Beat 1
About this plan
π₯ Best suited to healthy individuals and families seeking affordable hospital cover.
Principal Member
From
R2,523
per month
Adult Dependant
From
R1,959
per month
Child Dependant
From
R1,061
per month
What's covered
Hospital cover
Savings account
Day-to-day
Chronic cover
Dental
Optical
Maternity
Mental health
Waiting periods
- General
- 3 months
- Pre-existing conditions
- 12 months
Beat 1
Bestmed Beat 1 Medical Aid Plan (πΏπ¦ 2026)
Overall, the Bestmed Beat 1 Medical Aid Plan is a trustworthy Hospital option that offers 24/7 medical emergency assistance and in-hospital procedures to all Family Members. The Bestmed Beat 1 Medical Aid Plan starts from R2,523 ZAR and Beat 1 Network from R2,269.| π€ Main Member Contribution | R2,523 |
| π₯ Adult Dependent Contribution | R1,959 |
| πΌ Child Dependent Contribution | R1,061 |
| π International Cover | R5 million and 1 million in USA |
| π Gap Cover | Available separately through Gap Cover Providers |
| π₯ Hospital Cover | βοΈ Yes |
| π Home Care | βοΈ Yes |
| πͺ₯ Dentistry Benefit | βοΈ Yes |
| π¦· Advanced Dentistry | β No |
| π HIV Care Program | βοΈ Yes |
Bestmed Beat 1 Review - 6 Key Point Quick Overview
- βοΈ Bestmed Beat 1 Plan Overview
- βοΈ Bestmed Beat 1 Plan Contributions
- βοΈ Bestmed Beat 1 Plan Benefits and Cover Comprehensive Breakdown
- βοΈ Bestmed Beat 1 Plan vs. Similar Plans from other Medical Schemes
- βοΈ Our Verdict on The Bestmed Beat 1 Plan
- βοΈ Bestmed Beat 1 Plan Frequently Asked Questions
Bestmed Beat 1 Plan Overview
The Bestmed Beat 1 medical aid plan is one of 14, starting from R2,523 and includes in-hospital procedures and treatment of medical events, international cover, maternity, and more.
Gap Cover is not included on the Bestmed Beat 1 Plan. Bestmed offers 24/7 medical emergency assistance. BestmedΒ received the top honours in the Medical Aid Companies category at the latest Ask Afrika Orange Index Awards.
Did you know Bestmed offers 14 other plans to choose from e.g. Beat 2, Beat 3, Beat 4 ?
Bestmed Beat 1 Plan Contributions
| π Member | π€ Main Member | π₯ +1 Adult Dependent | π +1 Child Dependent |
| π Network | R2,269 | R1,764 | R956 |
| β‘οΈ Non-Network | R2,523 | R1,959 | R1,061 |
Bestmed Beat 1 Plan Benefits and Cover Comprehensive Breakdown
Beat 1 Hospital Plan
Only in-hospital cover is provided on Beat 1.Bestmed Beat 1 In-Hospital Benefits
Method of Payment on Beat 1 Plan:- β On the Beat 1 option, in-hospital benefits are covered according to Scheme rates, but out-of-hospital treatments are the memberβs responsibility.
- β Beat 1 also offer preventative care benefits.
- β 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 memberβs hospitalization as soon as feasible or on the first business day after admission.
- β Clinical procedures, preferred providers, designated service providers, formularies, funding rules, and the Mediscor Reference Price (MRP) could apply.
| π₯ In-Hospital Accommodation and fees for the theatre | Covered up to 100% of the Bestmed tariff. |
| π Take-home medication after discharge | Covered up to 100% of the Bestmed tariff. Limited to a 7-day supply. |
| π Biological medicine (in-hospital) | Annually limited to R12,144 per family. Subject to pre-approval and financial restrictions. |
| π Treatment in Mental Health Clinics | Approved PMBs at DSPs. Limited to a maximum of 21 days per beneficiary per financial year in hospital including inpatient electroconvulsive therapy and inpatient psychotherapy, OR 15 contact sessions for out-patient psychotherapy per beneficiary per financial year. Subject to pre-authorisation |
| π§ͺ Chemical and Substance Abuse Treatment | Benefits shall be limited to the treatment of PMB conditions and subject to: Subject to: * Limited to 21 daysβ stay for in-hospital management per year. * Pre-authorisation required * Subject to members using network facilities. |
| π©Ί Consultations and procedures | Covered up to 100% of the Bestmed tariff. |
| βοΈ Surgical Procedures (including anesthetic) | Covered up to 100% of the Bestmed tariff. |
| β€οΈ Organ Transplants | Covered up to 100% of the Bestmed tariff. Only PMBs are covered under this benefit. |
| π Major medical maxillo-facial surgery (Only specified conditions) | No benefit. Only PMBs are covered. |
| π¦· In- and Out-of-Hospital Dental and oral surgery | Only PMBs are covered at DSP day hospitals. |
| 𦡠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 R99,764 per family. |
