Bestmed Medical Aid Plans, Prices & Benefits for 2026

What is the Best Bestmed Plan?

There is no single "best" plan for everyone. Pace4 provides the broadest protection and highest benefits. Many members find that Beat 3 Plus, Pace 2, or Pace 3 offer better value for money because they provide strong benefits at a lower monthly contribution.  

Introduction to Bestmed

Overall, Bestmed Medical Aid Scheme offers 14 medical aid plans (Beat 1 – 4, Pace 1 – 4, and Rhythm 1 and 2) starting from R1,736 per month. Additionally, Bestmed Medical Scheme members have 24/7 emergency services cover through Netcare 911. Bestmed does not have a personally branded gap cover but remember, gap cover is available to members of all medical schemes through various Gap Cover Providers.      

Bestmed Medical Aid Plans Comparison 2026

Bestmed Plans and Who They Suit

Bestmed Medical Aid Reviews from different sources

Structure of Bestmed Plans

Bestmed Contributions for 2026

The chart aboves shows the monthly contribution for each Bestmed plan listed, with amounts ranging from R1,736 (Rhythm 1) to R12,572 (Pace 4).    

Latest brochures from BestMed Medical Aid:

📌 Download the Bestmed Comparative Guide 2026    

⚠️ You might like: the 5 best medical aids under R2000 in South Africa

Medical Aid Bestmed - Advantages over Competitors

Why Choose Bestmed?

• ✅ Over 60 years of healthcare experience.
• ✅ South Africa’s largest self-administered medical scheme.
• ✅ Lower administration costs than many competing schemes.
• ✅ Access to selected Mediclinic and NHN hospital networks on certain plans.
• ✅ 14 plan options to suit different budgets and healthcare needs.
• ✅ Reduced co-payments on selected options.
• ✅ Options ranging from basic hospital cover to comprehensive benefits.
• ✅ Strong focus on preventative healthcare and member wellness.
• ✅ Trusted by hundreds of thousands of South African members.
• ✅ Open medical scheme available to all qualifying applicants.

POLL: 5 Top Medical Aid for SASSA Pensioners

Bestmed Medical Scheme Regulation

The Council for Medical Schemes regulates Bestmed Medical Scheme as with all other registered medical schemes.  The Council governs South Africa's Medical Schemes (CMS), a regulating body set up under the Medical Schemes Act, No. 131 of 1998 (the Act).  

Bestmed Medical Scheme Medical Savings Account

Personal Medical Savings Account (PMSA)

Bestmed offers the option for a percentage of the total annual contribution, as specified in the selected benefit options, to be allocated towards a personal medical savings account (PMSA), also known as a medical savings account.   These percentages are as follows:  

• ☑️ Beat 2 (Network and Non-Network) – 16%
• ☑️ Beat 3 (Network and Non-Network) – 15%
• ☑️ Beat 3 PLUS - 25%
• ☑️ Beat 4 – 14%
• ☑️ Pace 1 – 19%
• ☑️ Pace 2 – 14%
• ☑️ Pace 3 – 14%
• ☑️ Pace 4 – 3%

These funds are made available at the beginning of the benefit year or pro-rated if the member joins during the year. Out-of-hospital medical expenses, such as day-to-day benefits, are first paid from the annual savings account.   Once the savings account is depleted during the financial year, members are responsible for paying for out-of-hospital expenses or may qualify for specific day-to-day benefits per option-specific rules.  

Any unused funds in the PMSA at the end of the year will be carried over to the next year or transferred to a vested savings account.  If a member resigns from the scheme during the financial year, unused funds in the PMSA will be refunded after five months or transferred to the savings account of a new medical scheme option.  

If the amount in the PMSA has been exceeded, the member is required to refund the difference to the scheme. In addition, active members are liable for any debit balances in the PMSA at the end of the financial year and are required to repay the scheme.    

Bestmed Medical Savings Account (VMSA)

👍🏾 Any unused funds in your Medical Savings Account (VMSA) at the end of a benefit year will be carried over to your VMSA account after five months.  

👍🏾 These funds can be used to cover out-of-hospital expenses, such as day-to-day benefits that have been paid at the Scheme tariff.  At the end of a financial year, any remaining funds in your VMSA will be carried over to the next year.  

👍🏾 As a member, you can request reimbursement for co-payments or shortfalls, except for PMB services, membership contributions, and the self-payment gap.  

👍🏾 You also have the right to claim for all healthcare services outlined in 2024 Annexure B4 - PMSA and Vested MSA, subject to the availability of funds at the time of claim processing.  

👍🏾 If you resign from the Scheme during a benefit year, your VMSA funds will be refunded to you after five months or transferred to the savings account of your new medical scheme option.  

⚠️ You might like to know: 5 Best Medical Aids in South Africa Covering Breast Reduction

Step by Step guide: How to apply for membership with Bestmed Medical Aid

 Medical Aid Quote Bestmed Medical Scheme process:  

Step 1: Visit the Bestmed Website

To apply for Medical Aid through Bestmed Medical Scheme, you must Go to the official Bestmed website and click either “Get a Quote” or “Find a Plan.”  

