Bestmed Medical Aid (2026)

 

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.

 

 

 

 

🔎 Medical Aid	🥇 Bestmed
📌 Registration Number	1252
📱 Mobile App	✅ Yes
✔️ Chronic Illness Benefits	✅ Yes

 

 

 

Bestmed Medical Aid Reviews from different sources

 

🔎 Reviews by	📈 Rating	📰 Amount of reviews
Hello Peter	1.57 ⭐ out of 5 / Trust index of 2.6	1 161 reviews
Google reviews	2.1 ⭐out of 5	480 reviews
GCR Rating	AA	Very strong financial strength
News24	Best Medical Aid Scheme for 2024 Bestmed won two Titanium Awards in 2026 for Service to Membership and Excellence in Creating Access to Quality Healthcare	Excellent customer satisfaction
Bestmed Scheme Management review	4.3 ⭐ out of 5	Reviews by employers & management
Medicalaid.com	8.2 ⭐ out of 10	Top 10 medical aid scheme

 

 

Bestmed Medical Scheme at a Glance

 

🔎 Medical Aid	🥇 Bestmed
📍 Date Established	1964
📌 Headquartered	Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa
⚙️ Registration Number	1252
🤝 The average number of members	250,000+
📈 Number of Markets	South Africa
📉 Number of Employees	470+
📊 Listed on the JSE	❎ No
📎 Average Number of Reviews	1000+
📈 Market Share	+-4.8%
📉 Number of plans	14
🚑 Number of Hospitals in Network	200+
🏠 Home care provided	✅ Yes
✒️ Sponsorships	None
📱 Mobile App	✅ Yes
📈 Social Media Platforms and Links	✅ Yes
📖 Bestmed Medical Scheme Magazine	❎ No
💻 Medical Claims Portal	✅ Yes
❤️ Customer Support	Monday to Friday – 8 am to 5 pm / Saturday – 8 am to 1 pm
😷 Information Hub for COVID-19	✅ Yes
⚕️ Chronic medicine and treatment benefits	✅ Yes – 44 chronic conditions (27 CDL and 17 PMB)
📈 Number of PMB Conditions	271
📉 Number of PMB Chronic Conditions	27
📊 Screening and Prevention offered	✅ Yes
📌 Maternity Benefit	✅ Yes
💴 Medical Aid Contribution Range (ZAR)	1,736 ZAR – 12,572 ZAR (2026)
⚙️ Average Waiting Period	3 – 12 Months
💵 Late-joiner penalties	✅ Yes
🌎 International Medical Cover	✅ Yes
💷 International Travel Benefit (ZAR)	Up to 5 million ZAR per family limited to 90 days

 

 

Bestmed Medical Scheme Plan Overview

 

🔎 Plan	💴 Contributions Range (Main)	💵 Contributions Range (+ Adult)	💶 Contributions Range (+ Child)	💷 Medical Savings (Up to)
Beat 1 Network	R2,269	R1,764	R956	None
Beat 1	R2,523	R1,959	R1,061	None
Beat 2 Network	R2,775	R2,156	R1,167	16%
Beat 2	R3,084	R2,395	R1,299	16%
Beat 3 Network	R4,062	R2,898	R1,434	15%
Beat 3	R4,514	R3,220	R1,593	15%
Beat 3 Plus	R5,042	R3,746	R1,902	15%
Beat 4	R7,365	R6,082	R1,821	15%
📌 Pace 1	R5,934	R4,289	R1,541	19%
📌 Pace 2	R8,766	R8,596	R1,933	14%
📌 Pace 3	R10,064	R8,101	R1,731	14%
📌 Pace 4	R12,572	R12,572	R2,945	3%
📍 Rhythm 1	R1,736 – R3,615	R1,736 – R3,615	R715 – R1,873	None
📍 Rhythm 2	R2,747 – R3,516	R2,610 – R3,165	R1,653 – R1,759	None

 

 

 

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).

 

Key observations from the chart:

1. ✅ The plans are arranged in three main groups: Beat, Pace, and Rhythm.
2. ✅ Within each group, the plans are generally numbered in ascending order of cost.
3. ✅ The Pace plans are generally more expensive than the Beat and Rhythm plans.
4. ✅ Pace4 has the highest monthly contribution at R12,572.
5. ✅ Rhythm 1 has the lowest monthly contribution at R1,736.
6. ✅ There’s a significant jump in price between Beat4 and Pace1, marking the transition between these two plan categories.
7. ✅ The Rhythm plans are Priced lower than BEAT Plans based on income-brackets.

 

This visualization allows for easy comparison between the different plans, helping potential customers to quickly assess the relative costs of each option within the Bestmed medical aid scheme.

