Medical Aid
Offering medical aid in South Africa is not mandatory, however, providing these plans can greatly enhance the healthcare experience for employees and ensure access to necessary medical services.
In South Africa, Remote provides a variety of local healthcare plans, tailored to different needs. The primary distinction among these options pertains to their Day-to-Day coverage.
Employees can utilize the allocated funds in their Medical Savings Accounts (MSA) for most outpatient treatments. However, when their MSA funds are depleted, they would require an extended benefit to maintain access to Day-to-Day coverage.
The Saver plan offers basic coverage with no extension once MSA funds are depleted. The Priority plan provides a limited extension of Day-to-Day coverage once the MSA’s annual threshold is reached. The Comprehensive plan offers an unlimited extension of Day-to-Day coverage after reaching the MSA’s annual threshold, ensuring continuous access to outpatient treatments.
If you would like more insight into fair equity and benefits best practices, you can download our Global Benefits Guide here !
New Options Available January 1, 2025:
Starting January 1, 2025, two additional plans, Classic Smart and Classic Delta Saver , will be available. These plans offer comprehensive coverage options with specific network restrictions to accommodate different needs and preferences.
Hospital Admissions
Unlimited cover: Restricted to the Smart Network only.
Connected Care
Remote care at home, including:
Chronic Medicine
Covers chronic medicine on the formulary for 27 chronic conditions when using MedXpress or a MedXpress Network Pharmacy.
Screening and Prevention
Covers vital tests to detect early warning signs of serious illness.
Hospital Related Accounts
Guaranteed full cover in hospital for specialists with payment arrangements, up to 200% of the Discovery Health Rate (DHR) within the Smart Network.
Pregnancy
Comprehensive benefits for maternity and early childhood, covering certain healthcare services before and after birth.
WELLTH Fund
Covers a comprehensive list of additional screening and prevention healthcare services based on individual health needs.
Travel Cover
Medical emergency cover when travelling.
Day-to-Day Cover
Limited to General Practitioner consultations only.
Sports injury benefit for additional outpatient needs.
Hospital Admissions
Unlimited cover: Restricted to the Delta Network only.
Connected Care
Remote care at home, including:
Chronic Medicine
Covers chronic medicine on the formulary for 27 chronic conditions when using MedXpress or a MedXpress Network Pharmacy.
Screening and Prevention
Covers vital tests to detect early warning signs of serious illness.
Hospital Related Accounts
Guaranteed full cover in hospital for specialists with payment arrangements, up to 200% of the Discovery Health Rate (DHR) within the Delta Network.
Pregnancy
Comprehensive benefits for maternity and early childhood, covering certain healthcare services before and after birth.
WELLTH Fund
Covers a comprehensive list of additional screening and prevention healthcare services based on individual health needs.
Travel Cover
Medical emergency cover when travelling.
Day-to-Day Cover
Limited day-to-day cover with an annual limit up to R8,688.
No additional outpatient coverage.
Hospital Admissions
Unlimited cover: All hospitals with no overall limit.
Connected Care
Remote care at home, including:
Home Monitoring Device Benefit
Home-based hospital-related care and follow-up treatment
Hospital at Home programme for quality care at home
Chronic Medicine
Covers chronic medicine on the formulary for 27 chronic conditions when using MedXpress or a MedXpress Network Pharmacy.
Screening and Prevention
Covers vital tests to detect early warning signs of serious illness.
Hospital Related Accounts
Full cover in hospital for specialists with payment arrangements, up to 200% of the Discovery Health Rate (DHR).
Pregnancy
Comprehensive benefits for maternity and early childhood, covering certain healthcare services before and after birth.
WELLTH Fund
Covers a comprehensive list of additional screening and prevention healthcare services based on individual health needs.
Travel Cover
Medical emergency cover when travelling.
Day-to-Day Cover
Medical expenses managed through Medical Savings Account (MSA).
Limited day-to-day cover with an annual limit up to R10,872.
No additional outpatient coverage.
