Bestmed Medical Aid Scheme
Overall, Bestmed Medical Aid Scheme offers 10 medical aid plans (Beat 1 – 4, Pace 1 – 4, and Rhythm 1 and 2) starting from R1,307 per month. Additionally, Bestmed Medical Scheme offers 24/7 emergency services but does not offer comprehensive gap cover on any policy.
| 🔎 Medical Aid | 🥇 Bestmed |
| 📌 Registration Number | 1252 |
| 📍 GCR Rating | AA |
| 📱 Mobile App | ✅ Yes |
| ✔️ Chronic Illness Benefits | ✅ Yes |
Best Medical Scheme Review – Analysis of Medical Aids’ Main Features
- ✅ Bestmed Medical Scheme at a Glance
- ✅ Bestmed Medical Scheme Plan Overview
- ✅ Bestmed Beat 1 – 3
- ✅ 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 | 209,000+ |
| 📈 Number of Markets | South Africa |
| 📉 Number of Employees | 436+ |
| 📊 GCR Rating | AA |
| 📊 Listed on the JSE | ❎ No |
| 💯 Average Customer Rating | 3.5/5 |
| 📎 Average Number of Reviews | 800+ |
| 📈 Market Share | +-10% |
| 📉 Number of plans | 10 |
| 🚑 Number of Hospitals in Network | 200+ |
| 🏠 Home care provided | ❎ No |
| ✒️ 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 Illness Benefits | ✅ Yes |
| 📈 Number of PMB Diagnoses | 29 |
| 📉 Number of PMB Chronic Conditions | 27 |
| 📊 Screening and Prevention offered | ✅ Yes |
| 📌 Maternity Benefit | ✅ Yes |
| 💴 Medical Aid Contribution Range (ZAR) | 1,307 ZAR – 9,411 ZAR |
| ⚙️ Average Waiting Period | 3 – 12 Months |
| 💵 Late-joiner penalties | ✅ Yes |
| 🌎 International Medical Cover | ✅ Yes |
| 💷 International Travel Benefit (ZAR) | Up to 10 million ZAR |
Bestmed Medical Scheme Plan Overview
| 🔎 Plan | 💴 Contributions Range (Main) | 💵 Contributions Range (+ Adult) | 💶 Contributions Range (+ Child) | 💷 Medical Savings
(Up to) | 📌 Chronic Conditions |
| 1️⃣ Beat 1 | Non-Network (NN) – 1,901 ZAR
Network (N) – 1,710 ZAR | NN – 1,475 ZAR
N – 1329 ZAR | NN – 799 ZAR
N – 720 ZAR | None | 0 |
| 2️⃣ Beat 2 | NN – 2,323 ZAR
N – 2,090 ZAR | NN – 1,804 ZAR
N – 1,624 ZAR | NN – 978 ZAR
N – 879 ZAR | Main NN – 371 ZAR
Main N – 334 ZAR
+1 Adult NN – 289 ZAR
+1 Adult N – 260 ZAR
+1 Child NN – 157 ZAR
+1 Child N – 140 ZAR | 0 |
| 3️⃣ Beat 3 | NN – 3,400 ZAR
N – 3,060 ZAR | NN – 2,425 ZAR
N – 2,183 ZAR | NN – 1,200 ZAR
N – 1,080 ZAR
| Main NN – 510 ZAR
Main N – 459 ZAR
+1 Adult NN – 364 ZAR
+1 Adult N – 328 ZAR
+1 Child NN – 180 ZAR
+1 Child N – 162 ZAR | 5 |
| 4️⃣ Beat 4 | NN – 5,513 ZAR | NN – 4,553 ZAR | NN – 1,362 ZAR | Main NN – 772 ZAR
+1 Adult NN – 637 ZAR
+1 Child NN – 190 ZAR | 9 |
| 📌 Pace 1 | 4,620 ZAR | 3,245 ZAR | 1,166 ZAR | Main – 878 ZAR
+1 Adult – 616 ZAR
+1 Child – 222 ZAR | 7 |
| 📌 Pace 2 | 6,562 ZAR | 6,435 ZAR | 1,447 ZAR | Main – 919 ZAR
+1 Adult – 901 ZAR
+1 Child – 202 ZAR | 20 |
| 📌 Pace 3 | 7,534 ZAR | 6,065 ZAR | 1,296 ZAR | Main – 1,055 ZAR
+1 Adult – 849 ZAR
+1 Child – 182 ZAR | 20 |
| 📌 Pace 4 | 9,411 ZAR | 9,411 ZAR | 2,205 ZAR | Main – 282 ZAR
+1 Adult – 282 ZAR
+1 Child – 66 ZAR | 29 |
| 📍 Rhythm 1 | 1,307 ZAR – 2,723 ZAR | 1,307 ZAR – 1,525 ZAR | 539 ZAR – 1,410 ZAR | None | 0 |
| 📍 Rhythm 2 | 1,917 ZAR – 2,763 ZAR | 1,822 ZAR – 2,488 ZAR | 1,154 ZAR – 1,382 ZAR | None | 0 |
Bestmed Beat 1 – 3
The Bestmed Beat range provides customizable hospital benefits and savings on alternatives to cover non-hospital expenses.