 

 

Bestmed Beat 1 – Beat 4

 

☝🏾 The Bestmed Beat range provides in-hospital benefits and savings to cover non-hospital expenses.

☝🏾 Beat1, Beat 2, and Beat 3 also provide the ability to reduce your monthly contribution via network choices. Benefits related to conditions that fulfill the criteria for PMBs will be covered in full when utilizing DSPs.

☝🏾 This will not impact your savings (annual or vested) for applicable options.  Furthermore, members should note that if they choose a hospital, not within the Beat network (if they are on a Network option), they will incur a co-payment of 15,025 ZAR.

 

 

Latest brochures from BestMed Medical Aid:

 

📌 Download the Bestmed Comparative Guide 2026

 

 

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In-Hospital Benefits

☝🏿 The non-network option for In-hospital care gives you access to ANY hospital. This is the default selection. The network option grants you access to an extensive Network of hospitals at a more affordable monthly contribution.

☝🏿 In addition, benefits associated with conditions that meet the requirements for PMBs will be covered in full while utilizing DSPs (Designated Service Providers); this will not affect your savings.

☝🏿 Members must get pre-approval for all planned operations at least fourteen (14) days before the event. In the event of an emergency the Member, authorized representative, or hospital must inform Bestmed of hospitalization as soon as possible or by the next business day.

 

 

Out-of-Hospital Benefits

Regarding Out-of-Hospital, the following benefits may be subject to pre-approval, clinical protocols, preferred providers, designated service providers (DSPs), formularies, funding guidelines, and the Mediscor Reference Price (MRP).

 

Medicine

Members must receive pre-approval for any scheduled treatments or procedures. Members should be aware that Medicine benefits might be subject to the following:

 

• ✅ Pre-authorization
• ✅ Clinical protocols
• ✅ Preferred providers
• ✅ Designated service providers
• ✅ Formularies
• ✅ Funding criteria
• ✅ The Mediscor Reference Price (MRP)
• ✅ The exclusions listed in Annexure C of the registered Rules

 

Furthermore, from the non-CDL chronic medicine limit, approved CDL (Chronic Disease List), PMB, and non-CDL chronic medicine charges will be paid first. Subsequently, Scheme risk will continue to pay (unlimitedly) for approved CDL and PMB chronic medication expenditures.

 

Preventative Care

Preventative care benefits may be subject to pre-authorization, clinical procedures, preferred providers, designated service providers, formularies, financing criteria, and the Mediscor Reference Price (MRP).

 

☝🏿 Discover the 4 Best Medical Aid companies with Immediate Medical Aid Cover (No Waiting Period)

 

 

Bestmed Pace 1 – 4

 

☝🏿 The Pace range of options provides extensive hospital and outpatient benefits. In addition, all these options provide additional day-to-day savings and scheme benefits with no self-payment gap in between. This selection is especially suitable for members who are in need of more extensive day-to-day cover or have additional chronic conditions over-and-above the 27 chronic conditions prescribed by Legislation.

☝🏿 Benefits for conditions that satisfy the requirements for PMBs will be covered in full while utilizing DSPs, and this will have no impact on your savings (annual or vested).

 

 

In-Hospital Benefits

☝🏿 All listed benefits are subject to pre-approval, clinical protocols, and funding guidelines.  Members must get pre-approval for all planned operations at least fourteen (14) days before the event.

☝🏿 In the event of an emergency, A member’s hospitalization must be reported to Bestmed as soon as possible or no later than the first business day following admission by the member, their authorized representative, or the hospital.

☝🏿 Benefits associated with conditions that meet the requirements for PMBs will be covered in full while utilizing DSPs; this will not affect your savings.

 

Out-of-Hospital Benefits

These benefits may be subject to pre-approval, clinical procedures, preferred providers, designated service providers (DSPs), formularies, financing guidelines, and the Mediscor Reference Price (MRP).  All planned treatments or procedures must be pre-authorized before administration. Approved PMBs are compensated for scheme risk.

Medical Savings plus scheme benefits available with NO self-payment gap.

 

Medicine

Medicine benefits might be subject to the following:

 

• ✅ Pre-authorization
• ✅ Clinical protocols
• ✅ Preferred providers
• ✅ Designated service providers
• ✅ Formularies
• ✅ Funding criteria
• ✅ The Mediscor Reference Price (MRP)
• ✅ The exclusions listed in Annexure C of the registered Rules

 

☝🏿 From the non-CDL chronic medicine limit, approved CDL, PMB, and non-CDL chronic medicine charges will be paid first. Subsequently, Scheme risk will continue to pay (unlimitedly) for approved CDL and PMB chronic medication expenditures.