Hospital Admissions
Unlimited cover: No overall limit for hospital cover in all hospitals.
Connected Care
Remote care at home, including:
Home Monitoring Device Benefit
Home-based hospital-related care and follow-up treatment
Hospital at Home programme for quality care at home
Chronic Medicine
Covers chronic medicine on the formulary for 27 chronic conditions when using MedXpress or a MedXpress Network Pharmacy.
Screening and Prevention
Covers vital tests to detect early warning signs of serious illness.
Hospital Related Accounts
Full cover in hospital for specialists with payment arrangements, up to 200% of the Discovery Health Rate (DHR).
Pregnancy
Comprehensive benefits for maternity and early childhood, covering certain healthcare services before and after birth.
WELLTH Fund
Covers a comprehensive list of additional screening and prevention healthcare services based on individual health needs.
Travel Cover
Medical emergency cover when travelling.
Day-to-Day Cover
Medical expenses managed through Medical Savings Account (MSA), allowing members to control their day-to-day spending.
Day-to-day Extender Benefit (DEB) extends cover for essential healthcare services in the network.
Limited Above Threshold Benefit (ATB) provides additional day-to-day cover once the Annual Threshold is reached.
Annual day-to-day limit up to R17,376.
Additional outpatient coverage up to R9,370.
Hospital Admissions
Unlimited cover: All hospitals with no overall limit.
Connected Care
Remote care at home, including:
Home Monitoring Device Benefit
Home-based hospital-related care and follow-up treatment
Hospital at Home programme for quality care at home
Chronic Medicine
Full cover for chronic medicine on the formulary for all 62 Chronic Disease List (CDL) conditions when using MedXpress or a MedXpress Network Pharmacy.
Screening and Prevention
Covers vital tests to detect early warning signs of serious illness.
Hospital Related Accounts
Full cover in hospital for specialists with payment arrangements, up to 200% of the Discovery Health Rate (DHR).
Pregnancy
Comprehensive benefits for maternity and early childhood, covering certain healthcare services before and after birth.
WELLTH Fund
Covers a comprehensive list of additional screening and prevention healthcare services based on individual health needs.
Travel Cover
Medical emergency cover when travelling.
Day-to-Day Cover
Medical expenses managed through Medical Savings Account (MSA).
Day-to-day Extender Benefit (DEB) extends cover for essential healthcare services in the network.
Extensive day-to-day cover with an annual limit up to R27,876.
Additional outpatient cover up to R35,000.
Medical Aid
Offering medical aid in South Africa is not mandatory, however, providing these plans can greatly enhance the healthcare experience for employees and ensure access to necessary medical services.
In South Africa, Remote provides a variety of local healthcare plans, tailored to different needs. The primary distinction among these options pertains to their Day-to-Day coverage.
Employees can utilize the allocated funds in their Medical Savings Accounts (MSA) for most outpatient treatments. However, when their MSA funds are depleted, they would require an extended benefit to maintain access to Day-to-Day coverage.
The Saver plan offers basic coverage with no extension once MSA funds are depleted. The Priority plan provides a limited extension of Day-to-Day coverage once the MSA’s annual threshold is reached. The Comprehensive plan offers an unlimited extension of Day-to-Day coverage after reaching the MSA’s annual threshold, ensuring continuous access to outpatient treatments.
If you would like more insight into fair equity and benefits best practices, you can download our Global Benefits Guide here !
New Options Available January 1, 2025:
Starting January 1, 2025, two additional plans, Classic Smart and Classic Delta Saver , will be available. These plans offer comprehensive coverage options with specific network restrictions to accommodate different needs and preferences.
Hospital Admissions
Unlimited cover: Restricted to the Smart Network only.
Connected Care
Remote care at home, including:
Chronic Medicine
Covers chronic medicine on the formulary for 27 chronic conditions when using MedXpress or a MedXpress Network Pharmacy.
Screening and Prevention
Covers vital tests to detect early warning signs of serious illness.