Beat1, Beat 2, and Beat 3 also provide the ability to reduce your monthly donation 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, they face a maximum co-payment of 13,078 ZAR.
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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 designated hospitals and reduces your monthly commitment.
In addition, benefits associated with conditions that meet the requirements for PMBs will be covered in full while utilizing DSPs; 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. 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, 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).
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Bestmed Pace 1 – 4
Pace provides extensive hospital and outpatient benefits. In addition, all these alternatives provide additional day-to-day benefits to cover considerable out-of-hospital expenses. This selection is suitable for individuals in search of thorough protection.
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 advantages 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.
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.
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 54 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.
- ☑️ Bestmed’s plans provide access to an extensive network of service providers, including Netcare hospitals and Dischem pharmacies.
- ☑️ Bestmed offers a wide range of plan options, with 10 plans to choose from, catering to a diverse range of individuals and classes of society.
- ☑️ Bestmed offers plan options with significantly reduced co-payments, with reductions of up to 75% compared to competitors.
and much, much more!
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Bestmed Medical Scheme Regulation
The Council for Medical Schemes regulates Bestmed Medical Scheme. The Council governs South Africa’s medical plan business for Medical Schemes (CMS), a regulating body set up under the Medical Schemes Act, No. 131 of 1998 (the Act).
The CMS is responsible for a range of tasks related to the oversight of medical insurance plans, such as:
- ☑️ Responsible for registering medical insurance plans and ensuring they comply with the law and other laws.
- ☑️ Making sure healthcare plans have the money to pay claims.
- ☑️ Examining and authorizing proposed price hikes for medical plans.
- ☑️ Accepting and examining member complaints and initiating disciplinary action against medical plans that violate the Act or other applicable rules.
- ☑️ Helping medical insurance plans follow the law and other laws.
Furthermore, if a medical scheme is found to violate the law, the CMS has the authority to issue administrative fines and penalties.
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:
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 | 1,952 ZAR | 1,515 ZAR | 821 ZAR |
| 📈 Risk Amount | Network | 1,756 ZAR | 1,364 ZAR | 739 ZAR |
| 📉 PMSA | Non-Network | 371 ZAR | 289 ZAR | 157 ZAR |
| 📉 PMSA | Network | 334 ZAR | 260 ZAR | 140 ZAR |
| 📊 Total Contribution | Non-Network | 2,323 ZAR | 1,804 ZAR | 987 ZAR |
| 📊 Total Contribution | Network | 2,090 ZAR | 1,624 ZAR | 879 ZAR |
The Beat 3 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 | 2,890 ZAR | 2,061 ZAR | 1,020 ZAR |
| 📈 Risk Amount | Network | 2,601 ZAR | 1,855 ZAR | 918 ZAR |
| 📉 PMSA | Non-Network | 510 ZAR | 364 ZAR | 180 ZAR |
| 📉 PMSA | Network | 459 ZAR | 328 ZAR | 162 ZAR |
| 📊 Total Contribution | Non-Network | 3,400 ZAR | 2,425 ZAR | 1,200 ZAR |
| 📊 Total Contribution | Network | 3,060 ZAR | 2,183 ZAR | 1,080 ZAR |
The Beat 4 Option’s Contributions and Savings Accounts are as follows.
| 2️⃣ Beat 2 | 👤 Principal Member | 👥 Adult Dependent | 🚼 Child Dependent |
| 📈 Risk Amount | 4,741 ZAR | 3,916 ZAR | 1,172 ZAR |
| 📉 PMSA | 772 ZAR | 637 ZAR | 190 ZAR |
| 📊 Total Contribution | 5,513 ZAR | 4,553 ZAR | 1,362 ZAR |
The Pace 1 Option’s Contributions and Savings Accounts are as follows.
