Rhythm 1
About this plan
🥇 Best suited for healthy, budget-conscious members seeking affordable network hospital cover.
Principal Member
From
R1,736
per month
Adult Dependant
From
R1,736
per month
Child Dependant
From
R715
per month
What's covered
Hospital cover
Savings account
Day-to-day
Chronic cover
Dental
Optical
Maternity
Mental health
Waiting periods
- General
- 3 months
- Pre-existing conditions
- 12 months
Rhythm 1
Bestmed Rhythm 1 Medical Aid Plan (🇿🇦 2026)
Overall, the Bestmed Rhythm 1 Medical Aid Plan is a trustworthy Network medical aid plan that offers 24/7 medical emergency assistance and in-hospital procedures. The Bestmed Rhythm 1 Medical Aid Plan starts from R1,736 ZAR.| 🌎 International Cover | R1 million in USA – Other countries R5 million |
| 👤 Main Member Contribution | R1,736 - R3,615 |
| 👥 Adult Dependent Contribution | R1,736 - R3,615 |
| 💙 Child Dependent Contribution | R715 - R1,873 |
| 🔁 Gap Cover | None |
| 🏥 Hospital Cover | Unlimited at Rhythm DSPs |
| 💶 Prescribed Minimum Benefits (PMB) | ☑️ Yes |
| 📉 Screening and Prevention | ☑️ Yes |
| 🍼 Maternity Benefits | ☑️ Yes |
| 💳 Medical Savings Account | None |
Bestmed Rhythm 1 Plan - 11 Key Point Quick Overview
- ☑️ Bestmed Rhythm 1 Plan Overview
- ☑️ Bestmed Rhythm 1 Plan Contributions
- ☑️ Bestmed Rhythm 1 Plan Benefits and Cover Comprehensive Breakdown
- ☑️ Bestmed Rhythm 1 Chronic Condition List
- ☑️ Bestmed Rhythm 1 Preventative Care
- ☑️ Bestmed Tempo Wellness Program
- ☑️ Bestmed Rhythm 1 Maternity Care Program
- ☑️ Bestmed Rhythm 1 Plan Exclusions and Waiting Periods
- ☑️ Bestmed Rhythm 1 Plan vs. Similar Plans from Other Medical Schemes
- ☑️ Our Verdict on The Bestmed Rhythm 1 Plan
- ☑️ Bestmed Rhythm 1 Plan Frequently Asked Questions
Bestmed Rhythm 1 Plan Overview
The Bestmed Rhythm 1 medical aid plan is one of 14, starting from R1,736 and includes day-to-day benefits, and a list of procedures that can be performed at day-hospital facilities. Gap Cover is not included in the Bestmed Rhythm 1 Plan but avialable separately. Bestmed received the top honours in the Medical Aid Companies category at the latest Ask Afrika Orange Index Awards.
Bestmed Rhythm 1 Plan Contributions
Monthly Contributions
| 🔎 Monthly Income Bracket | 👤 Main Member | 👥 +1 Adult Dependent | 💙 +1 Child Dependent |
| R0 – R9,000 | R1,736 | R1,736 | R715 |
| R9,001 – R14,000 | R2,024 | R2,024 | R860 |
| R14,001> | R3,615 | R3,615 | R1,873 |
Bestmed Rhythm 1 Plan Benefits and Cover Comprehensive Breakdown
Rhythm 1 – Network Option
There are day-to-day benefits available.Bestmed Rhythm 1 In-Hospital Benefits
Method of Payment on Rhythm 1 Plan- ✅ The Scheme risk-benefit covers hospital benefits on the Bestmed Rhythm network option.
- ✅ The Bestmed Rhythm network encompasses most outpatient services. Still, members will be compelled to visit a DSP.
- ✅ The Scheme’s risk-benefit provides some preventative care advantages.
- ✅ Members of Rhythm 1 must utilize the Rhythm GP and Hospital networks.
- ✅ Members of Rhythm 1 must familiarize themselves with the Designated Service Providers (DSPs) and associated networks relevant to this option.