Hospital Related Accounts
Guaranteed full cover in hospital for specialists with payment arrangements, up to 200% of the Discovery Health Rate (DHR) within the Smart Network.
Pregnancy
Comprehensive benefits for maternity and early childhood, covering certain healthcare services before and after birth.
WELLTH Fund
Covers a comprehensive list of additional screening and prevention healthcare services based on individual health needs.
Travel Cover
Medical emergency cover when travelling.
Day-to-Day Cover
Limited to General Practitioner consultations only.
Sports injury benefit for additional outpatient needs.
Hospital Admissions
Unlimited cover: Restricted to the Delta Network only.
Connected Care
Remote care at home, including:
Chronic Medicine
Covers chronic medicine on the formulary for 27 chronic conditions when using MedXpress or a MedXpress Network Pharmacy.
Screening and Prevention
Covers vital tests to detect early warning signs of serious illness.
Hospital Related Accounts
Guaranteed full cover in hospital for specialists with payment arrangements, up to 200% of the Discovery Health Rate (DHR) within the Delta Network.
Pregnancy
Comprehensive benefits for maternity and early childhood, covering certain healthcare services before and after birth.
WELLTH Fund
Covers a comprehensive list of additional screening and prevention healthcare services based on individual health needs.
Travel Cover
Medical emergency cover when travelling.
Day-to-Day Cover
Limited day-to-day cover with an annual limit up to R8,688.
No additional outpatient coverage.
Hospital Admissions
Unlimited cover: All hospitals with no overall limit.
Connected Care
Remote care at home, including:
Home Monitoring Device Benefit
Home-based hospital-related care and follow-up treatment
Hospital at Home programme for quality care at home
Chronic Medicine
Covers chronic medicine on the formulary for 27 chronic conditions when using MedXpress or a MedXpress Network Pharmacy.
Screening and Prevention
Covers vital tests to detect early warning signs of serious illness.
Hospital Related Accounts
Full cover in hospital for specialists with payment arrangements, up to 200% of the Discovery Health Rate (DHR).
Pregnancy
Comprehensive benefits for maternity and early childhood, covering certain healthcare services before and after birth.
WELLTH Fund
Covers a comprehensive list of additional screening and prevention healthcare services based on individual health needs.
Travel Cover
Medical emergency cover when travelling.
Day-to-Day Cover
Medical expenses managed through Medical Savings Account (MSA).
Limited day-to-day cover with an annual limit up to R10,872.
No additional outpatient coverage.
Hospital Admissions
Unlimited cover: No overall limit for hospital cover in all hospitals.
Connected Care
Remote care at home, including:
Home Monitoring Device Benefit
Home-based hospital-related care and follow-up treatment
Hospital at Home programme for quality care at home
Chronic Medicine
Covers chronic medicine on the formulary for 27 chronic conditions when using MedXpress or a MedXpress Network Pharmacy.
Screening and Prevention
Covers vital tests to detect early warning signs of serious illness.
Hospital Related Accounts
Full cover in hospital for specialists with payment arrangements, up to 200% of the Discovery Health Rate (DHR).
Pregnancy
Comprehensive benefits for maternity and early childhood, covering certain healthcare services before and after birth.
WELLTH Fund
Covers a comprehensive list of additional screening and prevention healthcare services based on individual health needs.
Travel Cover
Medical emergency cover when travelling.
Day-to-Day Cover
Medical expenses managed through Medical Savings Account (MSA), allowing members to control their day-to-day spending.
Day-to-day Extender Benefit (DEB) extends cover for essential healthcare services in the network.
Limited Above Threshold Benefit (ATB) provides additional day-to-day cover once the Annual Threshold is reached.
Annual day-to-day limit up to R17,376.
Additional outpatient coverage up to R9,370.
Hospital Admissions
Unlimited cover: All hospitals with no overall limit.
