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Bestmed Beat 1 Network Medical Aid Plan (🇿🇦 2025)

Overall, the Bestmed Beat 1 Network Medical Aid Plan is a trustworthy and comprehensive medical aid plan that offers affordable medical cover and Prescribed Minimum Benefits for its members. The Bestmed Beat 1 Network Medical Aid Plan starts from R2,111 ZAR.

🔎 Medical Aid Plan	🥇 Bestmed Beat 1 Network
🌎 International Cover	R1 million in USA and other countries R5 million
👤 Main Member Contribution	R2,111
👥 Adult Dependent Contribution	R1,641
🍼 Child Dependent Contribution	R889
🔁 Gap Cover	None
📊 Annual Limit	Several limits and sub-limits
💙 Hospital Cover	Subject to scheme rules
💶 Medical Savings Account	N/A
😊 Maternity Benefits	✅ Yes

Bestmed Beat 1 Network Plan – 11 Key Point Quick Overview

Bestmed Beat 1 Network Plan Overview

The Bestmed Beat 1 Network medical aid plan is one of 14 plans, starting from R2,111. Bestmed Beat 1 Network Option may be good for members who want affordable medical cover and are comfortable using network providers.

Gap Cover is not available on the Bestmed Beat 1 Network Plan. Bestmed offers 24/7 medical emergency assistance and, Bestmed Medical Scheme received the top honours in the Medical Aid Companies category at the latest Ask Afrika Orange Index Awards.

📌 Download the latest Beat 1 Product brochure for 2025 from Bestmed.

Bestmed Beat 1 Network Plan Contributions

👤 Main Member	👥 +1 Adult Dependent	🍼 +1 Child Dependent
R2,111	R1,641	R889

Bestmed Beat 1 Network Plan Benefits and Cover Comprehensive Breakdown

Beat 1 Hospital Plan

Only in-hospital cover is provided on Beat 1

📌 POLL: 10 Best Hospital Plans in South Africa

Bestmed Beat 1 Network In-Hospital Benefits

Method of Payment on Beat 1 Plan

✅ On the Beat 1 option, in-hospital benefits are covered by Scheme risk. However, out-of-hospital treatments are the member’s responsibility.
✅ The Scheme’s risk-benefit provides some preventative care advantages.

While using DSPs, any benefits related to conditions that meet the requirements for PMBs will be covered.

Bestmed Beat 1 Network Scheme Benefits for Different Medical Events In-Hospital

✅ Members must get pre-approval for all planned operations at least fourteen (14) days before the event. In emergencies, however, the member, their authorized representative, or the hospital must notify Bestmed of the member’s hospitalization as soon as feasible or on the first business day after admission.
✅ Clinical procedures, preferred providers, designated service providers, formularies, funding rules, and the Mediscor Reference Price (MRP) could apply.

A maximum co-payment of R14,364 will apply if a member chooses not to utilize a hospital that is part of a hospital network for the Beat Network benefit option.