- ✅ DSPs typically comprise Rhythm Specialist DSPs and DSP hospitals.
- ✅ Bestmed has negotiated a tariff at Rhythm network hospitals and will cover hospital costs without limit.
- ✅ Members must seek pre-authorization for all planned procedures at least 14 (fourteen) days before the scheduled event.
- ✅ In the case of an emergency, the member, their representative, or the hospital must notify Bestmed of the member’s hospitalization as soon as possible or on the first working day after hospital admission.
- ✅ All Rhythm 1 members must use the Bestmed Rhythm General Practitioners (GPs).
- ✅ Whenever an expert consultation is necessary, the Bestmed Rhythm GP will direct the member to a Rhythm Specialist DSP.
- ✅ Should the Rhythm Specialist DSP recommend hospitalization, the member must contact Bestmed for pre-authorization.
- ✅ Whenever a member is admitted to a non-DSP hospital for an emergency, Bestmed requires that the patient be stabilized in the non-DSP facility.
- ✅ Once the patient is stabilized, Netcare 911 will transport them to the nearest DSP hospital.
- ✅ All the hospital benefits listed in the table below might be subject to pre-approval, clinical protocols, financial guidelines, and specified hospital networks.
| 📌 In-Hospital Accommodation and fees for the theatre | Only approved PMBs are covered at a DSP hospital. |
| 📍 Take-home medication after discharge | 100% Scheme tariff if claimed on the day of discharge. Limited to: • A maximum of 7 days treatment if claimed as part of the hospital account, or • R450 if claimed from a retail pharmacy on the date of discharge. No benefit if not claimed on the date of discharge. |
| 💊 Biological medicine received during hospitalization | Only approved PMBs covered at a DSP hospital |
| 💙 Treatment in Mental Health Clinics | Approved PMBs at DSPs. Limited to a maximum of 21 days per beneficiary per financial year in hospital including inpatient electroconvulsive therapy and inpatient psychotherapy, OR 15 contact sessions for out-patient psychotherapy per beneficiary per financial year. Subject to pre-authorisation |
| ☑️ Chemical and Substance Abuse Treatment | Benefits shall be limited to the treatment of PMB conditions and subject to the following: • Pre-authorisation • DSPs • 21 days’ stay for in-hospital management per beneficiary per annum. |
| ✅ Consultations and procedures | Only approved PMBs are covered at a DSP hospital. Subject to pre-approval from Bestmed. |
| ✳️ Surgical Procedures (including anesthetic) | Only approved PMBs are covered at a DSP hospital. Subject to pre-approval from Bestmed. |
| ❤️ Organ Transplants | Covered up to 100% of the Bestmed tariff. Only PMBs are covered. |
| 💙 Stem cell transplants | Covered up to 100% of the Bestmed tariff. Only PMBs are covered |
| 😊 Major medical maxillo-facial surgery (Only specified conditions) | Only approved PMBs are covered at a DSP hospital. |
| 🏥 In- and Out-of-Hospital Dental and oral surgery | Only approved PMBs are covered at a DSP hospital. |
| ➡️ Prostheses are subject to preferred providers or co-payments, and limits will apply | 100% Scheme tariff. Limited to R67 162 per family. Subject to PMBs at DSP network. |
| 🔍 Internal Prostheses (Preferred Providers or limits and co-payments will apply) Functional items used must be towards treating or supporting bodily functions | Prosthesis – Internal Note: Sub-limits subject to availability of overall prosthesis limit. *Functional: Items used to replace or augment an impaired bodily function. Sub-limits per beneficiary per annum: • *Functional R35 613. • Vascular R57 441. • Pacemaker (single and dual chamber) R54 390. • Spinal including artificial disc R33 278. • Drug-eluting stents – subject to Vascular prosthesis limit. DSPs apply. • Mesh R12 171. •Gynaecology/urology R10 053. • Lens implants R6 988 a lens per eye |
