Bestmed Medical Aid Scheme (🇿🇦 2025)
Overall, Bestmed Medical Aid Scheme offers 14 medical aid plans (Beat 1 – 4, Pace 1 – 4, and Rhythm 1 and 2) starting from R1,615 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
Bestmed Medical Scheme Review
Analysis of Main Features
- ✅ Bestmed Medical Scheme at a Glance
- ✅ Bestmed Medical Scheme Plan Overview
- ✅ Bestmed Beat 1 – 4
- ✅ Bestmed Pace 1 – 4
- ✅ Rhythm 1 and 2
- ✅ Bestmed – Advantages over Competitors
- ✅ Bestmed Medical Scheme Regulation
- ✅ Bestmed Medical Scheme Medical Savings Account
- ✅ Bestmed Plans and PMSA
- ✅ Bestmed Medical Savings Account (VMSA)
- ✅ How to apply for Medical Aid with Bestmed Medical Scheme
- ✅ How to Submit a Claim with Bestmed Medical Scheme
- ✅ How to Submit a Compliment or Complaint with Bestmed Medical Scheme
- ✅ How to switch to Bestmed Medical Scheme
- ✅ Bestmed Medical Scheme Customer Support
- ✅ Bestmed vs Bonitas vs Platinum Health – A Comparison
- ✅ Bestmed Member Reviews
- ✅ Bestmed – Our Verdict
- ✅ Bestmed Pros and Cons
- ✅ Conclusion
- ✅ Bestmed Medical Scheme Frequently Asked Questions
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 | 240,000+ |
| 📈 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 | 10 |
| 🚑 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) | 1,615 ZAR – 11,662 ZAR (2025) |
| ⚙️ 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) |
| 1️⃣ Beat 1 | Non-Network (NN) – 2,347 ZAR
Network (N) – 2,111 ZAR | NN – 1,822 ZAR
N – 1,641 ZAR | NN – 987 ZAR
N – 889 ZAR | None |
| 2️⃣ Beat 2 | NN – 2,869 ZAR
N – 2,581 ZAR | NN – 2,228 ZAR
N – 2,006 ZAR | NN – 1,208 ZAR
N – 1,086 ZAR | Main NN – 459 ZAR
Main N – 413 ZAR
+1 Adult NN – 356 ZAR
+1 Adult N – 321 ZAR
+1 Child NN – 193 ZAR
+1 Child N – 174 ZAR |
| 3️⃣ Beat 3 | NN – 4,199 ZAR
N – 3,779 ZAR
| NN – 2,995 ZAR
N – 2,696 ZAR
| NN – 1,482 ZAR
N – 1,334 ZAR
| Main NN – 630 ZAR
Main N – 567 ZAR
+1 Adult NN – 405 ZAR
+1 Adult N – 449 ZAR
+1 Child NN – 222 ZAR
+1 Child N – 200 ZAR
|
| Beat 3 Plus | 4,848 ZAR | 3,485 ZAR | 1,769 ZAR | Main -1,212 ZAR
+1 Adult – 872 ZAR
+1 Child – 442 ZAR
|
| 4️⃣ Beat 4 | NN – 6,832 ZAR | NN – 5,642 ZAR | NN – 1,689 ZAR | Main NN – 956 ZAR
+1 Adult NN – 790 ZAR
+1 Child NN – 237 ZAR |
| 📌 Pace 1 | 5,706 ZAR | 4,008 ZAR | 1,440 ZAR | Main – 1,084 ZAR
+1 Adult – 761 ZAR
+1 Child – 274 ZAR |
| 📌 Pace 2 | 8,132 ZAR | 7,974 ZAR | 1,793 ZAR | Main – 1,139 ZAR
+1 Adult – 1,116 ZAR
+1 Child – 251 ZAR |
| 📌 Pace 3 | 9,336 ZAR | 7,515 ZAR | 1,606 ZAR | Main – 1,307 ZAR
+1 Adult – 1,052 ZAR
+1 Child – 224 ZAR |
| 📌 Pace 4 | 11,662 ZAR | 11,662 ZAR | 2,732 ZAR | Main – 350 ZAR
+1 Adult – 350 ZAR
+1 Child – 82 ZAR |
| 📍 Rhythm 1 | 1,615 ZAR – 3,363 ZAR | 1,615 ZAR – 3,363 ZAR | 665 ZAR – 1,742 ZAR | None |
| 📍 Rhythm 2 | 2,368 ZAR – 3,413 ZAR | 2,250 ZAR – 3,072 ZAR | 1,425 ZAR – 1,707 ZAR | None |
This bar chart provides a visual comparison of the monthly contributions for various Bestmed medical aid plans. The x-axis shows the different plans, while the y-axis represents the monthly contribution in South African Rand (R).