🟥 In-Hospital Accommodation and fees for the theatre	Covered up to 100% of the Bestmed tariff.
🟧 Take-home medication after discharge	Covered up to 100% of the Bestmed tariff. Limited to a 7-day supply.
🟨 Biological medicine (in-hospital)	Annually limited to R11,610 per family. Subject to pre-approval and financial restrictions.
🟩 Treatment in Mental Health Clinics	Covered up to 100% of the Bestmed tariff. Limited to 21 days per beneficiary yearly.
🟦 Chemical and Substance Abuse Treatment	Benefits shall be limited to the treatment of PMB conditions and subject to: Subject to: * Limited to 21 days’ stay for in-hospital management per year. * Pre-authorisation required * Subject to members using network facilities.
🟪 Consultations and procedures	Covered up to 100% of the Bestmed tariff.
🟥 Surgical Procedures (including anesthetic)	Covered up to 100% of the Bestmed tariff.
🟧 Organ Transplants	Covered up to 100% of the Bestmed tariff. Only PMBs are covered under this benefit.
🟨 Major medical maxillo-facial surgery (Only specified conditions)	Only PMBs are covered at DSP day hospitals.
🟩 In- and Out-of-Hospital Dental and oral surgery	Only PMBs are covered at DSP day hospitals.
🟦 Prostheses are subject to preferred providers or co-payments, and limits will apply	Covered up to 100% of the Bestmed tariff. There is a limit of p to R95,377 per family.
🟪 Internal Prostheses (Preferred Providers or limits and co-payments will apply) Functional items used must be towards treating or supporting bodily functions	The following sub-limits apply per beneficiary Functional limited to – R34,047 Pacemakers (single & dual chamber) – R51,998 Vascular – R54,915 Spinal, including artificial discs – R38,068 Drug-eluting stents – subject to Vascular prosthesis limit Mesh – R13,360 Gynecology/Urology – R10,917 Lens Implants (per lens, per eye) – R8,330
🟥 Joint replacement surgery	The following prostheses limits apply to PMBs: Hip replacement and other major joints – R40,075 Knee replacement – R49,413 Other minor joints – R15,371
🟧 Orthopedic and Medical Appliances	Covered up to 100% of the Bestmed tariff. Limited to R15 000 per family per year.
🟨 Pathology	Covered up to 100% of the Bestmed tariff.
🟩 Radiology	Covered up to 100% of the Bestmed tariff.
🟦 MRI, CT scans, and other specialized diagnostics	Limited to a combined in- and out-of hospital benefit of R20 000 per family per year. Co-payment of R2600 per scan, not applicable to PMB only. PET Scans – PMB only. Subject to pre-authorisation.
🟪 Oncology	Covered up to 100% of the Bestmed tariff. The benefit is subject to pre-authorization and the use of DSP
🟥 Peritoneal Dialysis and hemodialysis	Covered up to 100% of the Bestmed tariff. The benefit is subject to pre-authorization and the use of DSP
🟧 Birthing Confinements	Covered up to 100% of the Bestmed tariff.
🟨 HIV/AIDS	Covered up to 100% of the Bestmed tariff. The benefit is subject to pre-authorization and the use of DSP
🟩 Refractive Surgery (and all other procedures that aim to improve or stabilize vision, excluding cataracts)	Only PMBs are covered.
🟦 Midwife-assisted birth	Covered up to 100% of the Bestmed tariff.
🟪 Supplementary Services	Covered up to 100% of the Bestmed tariff.
🟥 Hospitalization Alternatives	Covered up to 100% of the Bestmed tariff.
🟧 Palliative and Home-Based Care instead of hospitalization / Advanced illness benefit	Covered up to 100% of the Bestmed tariff. There is a limit of R69,654 per beneficiary yearly. Subject to benefit availability, pre-authorization, and treatment plan.
🟨 Day Procedures performed at a day hospital	Day procedures performed in a day hospital by a DSP provider will be funded at 100% network or Scheme tariff, subject to pre- authorisation, protocols, funding guidelines and DSPs A co-payment of R2 746 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.
🟩 International Travel Cover	Leisure Travel: Coverage is limited to 90 days and R1 million for trips to the United States. All other nations are insured for up to 90 days, and a family (member and dependents) is protected for R5 million. Business Travel to the United States is limited to 60 days and covers up to R1 million. All other nations are insured for up to 60 days, and a family (member and dependents) is protected for R5 million.
🟦 Co-Payments for using a non-network option	Co-payment for the voluntary use of a non-network hospital is R14,364 for the network option.

Bestmed Beat 1 Network Out-of-Hospital Benefits

✅ The following benefits may be subject to pre-approval, clinical procedures, preferred providers (PPs), designated service providers (DSPs), formularies, funding guidelines, and the Mediscor Reference Pricing (MRP).
✅ All planned treatments or procedures must be pre-authorized for members.

Non-network pharmacies and non-network DSP specialists will be reimbursed at the Scheme price, including treating PMBs if the member chooses the network option.

❤️ Diabetes Primary Care Consultation	Covered up to 100% of the Scheme price. Subject to HaloCare registration. Two consultations for primary care at Dis-Chem pharmacies.
🧡 Wound Care Benefit (Dressings, negative pressure wound therapy NPWT treatment, and other nursing services Out-of-hospital)	Covered up to 100% of the Bestmed tariff. Limited to R4,267 per family per year.
💛 Oncology	Oncology program at the full Scheme rate. Subject to pre-approval and DSP.
💚 Peritoneal Dialysis and Hemodialysis	Covered up to 100% of the Bestmed tariff. Subject to pre-approval and DSP.
💙 HIV/AIDS	Covered up to 100% of the Bestmed tariff. Subject to pre-approval and DSP.
💜 MRI scans, CT scans, and isotope studies	Limited to a combined in- and out-of hospital benefit of R20 000 per family per year. Co-payment of R2600 per scan, not applicable to PMB only. PET Scans – PMB only. Subject to pre-authorisation.
❤️ Rehabilitation after a traumatic event	Only PMBs are covered. Subject to pre-approval and DSP.