Step 2: Select a Bestmed Plan

Find your plan and download a Plan Summary for further consideration.  

Step 3:  Apply for a Plan with Bestmed

Once you are ready to apply, follow these steps:  

• ☑️ Click on the “Application for Individual” to download the form.
• ☑️ Download and print the form (you must complete it in writing, scan it, and send it back to Bestmed).
• ☑️ Complete the required sections on the application form.

Once You have completed the relevant sections on the application, make sure you sign all required pages before applying to Bestmed.   Get a BestMed Medical Aid quote from our Dedicated Medical Aid Specialists Broker  

👉🏿 Read more about Late Joiner Fee 

Note: All medical schemes are regulated with a late joiner penalty.

How to Submit a Claim with Bestmed Medical Scheme

You can submit an original claim directly to Bestmed via the Bestmed App or by emailing BestMed’s claims department - [email protected] Alternatively, members can send their claim via post or drop it off at a Bestmed office.  

When submitting a claim, ensure that the following details are visible on all claim documents:  

• ☑️ Member name and contact details.
• ☑️ Membership Number
• ☑️ Name, Contact Details, and Practice Number of the service provider.
• ☑️ Details of the treatment received, including the tariff and relevant ICD-10 codes.
• ☑️ The details of the patient who received treatment.
• ☑️ Whether the member or service provider must be paid (if the member must be paid, there must be an invoice from the service provider proving that the member has settled the account)

You must submit your claim and the necessary proof of payment within four months following the treatment. Failure to do so within the specified time limit will result in the rejection of your claim, and you will be responsible for settling the account on your own.  

How to Submit a Compliment or Complaint with Bestmed Medical Scheme

To submit a compliment or complaint with Bestmed, members, and non-members can:  

• ☑️ Call Bestmed
• ☑️ Email the compliment or complaint to the service department.
• ☑️ Post the compliment or complaint to Bestmed in Pretoria
• ☑️ Drop off a compliment or complaint at the nearest Bestmed office.

  📌 READ our article: Complaints procedure of Bestmed Medical Aid  

How to switch to Bestmed Medical Scheme

To change from existing medical assistance to Bestmed Medical Scheme, you must inform your current medical aid of your intention to terminate your cover.   After notifying your existing medical plan of your desire to discontinue coverage, you can easily apply to Bestmed Medical Scheme through their website or by phoning them personally.  

However, be mindful of late-joiner penalties and waiting periods whenever you change from a medical scheme.   Furthermore, if your current medical aid has a savings account and you have used funds, you will be liable to pay this back to the scheme.  

Bestmed Medical Scheme Customer Support

Bestmed Medical Scheme Customer Support can be contacted in the following ways:  

• The Bestmed website
• Walk-in Facilities
• ChatNow
• Client Services Department

📌 READ our article: A detailed guide on the contact details of BestMed Medical Aid.  

Bestmed vs Other Medical Aid Schemes

• BestMed Medical Scheme vs Medihelp
• BestMed Medical Scheme vs KeyHealth
• BestMed Medical Scheme vs Bonitas
• BestMed Medical Scheme vs Fedhealth
• BestMed Medical Scheme vs Momentum Medical Scheme
• BestMed Medical Scheme vs Medshield
• BestMed Medical Scheme vs Discovery Health

👆🏽 You might like our poll: 5 Affordable Medical Aids with Value for Money

Bestmed Member Reviews

☑️ Excellent Choice. BestMed is the most desirable medical plan available. In the eight years I have been covered by BestMed Beat 2, they have paid large medical bills without incident. I believe that the individuals who complain about BestMed join the medical assistance as soon as they become gravely ill so that the medical aid can promptly cover their medical bills. Medical aids are not stupid; this is not how they work. If you are faithful to BestMed, they will pay you without any problem. - Eugene Brady    

☑️ Positive Experience. I have positive feedback regarding my medical aid. Every claim I have submitted has been accepted and promptly reimbursed, except for instances where service providers have charged rates above those covered by my plan. The self-service portal provided by the medical aid is user-friendly and efficient. Additionally, having a local broker to assist with arrangements has made the process even more seamless. - Nana Cunningham    

☑️ Happy Member. Best medical coverage available! I have suggested this to many of my friends, and none have yet expressed regret for their decisions. - Nikita Riley    

Bestmed Pros and Cons

💙 Poll: 5 Best Medical Aid For Pensioners and Over 65

Bestmed - Our Verdict

Bestmed offers a range of flexible plans to its members, with the Rhythm 1 and 2 plans aimed at affordability and contributions are based on income scales. Most other Bestmed plans have a Medical Savings Account to cover day-to-day benefits. The Pace Range offer additional scheme benefits once your medical savings are depleted with NO self-payment gap.  