| ❌ Exclusions (Prosthesis sub-limits form part of overall Internal prosthesis limit subject to preferred provider, otherwise limits and co-payments apply | Joint replacement surgery (except for PMBs). PMBs subject to prosthesis limits: • Hip replacement and other major joints R34 107. • Knee replacement R43 122. • Other minor joints R 16 151. Functional nasal surgery and surgical procedures where CNS stimulators are used (e.g. epilepsy, Parkinson disease, etc.) will be excluded from benefits, except for PMB conditions. |
| 🦿Prosthesis – External | Approved PMBs at DSPs. |
| 🎗️ Breast surgery for cancer | Treatment of the unaffected (non-cancerous) breast will be limited to PMB provisions. Subject to preauthorisation and funding guidelines |
| 📈 Orthopedic and Medical Appliances | Only approved PMBs are covered at a DSP hospital. |
| 📉 Pathology | Only approved PMBs are covered at a DSP hospital. |
| 📊 Radiology | Only approved PMBs are covered at a DSP hospital. |
| 🅰️ MRI, CT scans, and other specialized diagnostics | Approved PMBs at DSPs. PET scans - PMB only. Subject to pre-authorisation. |
| 🅱️ Oncology | Only approved PMBs are covered at a DSP hospital. |
| ✔️ Peritoneal Dialysis and hemodialysis | Only approved PMBs are covered at a DSP hospital. |
| 📌 Birthing Confinements | Only approved PMBs are covered at a DSP hospital. |
| 📍 HIV/AIDS | Only approved PMBs are covered at a DSP hospital. |
| ☑️ Refractive Surgery (and all other procedures that aim to improve or stabilize vision, excluding cataracts) | Only approved PMBs are covered at a DSP hospital. |
| ✅ Midwife-assisted birth | PMBs and emergency caesarean sections (C-sections). |
| 🚩 Supplementary Services | Only approved PMBs are covered at a DSP hospital. |
| 🚑 Hospitalization Alternatives | Only approved PMBs are covered at a DSP hospital. |
| 📌 Advanced illness benefit | Only approved PMBs are covered at a DSP hospital. |
| 📍 Day Procedures performed at a day hospital | PMBs in network day hospitals: Approved PMBs at DSPs. Subject to pre-authorisation, protocols and funding guidelines. Non-PMBs in network day-hospitals: 100% Scheme tariff. Subject to approved DSPs and pre-authorisation. Limited to R57 441 per family per annum for non-PMB day procedures. A co-payment of R2 872 will be incurred per event if a day procedure is done in an acute hospital that is not a day hospital. If a DSP is used and the DSP does not work in a day hospital, the procedure shall be paid in full if it is done in an acute hospital, if it is arranged with the Scheme before the time. The non-PMB conditions covered are: • Circumcision • Colonoscopy - co-payment applicable • Gastroscopy - co-payment applicable • Myringotomy and grommet insertion • Sterilisation (male and female) • Tonsillectomy |
| 🌎 International Travel Cover | Holiday travel: Limited to 90 days and R5 000 000 per family, i.e. members and dependants. Limited to R1 000 000 per family for travel to the USA. Business travel: Limited to 60 days and R5 000 000 per family, i.e. members and dependants. Limited to R1 000 000 per family for travel to the USA. |
| 💶 Co-Payments | Non-DSP hospital co-payment: Co-payment of R15 025 per event for voluntary use of a non-DSP hospital. Procedure-specific co-payments: The co-payment shall not apply to PMB conditions: • Colonoscopies R2 000. • Gastroscopies R2 000. A R2 872 co-payment, as described in the Day procedures benefit, will be incurred per event if a day procedure is done in an acute hospital that is not a day hospital. |
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Bestmed Rhythm 1 Out-of-Hospital Benefits
- ✅ Unless otherwise specified, out-of-hospital benefits are paid up to 100% of the Scheme tariff.
- ✅ These benefits are subject to the Bestmed Rhythm 1 tariff guidelines.
- ✅ The primary care services and Scheme benefits are subject to treatment protocols, preferred providers, Designated Service Providers (DSPs), dental procedure codes, pathology and basic radiology lists of codes and medicine formularies, funding guidelines, and the Mediscor Reference Price (MRP), as accepted by the Scheme.