Bestmed Beat 1 Network 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.

Members selecting the network option are required to receive their medications from Scheme-contracted pharmacies.

🔴 CDL and PMB Chronic Conditions	Covered up to 100% of the Bestmed tariff. There is a co-payment of 30% for non-formulary medicine.
🟠 Biological medicine	Only PMBs are covered according to funding protocols. Subject to pre-approval.
🟡 Non-CDL chronic medicine	No Benefit
🔴 Other high-cost medication	Only PMBs are covered according to funding protocols. Subject to pre-approval.
🟠 Over the Counter Medicine	No Benefit

Bestmed Beat 1 Network Chronic Condition List

The Bestmed Beat 1 Network Chronic Condition List and Prescribed Minimum Benefits are as follows:

Beat 1 Network Chronic Condition List

A list of 27 Chronic conditions, from

✅ 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

and many more.

💙 You might like to read more about the Best Medical Aids for Chronic Illness Cover

and many more.

Bestmed Beat 1 Network 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	1️⃣ Gender and Age Group	2️⃣ Quantity and Frequency	3️⃣ Criteria
🤧 Flu Vaccines	All	1 per beneficiary yearly	Applies to all active participants and recipients.
💉 Pneumonia Vaccines	Children <2 Years High-risk adult group	Children – according to the Department of Health Adults – Twice in a lifetime with a booster for beneficiaries 65>	Adults: The Scheme will identify high-risk adults who will be encouraged to receive vaccinations.
👶 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	Annually limited to R2,000 per beneficiary. Covers all items categorized under the female contraception category.
✔️ HPV Vaccinations	Females 9 – 26	3 vaccines per beneficiary	Vaccinations are funded according to the MRP
🧬 Mammogram	All females 40 years>	Once every 2 years	Covered up to 100% of the Bankmed tariff
⚕️ Back and Neck Preventative Care Program	All	Subject to pre-authorization, protocols and DSP’s	Providers of choice (DBC/Workability Clinics). This is a prophylactic approach designed to avoid the need for back and neck surgery. The System could discover suitable volunteers. Based on the initial evaluation, a rehabilitation treatment plan is developed and implemented over a period indicated by the provider. This program is an alternative to surgery.
🩺 Pap Smear	Female beneficiaries 18 and older	Once every 24 months	Possible at a gynecologist, GP, or pharmacy clinic. The consultation will be at the member’s expense.

Bestmed Tempo Wellness Program

The Bestmed Tempo wellness program is designed to assist you in enhancing your health and reaping the benefits that come with it. Therefore, members can access the following advantages:

🟥 Temporary Health Assessment (HA) for adults (16 years and older) that includes one of the following per adult beneficiary per year	The Tempo lifestyle questionnaire Blood pressure check Cholesterol check Glucose check Height, weight, and waist circumference These assessments must be conducted at a contracted pharmacy or on-site at employer groups participating in the program.
🟧 Bestmed Tempo Fitness and Nutrition Programs (for those older than 16)	Fitness: 1 x (face-to-face) fitness assessment with a Tempo partner biokinetics. 1 x (virtual or face-to-face) follow-up discussion to receive a customized fitness/exercise plan from a Tempo partner biokinetics. These fitness benefits are designed to support your Tempo Get Active journey. Nutrition: 1 x (in-person) nutrition evaluation with a Tempo partner dietician 1 x follow-up (virtual or in-person) consultation with a Tempo partner dietician to receive your personalized healthy-eating plan. These nutritional benefits are designed to support your Tempo Nutritional Health Journey.
🟨 Emotional wellness journey	Licensed psychologists and healthcare professionals designed this to help you understand and manage your emotions and their impact on your mental health. In addition, this Adventure grants you access to the following: Lifestyle-related knowledge that will assist you in adapting to life’s alterations and surprises. Practical obstacles that will allow you to practice the new abilities you must acquire to evolve from your current emotional and mental state to the state you seek. Visit Bestmed website for more information.
🟩 Maternity Benefits	Covered up to 100% of the Scheme tariff. Depending on the following benefits: Consultations: Six prenatal consultations with a general practitioner, gynecologist, or midwife. Ultrasounds: 1 x 2D ultrasound scan in the first trimester (between 10 and 12 weeks) performed by an FP OR gynecologist OR radiologist. 1 x 2D ultrasound scan in the second trimester (between 20 and 24 weeks) performed by an FP OR gynecologist OR radiologist.