Key observations from the chart:
- ✅ The plans are arranged in three main groups: Beat, Pace, and Rhythm.
- ✅ Within each group, the plans are generally numbered in ascending order of cost.
- ✅ The Pace plans are generally more expensive than the Beat and Rhythm plans.
- ✅ Pace4 has the highest monthly contribution at R11,662.
- ✅ Rhythm 1 has the lowest monthly contribution at R1,615.
- ✅ There’s a significant jump in price between Beat4 and Pace1, marking the transition between these two plan categories.
- ✅ 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 14,364 ZAR.
Latest brochures from BestMed Medical Aid:
📌 Download the latest Beat 1 Product brochure for 2025 from Bestmed.
📌 Download the latest Beat 2 Product brochure for 2025 from Bestmed.
📌 Download the latest Beat 3 Product brochure for 2025 from Bestmed.
📌 Download the latest Beat 3 Plus Product brochure for 2025 from Bestmed.
📌 Download the latest Beat 4 Product brochure for 2025 from Bestmed.
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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.
Complete form and get a no obligation Bestmed Medical Aid quote
📢 Click Here
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).
Latest brochures from BestMed Medical Aid:
📌 Download the latest Pace 1 Product brochure for 2025 from Bestmed.
📌 Download the latest Pace 2 Product brochure for 2025 from Bestmed.
📌 Download the latest Pace 3 Product brochure for 2025 from Bestmed.
📌 Download the latest Pace 4 Product brochure for 2025 from Bestmed.
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).
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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.
Latest brochures from BestMed Medical Aid:
📌 Download the latest Rhythm1 Product brochure for 2025 from Bestmed.
📌 Download the latest Rhythm2 Product brochure for 2025 from Bestmed.
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/Non-Network | 👤 Principal Member | 👥 Adult Dependent | 🚼 Child Dependent |
| 📈 Risk Amount | Non-Network | 2,410 ZAR | 1,872 ZAR | 1,015 ZAR |
| 📈 Risk Amount | Network | 2,168 ZAR | 1,685 ZAR | 912 ZAR |
| 📉 PMSA | Non-Network | 459 ZAR | 356 ZAR | 193 ZAR |
| 📉 PMSA | Network | 413 ZAR | 321 ZAR | 174 ZAR |
| 📊 Total Contribution | Non-Network | 2,869 ZAR | 2,228 ZAR | 1,208 ZAR |
| 📊 Total Contribution | Network | 2,581 ZAR | 2,006 ZAR | 1,086 ZAR |
The Beat 3 Option’s Contributions and Savings Accounts are as follows.
| 🏆 Beat 3 | 📌 Network/Non-Network | 👤 Principal Member | 👥 Adult Dependent | 🚼 Child Dependent |
| 📈 Risk Amount | Non-Network | 3,569 ZAR | 2,546 ZAR | 1,260 ZAR |
| 📈 Risk Amount | Network | 3,212 ZAR | 2,291 ZAR | 1,134 ZAR |
| 📉 PMSA | Non-Network | 630 ZAR | 449 ZAR | 222 ZAR |
| 📉 PMSA | Network | 567 ZAR | 405 ZAR | 200 ZAR |
| 📊 Total Contribution | Non-Network | 4,199 ZAR | 2,995 ZAR | 1,482 ZAR |
| 📊 Total Contribution | Network | 3,779 ZAR | 2,696 ZAR | 1,334 ZAR |
| | | | |
| 🏆 Beat 3 Plus | | 👤 Principal Member | 👥 Adult Dependent | 🚼 Child Dependent |
| 📈 Risk Amount | | R3 636 | R2 613 | R1 327 |
| 📉 PMSA | | R1 212 | R872 | R442 |
| 📊 Total Contribution | | R4 848 | R3 485 | R1 769 |
The Beat 4 Option’s Contributions and Savings Accounts are as follows.