| π¦Ύ 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 β R35,613 Pacemakers (single & dual chamber) β R54,390 Vascular β R57,441 Spinal, including artificial discs β R39,819 Drug-eluting stents β only PMBs using DSP products Mesh β R13,975 Gynecology/Urology β R11,419 Lens Implants (per lens, per eye) β R8,713 |
| β Joint replacement surgery | The following prostheses limits apply to PMBs: Hip replacement and other major joints β R40,075 Knee replacement β R49,413 Other minor joints β R15,371 |
| π Orthopedic and Medical Appliances | Covered up to 100% of the Bestmed tariff. Limited to R15 690 per family per annum. |
| π Pathology | Covered up to 100% of the Bestmed tariff. |
| π Radiology | Covered up to 100% of the Bestmed tariff. |
| π MRI, CT scans, and other specialized diagnostics | Limited to a combined in- and out-ofοΏΎhospital benefit of R20 920 per family per annum. Co-payment of R2 600 per scan, not applicable to PMBs. PET scans - PMB only. Subject to pre-authorisation |
| π Oncology | Covered up to 100% of the Bestmed tariff. The benefit is subject to pre-authorization and the use of DSP |
| π© Peritoneal Dialysis and hemodialysis | Covered up to 100% of the Bestmed tariff. The benefit is subject to pre-authorization and the use of DSP |
| πΌ Birthing Confinements | Covered up to 100% of the Bestmed tariff. |
| π HIV/AIDS | Covered up to 100% of the Bestmed tariff. The benefit is subject to pre-authorization and the use of DSP |
| π Refractive Surgery (and all other procedures that aim to improve or stabilize vision, excluding cataracts) | Only PMBs are covered. |
| πΌ Midwife-assisted birth | Covered up to 100% of the Bestmed tariff. |
| π Supplementary Services | Covered up to 100% of the Bestmed tariff. |
| π Hospitalization Alternatives | Covered up to 100% of the Bestmed tariff. |
| π Palliative and Home-Based Care instead of hospitalization / Advanced Illness Benefit | Covered up to 100% of the Bestmed tariff. There is a limit of R72,858 per beneficiary yearly. Subject to benefit availability, pre-authorization, and treatment plan. |
| β³οΈ 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 872 will be incurred per event if a day procedure is done in an acute hospital that is not a day hospital. If a DSP is used and the DSP does not work in a day hospital, the procedure shall be paid in full if it is done in an acute hospital, if it is arranged with the Scheme before the time. |
| π 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. |
| π© Co-Payments for using a non-network option | Non-network hospital co-payment * Co-payment for voluntary use of non-network hospital R15 025 applicable to network options. Procedure-specific co-payments: * The co-payment shall not apply to PMB conditions: β’ Arthroscopic procedures R3 660. β’ Back and neck surgery R3 660. β’ Functional nasal and sinus procedures R2 000. β’ Laparoscopic procedures R3 660. β’ Colonoscopies R2 000. β’ Cystoscopies R2 000. β’ Gastroscopies R2 000. β’ Hysteroscopies R2 000. β’ Sigmoidoscopies R2 000. A co-payment of R2 872, as described in the Day procedures benefit, will be incurred per event if a day procedure is done in an acute hospital that is not a day hospital. |
Bestmed Beat 1 Out-of-Hospital Benefits
- β 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).
- β All planned treatments or procedures must be pre-authorized for members.
| βοΈ 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. |
| β 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 R4,463 per family per year. |
| βοΈ Oncology | Oncology program at the full Scheme rate. Subject to pre-approval and DSP. |
| β Peritoneal Dialysis and Hemodialysis | Covered up to 100% of the Bestmed tariff. Subject to pre-approval and DSP. |
| βοΈ HIV/AIDS | Covered up to 100% of the Bestmed tariff. Subject to pre-approval and DSP. |
| β MRI scans, CT scans, and isotope studies | Limited to a combined in- and out-of hospital benefit of R20 920 per family per annum. Co-payment of R2 600 per scan, not applicable to PMBs. PET scans - PMB only. Subject to pre-authorisation. |
| βοΈ Rehabilitation after a traumatic event | Only PMBs are covered. Subject to pre-approval and DSP. |
Bestmed Beat 1 Medicine
- β 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.
- β Members will not incur co-payments for PMB pharmaceuticals on the formulary for which no generic substitute exists.