- ✅ Members of Rhythm 1 are entitled to as many consultations as are required to restore their health.
- ✅ Selective mild trauma care, including suturing of wounds.
- ✅ Medications for acute conditions that comply with the Bestmed Rhythm formulary.
Rhythm 1 Out-of-Hospital Benefits Table
| 👨⚕️ General Practitioner Consultations | Unlimited GP consultations. Subject to Rhythm GP network. Subject to preapproval after 10th visit. Applicable per family per annum. |
| 👩⚕️ Pharmacy Clinic Nurse Consultations | 100% of the Scheme rate. Unlimited consultations with a primary care registered nurse (NAPPI code 981078001) at network pharmacies. |
| ⚕️ Specialist Consultations | Specialist consultations must be referred by a Rhythm Network Provider. 100% Scheme tariff. Limited to a maximum of R2 670 per family per year. Subject to Rhythm Specialist DSP network. |
| 💙 Basic and specialised dentistry | Where clinically appropriate and subject to Rhythm1 protocols, Rhythm Dental Network Providers and Rhythm approved dental codes. |
| ➡️ Out-of-network and casualty visits | PMB only |
| 🦻 Medical Aids, Apparatus, and Appliances (including Hearing Aids and Wheelchairs) | Only approved PMB services are covered. |
| 🧪 Back and neck preventative programme | Benefits payable at 100% of contracted fee. Subject to pre-authorisation, protocols and DSPs. |
| 🩸 Wound Care Benefit (Dressings, negative pressure wound therapy NPWT treatment, and other nursing services Out-of-hospital) | Only approved PMB services are covered. |
| 🩺 Oncology | Only approved PMBs are covered by a DSP provider. |
| 🧪 Peritoneal Dialysis and Hemodialysis | Only approved PMBs are covered by a DSP provider |
| 😷 HIV/AIDS | Only approved PMBs are covered by a DSP provider |
| 🅰️ MRI scans, CT scans, isotope studies, and PET scans | Approved PMBs at DSPs. PET scans - PMB only. Subject to pre-authorisation. |
| 🅱️ Rehabilitation after a traumatic event | Only PMBs are covered. Subject to pre-approval and the use of DSPs. |
Bestmed Rhythm 1 Optometry
- ✅ Benefits are available every 24 months from the service date and can only be done by a PPN provider.
- ✅ The benefit includes one consultation per recipient.
- ✅ There is an R420 consultation fee charged when using a non-network provider.
Bestmed Rhythm 1 Dentistry
- ✅ A Bestmed Rhythm Dental Network Provider is eligible to offer dental benefits.
- ✅ The dental benefits are limited to basic dentistry and are governed by clinical procedures and an approved price schedule.
- ✅ Dental crowns and other dental specialties are not covered.
Bestmed Rhythm 1 Pathology
- ✅ This benefit is covered up to 100% of the Bestmed tariff.
- ✅ The cover only applies to standard blood tests a Bestmed Rhythm Network FP ordered.
- ✅ The benefit is subject to Bestmed Rhythm1 procedures and Rhythm-approved pathology codes.
Bestmed Rhythm 1 Basic Radiology
- ✅ This benefit is covered up to 100% of the Bestmed tariff.
- ✅ The cover only applies to standard X-rays ordered by a Bestmed Rhythm Network FP.
- ✅ The benefit is subject to Bestmed Rhythm 1 procedure and Rhythm-approved radiology codes.