| 🏆 Beat 4 | 👤 Principal Member | 👥 Adult Dependent | 🚼 Child Dependent |
| 📈 Risk Amount | 5,876 ZAR | 4,852 ZAR | 1,452 ZAR |
| 📉 PMSA | 956 ZAR | 790 ZAR | 237 ZAR |
| 📊 Total Contribution | 6,832 ZAR | 5,642 ZAR | 1,689 ZAR |
The Pace 1 Option’s Contributions and Savings Accounts are as follows.
| 🏆 PACE 1 | 👤 Principal Member | 👥 Adult Dependent | 🚼 Child Dependent |
| 📈 Risk Amount | 4,622 ZAR | 3,247 ZAR | 1,166 ZAR |
| 📉 PMSA | 1,084 ZAR | 761 ZAR | 274 ZAR |
| 📊 Total Contribution | 5,706 ZAR | 4,008 ZAR | 1,440 ZAR |
The Pace 2 Option’s Contributions and Savings Accounts are as follows.
| 🏆PACE 2 | 👤 Principal Member | 👥 Adult Dependent | 🚼 Child Dependent |
| 📈 Risk Amount | 6,993 ZAR | 6,858 ZAR | 1,542 ZAR |
| 📉 PMSA | 1,139 ZAR | 1,116 ZAR | 251 ZAR |
| 📊 Total Contribution | 8,132 ZAR | 7,974 ZAR | 1,793 ZAR |
The Pace 3 Option’s Contributions and Savings Accounts are as follows.
| 🏆 Pace 3 | 👤 Principal Member | 👥 Adult Dependent | 🚼 Child Dependent |
| 📈 Risk Amount | 8,029 ZAR | 6,463 ZAR | 1,382 ZAR |
| 📉 PMSA | 1,307 ZAR | 1,052 ZAR | 224 ZAR |
| 📊 Total Contribution | 9,336 ZAR | 7,515 ZAR | 1,606 ZAR |
The Pace 4 Option’s Contributions and Savings Accounts are as follows.
| 🏆 Pace 4 | 👤 Principal Member | 👥 Adult Dependent | 🚼 Child Dependent |
| 📈 Risk Amount | 11,312 ZAR | 11,312 ZAR | 2,650 ZAR |
| 📉 PMSA | 350 ZAR | 350 ZAR | 82 ZAR |
| 📊 Total Contribution | 11,662 ZAR | 11,662 ZAR | 2,732 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.
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How to apply for membership with Bestmed Medical Scheme
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.
- ☑️ 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 Platinum Health – A Comparison
| 🔎 Medical Aid | 🥇 BestMed Medical Scheme (2025*) | 🥈 Bonitas Medical Fund (2025) | 🥉 Platinum Health (2025) |
| ⏰ Years in Operation | 60 Years | 40 Years | 22 Years |
| 👤 Average # Members | 240,000+ | 750,000+ | <55,000 |
| 👥 Number of Employees | 436+ | 150+ | 100+ |
| 📉 Market Share | +-4.8% | +-25% | <5% |
| 📊 Market Coverage | South Africa | South Africa | South Africa |
| 💯 Customer Rating | 4/5 | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| 📌 Number of reviews | 1000+ | 5,000+ | 3,000+ |
| 📱 Mobile App | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ❎ No |
| 💵 Contribution Range (ZAR) | 1,615 – 11,662 ZAR | 1,378 – 9,853 ZAR | 1,298 – 5,016 ZAR |
| 🌎 International Travel Benefit (ZAR) | Up to 5 million ZAR | Up to 10 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 discover more about the plans from Bestmed
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.
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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
|
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Bestmed Medical Scheme Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bestmed an affordable medical aid in South Africa?
Bestmed offers affordable plans from 1,615 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 2025?
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