| π CDL and PMB Chronic Conditions | Covered up to 100% of the Bestmed tariff. There is a co-payment of 30% for non-formulary medicine. |
| π Non-CDL chronic medicine | No Benefit |
| πOver the Counter medicine | No Benefit |
| π Acute medicine | No Benefit |
| π Biological medicine | Only PMBs are covered according to funding protocols. Subject to pre-approval. |
| π Other high-cost medication | Only PMBs are covered according to funding protocols. Subject to pre-approval. |
Bestmed Beat 1 Chronic Condition List
The Bestmed Beat 1 Chronic Condition List and Prescribed Minimum Benefits are as follows: CDL:- β Addisonβs disease
- β Asthma
- β Bipolar Mood Disorder
- β Bronchiectasis
- β Cardiac Failure
- β Cardiomyopathy
- β Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- β Chronic Renal Disease
- β Coronary Artery Disease
- β Crohnβs Disease
- β Diabetes Insipidus
- β Diabetes mellitus type 1
- β Diabetes mellitus type 2
- β Dysrhythmias
- β Epilepsy
- β Glaucoma
- β Aplastic anemia
- β Benign prostatic hypertrophy
- β Cerebral palsy
- β Chronic anemia
- β COVID-19
- β Cushingβs disease
- β Cystic fibrosis
- β Endometriosis
- β Female menopause
- β Fibrosing alveolitis
Bestmed Beat 1 Preventative Care
The following benefits could be subject to pre-approval, clinical procedures, preferred providers (PPs), designated service providers (DSPs), formularies, funding guidelines, and the Mediscor Reference Pricing (MRP).| π Benefit | π Gender and Age Group | π Quantity and Frequency | βοΈ Criteria |
| π Flu Vaccines | All | 1 per beneficiary yearly | Applies to all active participants and recipients. |
| βοΈ Pneumonia Vaccines | Children <2 Years High-risk adult group | Children β according to the Department of Health Adults β 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. |
| πΆ Baby Growth and Development Assessments | 0 β 2 Years | 3 Assessments per year | Pharmaceutical clinics under the Bestmed Network perform assessments. |
| β³οΈ Female Contraceptives | All female beneficiaries of child-bearing age | Depends on the product according to the maximum allowed amount | Annually limited to R2,092 per beneficiary. Covers all items categorized under the female contraception category. |
| β‘οΈ HPV Vaccinations | Females 9 β 26 | 3 vaccines per beneficiary | Vaccinations are funded according to the MRP |
| π Mammogram | All females 40 years> | Once every 2 years | Covered up to 100% of the Bestmed Scheme tariff |
| π Back and Neck Preventative Care Program | All | Subject to pre-authorization | 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. |
| π©Ί Pap Smear | Female beneficiaries 18 and older | Once every 24 months | Possible at a gynecologist, family physician, or pharmacy clinic. The consultation will be at the memberβs 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:| π 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. |
| π 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. |
| π 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 lifeβs 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. |
| πΌ 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 Maternity Care Program
π€°π½ The Maternity care program is available to pregnant members and their dependents, providing them with comprehensive services and information. π€°π½ It has been designed with expectant parentsβ specific needs and support networks. π€°π½ It provides support, education, and advice throughout pregnancy, confinement, and the postnatal period.Try our free Ovulation Calculator
π€°π½ 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 gynaecologist. π€°π½ Once registration is complete, a consultant will reach out to them.You might also consider: Health Insurance for Pregnancy
Bestmed Beat 1 Plan Exclusions and Waiting Periods
Bestmed Beat 1 Exclusion Some of the following are excluded from Beat 1. The comprehensive list can be found on the official Bestmed website.- β Any fees associated with patient and medical staff travel.
- β 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.
- β 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.
- β Any non-functional or cosmetic procedures, operations, or treatments.
- β 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.
- β A 3-month general waiting period in respect of all benefits.
- β A 12-month exclusion in respect of any pre-existing conditions.
Bestmed Beat 1 Plan vs. Similar Plans from Other Medical Schemes
| BestMed Beat 1 (2026) | Medihelp MedVital Elect (2026) | Discovery KeyCare (2026) | |
| π International Cover | R5 million and 1Milion in USA | n/a | None |
| π€ Main Member Contribution | R2,523 | R2,412 | R1,102 |
| π₯ Adult Dependent Contribution | R1,959 | R1,752 | R1,102 |
| πΌ Child Dependent Contribution | R1,061 | R1,014 | R664 |
| π Gap Cover | None | βοΈ Yes | βοΈ Yes |
| πΆ Prescribed Minimum Benefits (PMB) | β Yes | β Yes | β Yes |
| βοΈ Screening and Prevention | βοΈ Yes | βοΈ Yes | βοΈ Yes |
| π¦· Dentistry Benefit | β Yes | β Yes | β Yes |
| π Mental Healthcare Program | βοΈ Yes | βοΈ Yes | βοΈ Yes |
| β‘οΈ Diabetes Care Program | β Yes | β Yes | β Yes |
Our Verdict on The Bestmed Beat 1 Plan
Bestmed Beat 1 is a comprehensive Hospital option that covers in-hospital expenses. In addition, it includes chronic medication coverage, preventative care benefits, and a maternity program.
You might also consider the following options BestMed has to offer:
- π© BestMed Beat 3 Network
- π© BestMed Beat 2 Network
- π© BestMed Beat 1 Network
- π© BestMed Pace 4
- π© BestMed Pace 3
- π© BestMed Pace 2
- π© BestMed Pace 1
- π© BestMed Rhythm 2
- π© BestMed Rhythm 1
- π© BestMed Beat 4
- π© BestMed Beat 3
- π© BestMed Beat 2
