Quick answer: Private inpatient rehab in Johannesburg and the rest of South Africa typically costs between R15,000 and R90,000 per month, depending on the centre, the length of stay and the level of medical care. Outpatient programmes cost roughly R1,500 to R6,000 per week. Medical aid members can claim up to 21 days of inpatient treatment a year, and state-funded centres are free.
Last reviewed: October 2026. Prices are typical ranges, not quotations. Always ask the centre for a written quote.
How much does rehab cost in South Africa?
Rehab costs depend mainly on whether you stay at the centre (inpatient) or live at home and attend sessions (outpatient). The table below shows what families in Johannesburg and Gauteng can typically expect to pay.
| Type of rehab | What you get | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Inpatient (residential) rehab | Accommodation, meals, therapy and 24-hour supervision | R15,000 – R90,000 per month |
| Outpatient programme | You live at home and attend therapy and groups | R1,500 – R6,000 per week |
| Medical detox | 7–10 days of medically supervised withdrawal | R8,000 – R25,000 per detox |
| State-funded or subsidised centre | Inpatient or community-based treatment arranged by a social worker | Free |
| Community or faith-based programme | Low-cost support, often with a waiting list | Free or low cost |
How much is a 21-day or 28-day rehab programme?
Most short-term inpatient programmes in South Africa run for 21 or 28 days and are priced per programme, so the total usually falls inside the monthly range above. The 21-day programme is common because it matches the number of inpatient days that medical schemes must cover each year. Programmes of 60 to 90 days cost more in total, so ask whether the daily rate changes for a longer stay.
Does medical aid pay for rehab?
Yes. Treatment for alcohol and drug dependence is a Prescribed Minimum Benefit (PMB), which means every South African medical scheme must cover it on every plan. The minimum is up to 21 days of inpatient rehabilitation per year, plus up to three days of hospital care for severe withdrawal. Schemes usually pay in full only if you use a facility in their network and get approval first.
Before admission:
- Phone your scheme and ask how many substance-dependence days you have left this year.
- Ask which rehab facilities are in the scheme’s network (often called designated service providers).
- Get a pre-authorisation number before the admission date.
- Ask what you will pay yourself if you choose a centre outside the network or stay longer than 21 days.
Read more on our medical aid cover for rehab page.
Is there free rehab in Gauteng?
Yes. Treatment at state-run rehab centres, and at non-profit centres subsidised by the Gauteng Department of Social Development, is free. You cannot book a bed directly: a social worker first assesses the person and then arranges placement. Call the Gauteng Anti-Substance Abuse helpline on 0800 22 88 27 or visit your nearest Social Development office to start. Beds are limited, so there may be a wait.
Why do some rehabs cost more than others?
- Medical care on site: doctors, nurses and supervised detox add cost.
- Length of stay: 60 to 90 days costs more than 21 to 28 days.
- Therapy: more individual sessions and smaller groups cost more.
- Specialised programmes: for example dual diagnosis, where addiction is treated together with a mental health condition.
- Accommodation: private rooms and extra facilities.
- Aftercare: included at some centres and charged separately at others.
A higher price does not guarantee a better result. Registration, qualified staff and a programme that fits the person matter more than the setting.
How long does rehab take?
- Detox: 7–10 days
- Short-term inpatient rehab: 21–28 days
- Extended inpatient programme: 60–90 days
- Aftercare or halfway house: 3–12 months
After inpatient treatment, many people move to a halfway house, which supports the first months of sober living.
What should I ask before paying a rehab?
- Is the centre registered with the Department of Social Development?
- What exactly is included in the price: detox, medication, doctor visits, therapy, family sessions?
- Is there a deposit, and what is the refund policy if the person leaves early?
- Will the centre bill my medical aid directly?
- What aftercare is included?
See our guide on how to choose a rehab centre in Gauteng, or read about rehab in Johannesburg.
Frequently asked questions
What is the cheapest way to get rehab in South Africa?
State-funded treatment is free, and non-profit organisations such as SANCA offer lower-cost outpatient programmes. If you have medical aid, the 21-day benefit at a network facility is usually the lowest-cost private option.
Does medical aid cover outpatient rehab?
It depends on your plan. The guaranteed minimum benefit is for inpatient treatment. Some schemes and plans also pay for outpatient programmes, so ask your scheme.
What if I have no medical aid and cannot afford private rehab?
Call the Gauteng Anti-Substance Abuse helpline on 0800 22 88 27, or the national substance abuse helpline on 0800 12 13 14, and ask for an assessment by a social worker for state-funded treatment.
Is rehab in Cape Town cheaper than in Johannesburg?
Not as a rule. Private rehab prices vary as widely in Cape Town as they do in Johannesburg. The level of care and the length of stay affect the price far more than the city.
How Rehab Bridge can help
Rehab Bridge is not a rehab centre. We listen to your situation, explain your options and connect you to rehab centres in Gauteng and Cape Town that fit your needs, budget and medical aid. Contact us, send us a WhatsApp or email info@rehabbridge.co.za.
This article is general information, not medical advice. In an emergency, call 112 from a cellphone or 10177 for an ambulance.