☝🏿 Members will not suffer co-payments for formulary PMB drugs for which no generic equivalent exists.

☝🏿 Approved PMB biological and non-PMB medicine expenses will be paid first from the biological limit.  After the limit has been depleted, only PMB biological medicine expenditures will continue to be covered without limit.

 

Preventative Care

Preventive care benefits may require pre-approval, meeting certain medical criteria, using specific providers or facilities, following drug formulary guidelines, adhering to financial requirements, and following the Mediscor Reference Price (MRP).

 

💙 POLL: 5 Best Medical Aids for Chronic Illness Cover

 

 

Rhythm 1 and 2

Rhythm 1 and Rhythm 2 are ideal if:

 

• ✅ You are looking for a plan choice that is income-based.
• ✅ You feel comfortable using designated service providers (DSPs) on the Rhythm network.
• ✅ You desire limitless, all-inclusive hospitalization coverage with the added advantage of preventative treatment.

 

 

In-Hospital Benefits

☝🏿 All the benefits require pre-approval, adherence to clinical protocols, compliance with funding guidelines, and treatment within designated hospital networks.

☝🏿 Members must get pre-approval for any planned procedures at least 14 days before the procedure.

☝🏿 In emergency cases, the member, their representative, or the hospital must inform Bestmed of the hospitalization as soon as possible or on the first business day following admission.

 

Out-of-Hospital Benefits

The utilization of benefits under primary care services and the Scheme shall be contingent upon the following:

 

• ✅ Adherence to established treatment protocols.
• ✅ Utilization of preferred providers and DSPs.
• ✅ Adherence to designated dental procedure codes, pathology, and radiology lists of codes, and medicine formularies.

 

Furthermore, these benefits shall be subject to funding guidelines and the Mediscor Reference Price (MRP) as deemed acceptable by the Scheme. Members must obtain pre-authorization for all planned treatments and procedures.

 

Medicine

Medicine benefits might be subject to the following:

 

• ✅ Pre-authorization
• ✅ Clinical protocols
• ✅ Preferred providers
• ✅ Designated service providers
• ✅ Formularies
• ✅ Funding criteria
• ✅ The Mediscor Reference Price (MRP)
• ✅ The exclusions listed in Annexure C of the registered Rules

 

However, members will not suffer co-payments for formulary PMB drugs for which no generic equivalent exists.

 

Preventative Care

These benefits are contingent upon obtaining prior approval, adhering to medical protocols, utilizing preferred providers, utilizing designated service providers, following formulary guidelines, conforming to funding regulations, and adhering to the Mediscor Reference Price.

 

 

 

Medical Aid Bestmed – Advantages over Competitors

Choosing to use Bestmed includes a number of benefits including:

 

• ☑️ With a history of over 60 years of providing medical aid, Bestmed has established itself as the largest self-administered scheme in South Africa and the fourth largest open medical scheme overall.

 

• ☑️ Bestmed is a self-administered medical scheme in South Africa that boasts lower administration costs, at 3-5% less than other medical scheme companies in the country.

 

• ☑️ Some of Bestmed’s plans provide access to an extensive network of service providers (Mediclinic and NHN hospitals) at more affordable monthly contributions.

 

• ☑️ Bestmed offers a wide range of plan options, with 14 plans to choose from, catering to a diverse range of individuals and healthcare needs.

 

• ☑️ Bestmed offers plan options with significantly reduced co-payments, with reductions of up to 75% compared to competitors.

 

and much, much more!

 

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 Plans and PMSA

 

The Beat 2 Option’s Contributions and Savings Accounts are as follows.

 

2️⃣ Beat 2 Network	👤 Principal Member	👥 Adult Dependent	🚼 Child Dependent
📈 Risk Amount	2,331 ZAR	1,811 ZAR	980 ZAR
📉 PMSA	444 ZAR	345 ZAR	187 ZAR
📊 Total Contribution	2,775 ZAR	2,156 ZAR	1,167 ZAR
2️⃣ Beat 2	👤 Principal Member	👥 Adult Dependent	🚼 Child Dependent
📈 Risk Amount	2,591 ZAR	2,012 ZAR	1,091 ZAR
📉 PMSA	493 ZAR	383 ZAR	208 ZAR
📊 Total Contribution	3,084 ZAR	2,395 ZAR	1,299 ZAR

 

The Beat 3 Option’s Contributions and Savings Accounts are as follows.