Bestmed Beat 1 Network Maternity Care Program

💙 The Maternity care program is available to pregnant members and their dependents, providing them with comprehensive services and information.

💙 It has been designed with expectant parents’ specific needs and support networks.

💙 It provides support, education, and advice throughout pregnancy, confinement, and the postnatal period.

💙 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.

Bestmed Beat 1 Network Plan Exclusions and Waiting Periods

Bestmed Beat 1 Network Exclusions

Some of the following are excluded from Beat 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.
✅ Accounts pertaining to:
✅ The costs incurred for treating illness conditions or injuries received by a member or dependent for whom another party is responsible.
✅ Preventative devices and medications for sports and recreational activities.
✅ Injuries resulting from illegal actions in which the member or their dependents participated in a criminal crime, excluding those recommended in treating specific PMB conditions and available in the public sector.

Finally, Unkept appointments by members, and more.

Bestmed Beat 1 Network Waiting Periods

Depending on pre-existing or existing conditions, the following might apply when you register for medical cover with the Bestmed Beat 1 Network plan:

✅ A 3-month general waiting period in respect of all benefits.
✅ A 12-month exclusion in respect of a pre-existing condition.

A late-joiner contribution penalty will apply.

Bestmed Beat 1 Network Plan vs Similar Plans from Other Medical Schemes

🔎 Medical Aid Plan	🥇 Bestmed Beat 1 Network (2025)	🥈 Sizwe Hosmed Silver Hospital (2024)	🥉 Bankmed Basic (2024)
🌎 International Cover	R5 million and R1 million in USA only	Covered up to 100% of the scheme rates	Members pay costs and claim back
👤 Main Member Contribution	R2,111	R2,040	1,320 – 2,538 ZAR
👥 Adult Dependent Contribution	R1,641	R1,755	987 – 1,902 ZAR
🍼 Child Dependent Contribution	R889	R405	332 – 636 ZAR
🔁 Gap Cover	None	None	None
📊 Annual Limit	Several limits and sub-limits	Unlimited Hospital Cover	Unlimited
💙 Hospital Cover	Subject to scheme rules	Unlimited for PMBs	Unlimited
💶 Medical Savings Account	✅ Yes	None	None
😊 Maternity Benefits	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes

Our Verdict on The Bestmed Beat 1 Network Plan

The Bestmed Beat 1 Network Option is a medical aid plan offering members access to a network of healthcare providers at negotiated rates, including hospitals, specialists, and general practitioners.

This option is designed to be affordable while still providing comprehensive medical coverage.

You might also consider the following options BestMed has to offer:

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Bestmed Beat 1 Network?

Bestmed Beat 1 Network is a medical aid plan offered by Bestmed Medical Scheme, which provides affordable cover for a range of healthcare services from a network of healthcare providers.

What benefits are included in Bestmed Beat 1 Network?

Bestmed Beat 1 Network’s benefits typically include hospital cover, chronic medication cover, and day-to-day benefits such as GP consultations and medication.

How do I determine if a provider is in the Bestmed Beat 1 Network?

Bestmed members can use the online provider search tool to find network providers or contact Bestmed directly for assistance.

How do I join Bestmed Beat 1 Network?

Prospective members can apply for Bestmed Beat 1 Network online or by contacting Bestmed directly. Applicants may be subject to certain eligibility requirements.

How are claims handled with Bestmed Beat 1 Network?

Members can typically claim directly from network providers without submitting claims or paying upfront fees. However, for services received outside of the network, members may need to submit claims for reimbursement.

Are there waiting periods for certain benefits with Bestmed Beat 1 Network?

Yes, there may be waiting periods for certain benefits, such as pre-existing conditions or specific treatments. Waiting periods may vary depending on the plan chosen.

Can I upgrade or downgrade my Bestmed Beat 1 Network plan?

Yes, members can typically upgrade or downgrade their Bestmed Beat 1 Network plan during specific times of the year, such as during the annual open enrolment period.

How much does Bestmed Beat 1 Network cost?

The cost of Bestmed Beat 1 Network starts from R2,111 and is cheaper than the non-network option.

Adriaan Schoeman

Adriaan holds an MBA and specializes in medical aid research. With his commitment to perfection, he ensures the accuracy of all data presented on medicalaid.com every three months. When he is not conducting research, Adriaan can be found indulging in his passion for trout fishing amidst nature.