| 2️⃣ Beat 2 | 👤 Principal Member | 👥 Adult Dependent | 🚼 Child Dependent |
| 📈 Risk Amount | 3,742 ZAR | 2,629 ZAR | 944 ZAR |
| 📉 PMSA | 878 ZAR | 616 ZAR | 222 ZAR |
| 📊 Total Contribution | 4,620 ZAR | 3,245 ZAR | 1,166 ZAR |
The Pace 2 Option’s Contributions and Savings Accounts are as follows.
| 2️⃣ Beat 2 | 👤 Principal Member | 👥 Adult Dependent | 🚼 Child Dependent |
| 📈 Risk Amount | 5,643 ZAR | 5,534 ZAR | 1,245 ZAR |
| 📉 PMSA | 919 ZAR | 901 ZAR | 202 ZAR |
| 📊 Total Contribution | 6,562 ZAR | 6,435 ZAR | 1,447 ZAR |
The Pace 3 Option’s Contributions and Savings Accounts are as follows.
| 2️⃣ Beat 2 | 👤 Principal Member | 👥 Adult Dependent | 🚼 Child Dependent |
| 📈 Risk Amount | 6,479 ZAR | 5,216 ZAR | 1,114 ZAR |
| 📉 PMSA | 1,055 ZAR | 849 ZAR | 182 ZAR |
| 📊 Total Contribution | 7,534 ZAR | 6,065 ZAR | 1,296 ZAR |
The Beat 3 Option’s Contributions and Savings Accounts are as follows.
| 2️⃣ Beat 2 | 👤 Principal Member | 👥 Adult Dependent | 🚼 Child Dependent |
| 📈 Risk Amount | 9,129 ZAR | 9,129 ZAR | 2,139 ZAR |
| 📉 PMSA | 282 ZAR | 282 ZAR | 66 ZAR |
| 📊 Total Contribution | 9,411 ZAR | 9,411 ZAR | 2,205 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 Annexure B.4 of the Scheme Rules, 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 Medical Aid 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
Also, take note of the BestMed Late Joiner Fee
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 Best Med’s claims department. 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.
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 plan to terminate coverage.
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 when you change your medical aid.
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
Bestmed vs Bonitas vs Platinum Health – A Comparison
| 🔎 Medical Aid | 🥇 BestMed Medical Scheme | 🥈 Bonitas Medical Fund | 🥉 Platinum Health |
| ⏰ Years in Operation | 58 Years | 40 Years | 22 Years |
| 👤 Average # Members | 209,000+ | 750,000+ | <55,000 |
| 📈 GCR Rating | AA | AA | A+ |
| 👥 Number of Employees | 436+ | 150+ | 100+ |
| 📉 Market Share | +-10% | +-25% | <5% |
| 📊 Market Coverage | South Africa | South Africa | South Africa |
| 💯 Customer Rating | 3.5/5 | 4.9/5 | 3/5 |
| 📌 Number of reviews | 800+ | 5,000+ | 3,000+ |
| 📱 Mobile App | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ❎ No |
| 💵 Contribution Range (ZAR) | 1,307 – 9,411 ZAR | 1,338 – 8,990 ZAR | 1,213 – 4,688 ZAR |
| 🌎 International Travel Benefit (ZAR) | Up to 10 million ZAR | Up to 10 million ZAR | – |
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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 customizable. In addition, a few plans have a Medical Savings Account to cover day-to-day benefits.
However, the PMSA is extremely low compared to other medical schemes, meaning that members must pay their day-to-day medical expenses from their own pocket while being subject to expensive contributions.
Bestmed provides a comprehensive hospital plan and preventative care to its members, with decent limits that ensure members receive the coverage they need without paying for it themselves.
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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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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 | The medical savings accounts are extremely low when compared to other medical aids |
| There is an extensive network of healthcare providers across South Africa | Bestmed does not have proprietary or affiliated gap cover, and members must have their own |
| There are several wellness and prevention benefits | Bestmed does not cover an extensive list of chronic illnesses when compared to other schemes |
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Conclusion
Overall, Bestmed is a popular and reliable medical aid scheme but lags behind competitors because of its drawbacks. Therefore, even if its monthly contributions are lower, South Africans might prefer registering with a medical aid scheme where they receive more value for money.
Bestmed Medical Scheme Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bestmed an affordable medical aid in South Africa?
Bestmed offers affordable plans from 1,307 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 2023?
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