 

🏆 Beat 3 Network	👤 Principal Member	👥 Adult Dependent	🚼 Child Dependent
📈 Risk Amount	R3,453	R2,463	R1,219
📉 PMSA	R609	R435	R215
📊 Total Contribution	R4,062	R2,898	R1,434
🏆 Beat 3	👤 Principal Member	👥 Adult Dependent	🚼 Child Dependent
📈 Risk Amount	R3,837	R2,737	R1,354
📉 PMSA	R677	R483	R239
📊 Total Contribution	R4,514	R3,220	R1,593
🏆 Beat 3 Plus	👤 Principal Member	👥 Adult Dependent	🚼 Child Dependent
📈 Risk Amount	R3,781	R2,809	R1,426
📉 PMSA	R1,261	R937	R476
📊 Total Contribution	R5,042	R3,746	R1,902

 

 

 

The Beat 4 Option’s Contributions and Savings Accounts are as follows.

 

🏆 Beat 4	👤 Principal Member	👥 Adult Dependent	🚼 Child Dependent
📈 Risk Amount	6,334 ZAR	5,231 ZAR	1,566 ZAR
📉 PMSA	1,031ZAR	851 ZAR	255 ZAR
📊 Total Contribution	7,365 ZAR	6,082 ZAR	1,821 ZAR

 

The Pace 1 Option’s Contributions and Savings Accounts are as follows.

 

🏆 PACE 1	👤 Principal Member	👥 Adult Dependent	🚼 Child Dependent
📈 Risk Amount	4,807 ZAR	3,474 ZAR	1,248 ZAR
📉 PMSA	1,127 ZAR	815 ZAR	293 ZAR
📊 Total Contribution	5,934 ZAR	4,289 ZAR	1,541 ZAR

 

The Pace 2 Option’s Contributions and Savings Accounts are as follows.

 

🏆PACE 2	👤 Principal Member	👥 Adult Dependent	🚼 Child Dependent
📈 Risk Amount	7,539 ZAR	7,393 ZAR	1,662 ZAR
📉 PMSA	1,227 ZAR	1,203 ZAR	271 ZAR
📊 Total Contribution	8,766 ZAR	8,596 ZAR	1,933 ZAR

 

The Pace 3 Option’s Contributions and Savings Accounts are as follows.

 

🏆 Pace 3	👤 Principal Member	👥 Adult Dependent	🚼 Child Dependent
📈 Risk Amount	8,655 ZAR	6,967 ZAR	1,489 ZAR
📉 PMSA	1,409 ZAR	1,134 ZAR	242 ZAR
📊 Total Contribution	10,064 ZAR	8,101 ZAR	1,731 ZAR

 

The Pace 4 Option’s Contributions and Savings Accounts are as follows.

 

🏆 Pace 4	👤 Principal Member	👥 Adult Dependent	🚼 Child Dependent
📈 Risk Amount	12,195 ZAR	12,195 ZAR	2,857 ZAR
📉 PMSA	377 ZAR	377 ZAR	88 ZAR
📊 Total Contribution	12,572 ZAR	12,572 ZAR	2,945 ZAR

 

 

 

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:

 

1.✅ 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.”

 

2.✅ Step 2: Select a Bestmed Plan

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

 

3.✅ 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 Bonitas vs Discovery Health – A Comparison

 

🔎 Medical Aid	🥇 BestMed Medical Scheme (2026*)	🥈 Bonitas Medical Fund (2026)	🥉 Discovery Health
⏰ Years in Operation	Since 1964	Since 1982
👤 Average # Members	250,000+	730,000+
👥 Number of Employees	201-500 employees	201-500 employees
📉 Market Share	+-4.8%	+-25%
📊 Market Coverage	South Africa	South Africa
💯 Customer Rating	4/5	4.9/5
📌 Number of reviews	1000+	5,000+
📱 Mobile App	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
💵 Contribution Range (ZAR)	1,736 ZAR – 12,572 ZAR	1,275 ZAR – 12,509 ZAR
🌎 International Travel Benefit (ZAR)	Up to 5 million ZAR	2.5 million ZAR	–

 

👆🏽 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 – 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.

 

 

You might like to 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 Pros and Cons

 

✅ Pros	❎ Cons
Bestmed has a proven record of providing its members value for money and is one of a very few self administered medical schemes	Joint replacement surgery (except for PMBs) only available from Pace 2 upwards.
There is an extensive network of healthcare providers across South Africa	No rewards program
There are several wellness and prevention benefits and 17 added PMB conditions on all plans	Co-payments applicable on scans and scopes that is not PMB related

 

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

 

 

Bestmed Medical Scheme Frequently Asked Questions

 

Is Bestmed an affordable medical aid in South Africa?

Bestmed offers affordable plans from 1,736 ZAR for the Principal Member, which is competitive compared to other medical aids in South Africa.

 

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

 

 

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.