Connected Care
Remote care at home, including:
Home Monitoring Device Benefit
Home-based hospital-related care and follow-up treatment
Hospital at Home programme for quality care at home
Chronic Medicine
Full cover for chronic medicine on the formulary for all 62 Chronic Disease List (CDL) conditions when using MedXpress or a MedXpress Network Pharmacy.
Screening and Prevention
Covers vital tests to detect early warning signs of serious illness.
Hospital Related Accounts
Full cover in hospital for specialists with payment arrangements, up to 200% of the Discovery Health Rate (DHR).
Pregnancy
Comprehensive benefits for maternity and early childhood, covering certain healthcare services before and after birth.
WELLTH Fund
Covers a comprehensive list of additional screening and prevention healthcare services based on individual health needs.
Travel Cover
Medical emergency cover when travelling.
Day-to-Day Cover
Medical expenses managed through Medical Savings Account (MSA).
Day-to-day Extender Benefit (DEB) extends cover for essential healthcare services in the network.
Extensive day-to-day cover with an annual limit up to R27,876.
Additional outpatient cover up to R35,000.
Mental Health
Offering mental health benefits is not mandatory in this country, but providing the benefit can significantly enhance the emotional well-being and overall productivity of employees.
Remote offers a comprehensive employee mental wellbeing platform in partnership with one of the top-rated employee mental wellbeing providers. This platform is available on desktop and mobile apps and includes 1-to-1 therapy with a curated pool of top-quality therapists in over 35 languages. The advanced matching service finds each employee the right therapist within 48 hours, boasting a 98% success rate. Employees receive a personal wellbeing profile with tailored recommendations and information to track progress. The platform also offers a curated self-guided content library with audio mindfulness and meditation sessions, guided yoga videos, talks, podcasts on workplace wellbeing, and micro-learning content series for managers. Additionally, there are 24/7 mental health helplines for immediate support when an employee is struggling.
Mental health program benefits may be offered to the employees from among 5 different plans. Offering mental health benefits is optional, but it can greatly enhance employee well-being and productivity.
It is essential to be aware that in certain countries, mental health benefits may be categorized as ‘Benefits in Kind’ (BIK). This categorization means that the monthly premiums paid for the benefit might be counted as part of the employee’s taxable income according to the local tax laws.
When mental health benefits are offered, they must be provided equally to all employees in the respective country.
Platform Access
Access to the wellbeing platform and app, which includes:
Personalised wellbeing assessment
Access to world-class self-guided content library with audio mindfulness & meditation sessions, guided yoga videos, talks, podcasts on workplace wellbeing, and micro-learning content series for managers
Access to manager-specific learnings and resources
Precision matching for 1:1 coaching and therapy in 35+ languages
Professional coaching
Text-based chat with dedicated practitioner
24/7 global support in all languages
Add up to 3 friends and family to the platform
Therapy and Coaching Sessions
Not included in the Basic plan
Team members can pay for therapy sessions themselves, if needed.
Platform Access
Access to the wellbeing platform and app, which includes:
Personalised wellbeing assessment
Access to world-class self-guided content library with audio mindfulness & meditation sessions, guided yoga videos, talks, podcasts on workplace wellbeing, and micro-learning content series for managers
Access to manager-specific learnings and resources
Precision matching for 1:1 coaching and therapy in 35+ languages
Professional coaching
Text-based chat with dedicated practitioner
24/7 global support in all languages
Add up to 3 friends and family to the platform
Therapy and Coaching Sessions
Includes one pre-paid Therapy/Coaching session per policy year
Team members can pay for extra therapy sessions themselves, if needed.
Platform Access
Access to the wellbeing platform and app, which includes:
Personalised wellbeing assessment
Access to world-class self-guided content library with audio mindfulness & meditation sessions, guided yoga videos, talks, podcasts on workplace wellbeing, and micro-learning content series for managers
Access to manager-specific learnings and resources
Precision matching for 1:1 coaching and therapy in 35+ languages
Professional coaching
Text-based chat with dedicated practitioner
24/7 global support in all languages
Add up to 3 friends and family to the platform
Therapy and Coaching Sessions
Includes three pre-paid Therapy/Coaching sessions per policy year
Team members can pay for extra therapy sessions themselves, if needed.