Bestmed also provides a comprehensive hospital plan with added preventative care benefits to its members, with decent limits that ensure members receive the cover they need.   Our final thought is that Bestmed has established itself as a popular and reliable choice for medical aid in South Africa. Bestmed's comprehensive range of plans make it an attractive option for many.  

With a strong reputation and a commitment to providing quality healthcare, Bestmed offers a solid value proposition for those seeking reliable medical coverage. It is a great choice for health cover in South Africa.

Read our review on the following plans from Bestmed

• 📌 Bestmed Beat 3 Network medical aid plan
• 📌 Bestmed Beat 2 Network medical aid plan
• 📌 Bestmed Beat 1 Network medical aid plan
• 📌 Bestmed Pace 4 medical aid plan
• 📌 Bestmed Pace 3 medical aid plan
• 📌 Bestmed Pace 2 medical aid plan
• 📌 Bestmed Pace 1 medical aid plan
• 📌 Bestmed Rhythm 2 medical aid plan
• 📌 Bestmed Rhythm 1 medical aid plan
• 📌 Bestmed Beat 4 medical aid plan
• 📌 Bestmed Beat 3 medical aid plan
• 📌 Bestmed Beat 2 medical aid plan
• 📌 Bestmed Beat 1 medical aid plan
• 📌 Beat 3 Plus Medical aid plan

Bestmed does not currently offer its gap cover, nor is it linked with a third-party provider, which means that members must register with their own gap cover to ensure that they are covered.  

You might consider:

Poll1 : 5 Best Gap Cover Options for Under R200

Poll 2: 5 Best Gap Cover Options for Under R2000

Bestmed Medical Scheme Frequently Asked Questions

Is Bestmed an affordable medical aid in South Africa?

Yes. Bestmed offers affordable plans from R1,736  for the Principal Member, which is competitive compared to other medical aids in South Africa.  

What is the Cheapest Bestmed Plan for 2026?

Rhythm 1 from R1736 is generally Bestmed's lowest-cost medical aid option, making it a popular choice for first-time medical aid members, students, and budget-conscious individuals.  

Who can benefit from the Bestmed Beat 2 option?

Bestmed Beat 2 is ideal for those who need comprehensive hospital coverage with the benefit of a Personal Medical Savings Account that can cover day-to-day medical expenses.  

Who are the Bestmed Service Providers?

Bestmed’s Service Providers include doctors, specialists, hospitals, clinics, and emergency services.  

Where can I find the Bestmed Network Doctors list for 2026?

You can log into your member’s area, where you can search for a doctor in your area. Alternatively, you can use the Bestmed App or call customer service for assistance in identifying a provider.  

How does the Bestmed ChatNow work?

Bestmed ChatNow is a live chat option on the official website. You can access this option in the bottom right corner of the official Bestmed website. Click on the option, provide a few details, and wait to connect to an agent who can assist you.  

Can I Downgrade my Plan with Bestmed Medical Scheme?

✅ Yes, Bestmed offers all members the freedom to change their medical plan. Members can change a benefit option at the end of the year to take effect in January.  They can do this by filling out the appropriate Benefit Option Choice form on the Bestmed website or contacting Bestmed to make a well-informed decision.  

How do I add a Beneficiary to Bestmed Medical Scheme?

If you want to add a child or adult dependent after your initial application, you can log into your Bestmed Medical Scheme profile and follow these steps:  

• 👆🏽 Navigate to the Bestmed website and click the Menu option from the homepage.
• 👆🏽 Click on “Brochure Guides and Forms.”
• 👆🏽 Scroll to “Change Information Forms” and click on “Registration of Dependents (Member)” to download the application form.
• 👆🏽 Print and complete the form and submit the application to Bestmed and await feedback

Does Bestmed Cover Chronic Medication?

Yes. Bestmed provides cover for chronic medication across all plan options, although the level of cover depends on the specific plan, formulary rules, and whether the condition qualifies as a Prescribed Minimum Benefit (PMB). Members should register chronic conditions and verify formulary requirements to avoid unexpected out-of-pocket costs.  

Is Bestmed Good for Families?

Bestmed is a strong choice for families because it offers options ranging from affordable hospital plans to comprehensive cover. Families who expect:

• regular doctor visits,
• specialist consultations,
• or ongoing healthcare expenses

generally find the Beat 3 Plus, Pace 2, and Pace 3 options offer a practical balance between cost and benefits.    

How We Chose These Schemes

Schemes were evaluated based on 2026 contribution structures, dependant pricing models, hospital network access, and alignment with Prescribed Minimum Benefits (PMBs). Additional weighting was applied to real-world accessibility within Netcare, Mediclinic, and Life Healthcare networks.    

Disclaimer

Medical aid benefits, contribution structures, and eligibility criteria are regulated by the Council for Medical Schemes and are updated annually. Verification against the latest official 2026 scheme brochures is required before making any plan selection decision.