Bestmed Rhythm 1 Medicine
The following benefits may be subject to pre-authorization, clinical protocols, preferred providers (PPs), designated service providers (DSPs), formularies, funding criteria, the Mediscor Reference Price (MRP), and the exclusions listed in Annexure C of the published Regulations.- ✅ Members will not incur co-payments for PMB pharmaceuticals on the formulary for which no generic substitute exists.
| 🟦 CDL and PMB Chronic Conditions | Covered up to 100% of the Bestmed tariff. There is a co-payment of 30% for non-formulary medicine when using a preferred provider network pharmacy. |
| 🟥 Biological medicine | Only PMBs are covered, and the benefit is subject to pre-approval. |
| 🟩 Other high-cost medication | Only PMBs are covered, and the benefit is subject to pre-approval. |
| 🟪 Acute Medicine | Covered up to 100% of the Bestmed tariff. Subject to the Bestmed formulary. The benefit is per prescriptions by a Network FP, and medication must be obtained from a DSP pharmacy. |
| 🟨 Over-the-counter (OTC) medicine Includes sunscreen, vitamins and minerals with NAPPI codes on Scheme formulary | 100% Scheme tariff. Limited to R251 per family per annum and to R125 per event. Subject to preferred provider pharmacy network. |
Bestmed Rhythm 1 Chronic Condition List
The Bestmed Rhythm 1 Chronic Condition List and Prescribed Minimum Benefits are as follows:CDL
- ✅ Addison’s disease
- ✅ Asthma
- ✅ Bipolar Mood Disorder
- ✅ Bronchiectasis
- ✅ Cardiac Failure
- ✅ Cardiomyopathy
- ✅ Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- ✅ Chronic Renal Disease
- ✅ Coronary Artery Disease
- ✅ Crohn’s Disease
- ✅ Epilepsy
PMB
- ✅ Aplastic anemia
- ✅ Benign prostatic hypertrophy
- ✅ Cerebral palsy
- ✅ Chronic anemia
- ✅ COVID-19
Bestmed Rhythm 1 Preventative Care
The following benefits could be subject to pre-approval, clinical procedures, preferred providers (PPs), designated service providers (DSPs), formularies, funding guidelines, and the Mediscor Reference Pricing (MRP).| 🔎 Benefit | ➡️ Gender and Age Group | 📉 Quantity and Frequency | ☑️ Criteria |
| 💉 Flu Vaccines | All | 1 per beneficiary yearly | At a Rhythm Network GP or preferred provider network pharmacy. Subject to Rhythm1 protocols and where clinically necessary. |
| ☑️ Pneumonia Vaccines | Children <2 Years High-risk adult group | Children: As per schedule of Department of Health. Adults: Twice in a lifetime with booster above 65 years of age. | Adults: Bestmed will identify certain high-risk individuals who will be advised to be immunised. |
| 🌎 Travel Vaccines | All | Quantity and frequency depending on product up to the maximum allowed amount. | Mandatory travel vaccines for typhoid, yellow fever, tetanus, meningitis, hepatitis and cholera from Scheme risk benefits. |
| 🍼 Baby Growth and Development Assessments | 0 – 2 Years | 3 Assessments per year | Pharmaceutical clinics under the Bestmed Network perform assessments. |
| ✳️ Female Contraceptives | All female beneficiaries of child-bearing age | Depends on the product according to the maximum allowed amount | Limited to R2 092 per beneficiary per year. Includes all items classified in the category of female contraceptives. |
| 💊 Intrauterine device (IUD) insertion | All females of child-bearing age. | 1 device every 5 years. | Consultation and procedure by a Rhythm Network GP or Rhythm Specialist DSP gynaecologist. |
| 💙 Mammogram (tariff code 34100) | Females 40 years and older | Once every 24 months. | Must be referred by Rhythm Network GP or Rhythm Specialist DSP |
| 👩🏾🔬 Pap smear (pathology only) | Females 18 years and older. | Once every 24 months. | Can be done at a Rhythm Specialist DSP gynaecologist, Rhythm Network GP or preferred provider network pharmacy clinic. Consultation paid from the available consultation benefit. |
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Bestmed Tempo Wellness Program
The Tempo wellness programme is focused on supporting you on your path to improving your health and realising the rewards that come with it. To ensure you achieve this, you will have access to the following benefits: Tempo Lifestyle Screening for adults (beneficiaries 16 years and older) which includes:- 👉🏿 The Tempo lifestyle questionnaire
- 👉🏿 Blood pressure check
- 👉🏿 Cholesterol check
- 👉🏿 Glucose check
- 👉🏿 Height and weight measurement
Bestmed Rhythm 1 Maternity Care Program
The Maternity care program is available to pregnant members and their dependents, providing comprehensive services and information. It has been designed with expectant parents’ specific needs and support networks. To access these services, members must register for the Bestmed Maternity care program when they receive confirmation of their pregnancy through a pathology test or scan from their family practitioner or gynecologist. Once registration is complete, a consultant will reach out to them. 👉🏿 100% of Scheme tariff at network providers only for the following benefits: Consultations: 👉🏿 6 antenatal consultations at a GP OR gynaecologist OR midwife. 👉🏿 Ultrasounds- 1 x 2D ultrasound scan at 1st trimester (between 10 to 12 weeks) at a GP OR gynaecologist OR radiologist.