Platform Access
Access to the wellbeing platform and app, which includes:
Personalised wellbeing assessment
Access to world-class self-guided content library with audio mindfulness & meditation sessions, guided yoga videos, talks, podcasts on workplace wellbeing, and micro-learning content series for managers
Access to manager-specific learnings and resources
Precision matching for 1:1 coaching and therapy in 35+ languages
Professional coaching
Text-based chat with dedicated practitioner
24/7 global support in all languages
Add up to 3 friends and family to the platform
Therapy and Coaching Sessions
Includes six pre-paid Therapy/Coaching sessions per policy year
Team members can pay for extra therapy sessions themselves, if needed.
Platform Access
Access to the wellbeing platform and app, which includes:
Personalised wellbeing assessment
Access to world-class self-guided content library with audio mindfulness & meditation sessions, guided yoga videos, talks, podcasts on workplace wellbeing, and micro-learning content series for managers
Access to manager-specific learnings and resources
Precision matching for 1:1 coaching and therapy in 35+ languages
Professional coaching
Text-based chat with dedicated practitioner
24/7 global support in all languages
Add up to 3 friends and family to the platform
Therapy and Coaching Sessions
Includes twelve pre-paid Therapy/Coaching sessions per policy year
Team members can pay for extra therapy sessions themselves, if needed.
Retirement & Pension
Remote offers a mandatory Provident Fund in South Africa as part of its Basic Benefits package to ensure compliance with local retirement savings practices. This Provident Fund applies to all employees.
Contribution Overview:
Employer Contribution: 5% of base pay.
Employee Contribution: 5% of base pay, with the option to increase the contribution up to 27.5% voluntarily.
The contribution rates are fixed, with no flexibility for employer contributions beyond 5%.
Key Features:
Provident Fund: The fund serves as a retirement savings plan for employees, providing long-term financial security.
No Opt-Out: Employees cannot opt out of this mandatory benefit.
Waiver of Premium: In the event of long-term illness or disability, premiums are waived to ensure continuous pension accumulation.
Pension Transfer: Employees can transfer their existing funds to another pension provider upon leaving Remote.
Additional Benefits:
Disability Coverage: The plan includes disability coverage, ensuring income protection if an employee is unable to work due to illness or injury.
Survivor’s Pension: Ensures financial security for the employee’s family in case of death.
Business Travel Insurance
New Benefit Available November 1, 2024:
Remote’s Global Business Travel Insurance program is crafted to address the unique needs of your team, whether they are embarking on short business trips or travelling extensively throughout the year. With five comprehensive plan options—Basic, Standard, Premium, Premium Plus, and Standard Plus—this program ensures that your team members have the right level of coverage to protect their health, safety, and well-being while travelling for business. Available in over 90 countries, the program provides extensive global coverage at competitive rates, offering peace of mind no matter where their work takes them.
This optional benefit is designed to be flexible, allowing you to offer tailored coverage that meets the diverse needs of your workforce. By providing business travel insurance, you are taking proactive steps to safeguard your team from unforeseen events such as medical emergencies, trip disruptions, or loss of business equipment while they are on the road.
It is essential to be aware that in certain countries, Business Travel Insurance may be categorised as 'Benefits in Kind' (BIK). This categorization means that the monthly premiums, which the company pays for the benefit, might be counted as part of the employee's taxable income according to the local tax laws.
Coverages (values in USD):
Emergency & Accidental Medical: $1,000,000
Repatriation for Medical Treatment: 100% per trip
Emergency Medical Evacuation: $100,000
Repatriation of Mortal Remains: $25,000 per trip
Pre-existing Medical Conditions: For stable pre-existing medical conditions up to $50,000
Business Equipment: Up to $1,500
Computer Equipment (single item limit): $500
Business Money: $100 per day up to $500
Domestic Business Travel: Trips inside country of residence: Any trip over 70 miles from usual residence, where there’s at least 1 overnight stay in paid accommodation. In-country trips exclude medical treatment & evacuation benefits.
Coverages (values in USD):
Excludes Medical & Evacuation
Baggage Delay: $100 per day up to $700 per trip *Does not apply to one-way trips
Personal Liability: $100,000 per trip
Accidental Death & Permanent Total Disability: $100,000 per trip
Loss of Passport: $250 per trip
Legal Expenses: $10,000 per trip
Hijacking: $1,000 per trip
Business Equipment: Up to $1,500
Computer Equipment (single item limit): $500
Business Money: $100 per day up to $500
Domestic Business Travel: Trips inside country of residence: Any trip over 70 miles from usual residence, where there’s at least 1 overnight stay in paid accommodation. In-country trips exclude medical treatment & evacuation benefits.
Coverages (values in USD):
Emergency & Accidental Medical: $1,000,000
Repatriation for Medical Treatment: 100% per trip
Emergency Medical Evacuation: $100,000
Repatriation of Mortal Remains: $25,000 per trip
Pre-existing Medical Conditions: For stable pre-existing medical conditions up to $50,000
Baggage Delay: $100 per day up to $700 per trip *Does not apply to one-way trips
Personal Liability: $100,000 per trip
Accidental Death & Permanent Total Disability: $100,000 per trip
Loss of Passport: $250 per trip
Legal Expenses: $10,000 per trip
Hijacking: $1,000 per trip
Business Equipment: Up to $1,500
Computer Equipment (single item limit): $500
Business Money: $100 per day up to $500
Domestic Business Travel: Trips inside country of residence: Any trip over 70 miles from usual residence, where there’s at least 1 overnight stay in paid accommodation. In-country trips exclude medical treatment & evacuation benefits.
Coverages (values in USD):
Excludes Medical & Evacuation
Baggage Delay: $100 per day up to $700 per trip *Does not apply to one-way trips
Personal Liability: $100,000 per trip
Accidental Death & Permanent Total Disability: $100,000 per trip
Loss of Passport: $250 per trip
Legal Expenses: $10,000 per trip
Hijacking: $1,000 per trip
Cancellation & Curtailment: $2,000 per trip; subject to $100 deductible per Trip *Benefit not available to residents of the USA
Business Equipment: Up to $1,500
Computer Equipment (single item limit): $500
Business Money: $100 per day up to $500
Domestic Business Travel: Trips inside country of residence: Any trip over 70 miles from usual residence, where there’s at least 1 overnight stay in paid accommodation. In-country trips exclude medical treatment & evacuation benefits.
Coverages (values in USD):
Emergency & Accidental Medical: $1,000,000
Repatriation for Medical Treatment: 100% per trip
Emergency Medical Evacuation: $100,000
Repatriation of Mortal Remains: $25,000 per trip
Pre-existing Medical Conditions: For stable pre-existing medical conditions up to $50,000
Baggage Delay: $100 per day up to $700 per trip *Does not apply to one-way trips
Personal Liability: $100,000 per trip
Accidental Death & Permanent Total Disability: $100,000 per trip
Loss of Passport: $250 per trip
Legal Expenses: $10,000 per trip
Hijacking: $1,000 per trip
Cancellation & Curtailment: $2,000 per trip; subject to $100 deductible per Trip *Benefit not available to residents of the USA
Business Equipment: Up to $1,500
Computer Equipment (single item limit): $500
Business Money: $100 per day up to $500
Domestic Business Travel: Trips inside country of residence: Any trip over 70 miles from usual residence, where there’s at least 1 overnight stay in paid accommodation. In-country trips exclude medical treatment & evacuation benefits.
Download Benefits Guide PDF here
Learn more about Remote benefits
How do benefits work when hiring through an EOR?
Watch this quick explainer video to understand how offering benefits works when you hire team members through an employer of record like Remote.