- 1 x 2D ultrasound scan at 2nd trimester (between 20 to 24 weeks) at a GP OR gynaecologist OR radiologist.
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Bestmed Rhythm 1 Plan Exclusions and Waiting Periods
Bestmed Rhythm 1 Exclusion Some of the following are excluded from Rhythm 1. The comprehensive list can be found on the official Bestmed website.- ✅ Any fees associated with patient and medical staff travel.
- ✅ Medical aids, orthopedic, surgical, and medical appliances, excluding those described in Annexes B.1 to B.4 of the Scheme Regulations and those prescribed for treating specific PMB disorders and available in the public sector.
- ✅ Requested reports, examinations, tests for emigration, immigration, visas, insurance policies, employment, admission to schools and universities, court medical reports, muscle-function tests, fitness examinations and testing, adoption of children, and retirement due to ill health.
- ✅ Any non-functional or cosmetic procedures, operations, or treatments.
- ✅ Accounting for services performed by individuals not registered with the Health Professionals Council of South Africa, the Associated Health Service Professions Board, or a comparable healthcare organization in the nation where the service was rendered.
- ✅ A 3-month general waiting period in respect of all benefits.
- ✅ A 12-month exclusion in respect of a pre-existing condition.
Medical Aid Comparison : Bestmed Rhythm 1 Plan vs. Similar Plans from Other Medical Schemes
| BestMed Rhythm 1 (2026) | KeyHealth Essence (2026) | Fedhealth FlexiFed 2 (2026) | |
| 🌎 International Cover | R1 million in USA – R5 million other countries. | ☑️ Yes | None |
| 👤 Main Member Contribution | R1,736 – R3,615 | R2,393 | R2,491 |
| 👥 Adult Dependent Contribution | R1,736 – R3,615 | R1,918 | R2,227 |
| 💙 Child Dependent Contribution | R715 – R1,873 | R862 | R740 |
| 📉 Annual Limit | Several limits and sub-limits | Unlimited Hospital Cover | Unlimited at hospitals in the Fedhealth network |
| 🏥 Hospital Cover | Unlimited at Rhythm DSPs | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| 💶 Prescribed Minimum Benefits (PMB) | ☑️ Yes | ☑️ Yes | ☑️ Yes |
| 📊 Screening and Prevention | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| 🏠 Home Care | ☑️ Yes | ☑️ Yes | ☑️ Yes |
| 🤓 Optometry Benefit | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
Our Verdict on The Bestmed Rhythm 1 Plan
💙 In conclusion, the Bestmed Rhythm 1 Plan is an ideal medical aid option for individuals seeking affordable cover adaptable to their income and who do not mind using Designated Service Providers (DSPs) as allocated by Bestmed. 💙 Furthermore, the plan offers primary healthcare services and preventative care benefits, including private hospital cover, which are paid for from the scheme risk-benefit.
You might also consider the following options BestMed has to offer:
- BestMed Beat 3 Network
- BestMed Beat 2 Network
- BestMed Beat 1 Network
- BestMed Tempo
- BestMed Pace 4
- BestMed Pace 3
- BestMed Pace 2
- BestMed Pace 1
- BestMed Rhythm 2
- BestMed Beat 4
- BestMed Beat 3
- BestMed Beat 2
- BestMed Beat 1
