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Bestmed Beat 1 Medical Aid Plan

Overall, the Bestmed Beat 1 Medical Aid Plan is a trustworthy and comprehensive medical aid plan that offers 24/7 medical emergency assistance and in-hospital procedures to up to 3 Family Members. The Bestmed Beat 1 Medical Aid Plan starts from R2,082 ZAR.

👤 Main Member Contribution	R2,082
👥 Adult Dependent Contribution	R1,616
🍼 Child Dependent Contribution	R875
🌎 International Cover	R5 million and 1 million in USA
🔁 Gap Cover	None
🏥 Hospital Cover	Subject to scheme rules
🏠 Home Care	☑️ Yes
🪥 Dentistry Benefit	☑️ Yes
🦷 Advanced Dentistry	☑️ Yes
📌 HIV Care Program	☑️ Yes

Bestmed Beat 1 Review – 6 Key Point Quick Overview

☑️ Bestmed Beat 1 Plan Overview
☑️ Bestmed Beat 1 Plan Contributions
☑️ Bestmed Beat 1 Plan Benefits and Cover Comprehensive Breakdown
☑️ Bestmed Beat 1 Plan vs. Similar Plans from other Medical Schemes
☑️ Our Verdict on The Bestmed Beat 1 Plan
☑️ Bestmed Beat 1 Plan Frequently Asked Questions

Bestmed Beat 1 Plan Overview

The Bestmed Beat 1 medical aid plan is one of 10, starting from R2,082 and includes in-hospital procedures and treatment, medical events, international cover, maternity, and more.

Gap Cover is not available on the Bestmed Beat 1 Plan. Bestmed offers 24/7 medical emergency assistance. According to the Trust Index, Bestmed has a trust rating of 3.5.

Did you know Bestmed offers 9 other plans to choose from e.g. Beat 2, Beat 3, Beat 4

📌 Download the latest Beat 1 Product Brochure in PDF format.

Bestmed Beat 1 Plan Contributions

🔎 Member	👤 Main Member	👥 +1 Adult Dependent	💙 +1 Child Dependent
📉 Network	R1,873	R1,456	R789
➡️ Non-Network	R2,082	R1,616	R875

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:

✅ On the Beat 1 option, in-hospital benefits are covered by Scheme risk, but 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 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 R13,732 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 R11,099 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	Covered up to 100% of the Bestmed tariff. Limited to 21 days or R37,352 per beneficiary per year. 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 R91,183 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 – R32,550 Pacemakers (dual chamber) – R49,711 Vascular – R52,500 Spinal, including artificial discs – R36,394 Drug-eluting stents – only PMBs using DSP products Mesh – R12,772 Gynecology/Urology – R10,437 Lens Implants (per lens, per eye) – R7,964
✅ Joint replacement surgery	The following prostheses limits apply to PMBs: Hip replacement and other major joints – R38,313 Knee replacement – R47,240 Other minor joints – R14,695
📌 Orthopedic and Medical Appliances	Covered up to 100% of the Bestmed tariff.
📍 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	Covered up to 100% of the Bestmed tariff.
📊 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	Covered up to 100% of the Bestmed tariff. There is a limit of R63,420 per beneficiary yearly. Subject to benefit availability, pre-authorization, and treatment plan.
✳️ Day Procedures performed at a day hospital	Funded at 100% of the Network or Scheme Tariffs if DSPs are used. There is a co-payment of R2,500 when voluntarily using a non-DSP specialist or hospital.
🌎 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 R13,732 for the network option.

Bestmed Beat 1 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 for 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 R4,079 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	Covered up to 100% of the Bestmed tariff. Limited to R6,179 per family per year
☑️ Rehabilitation after a traumatic event	Only PMBs are covered. Subject to pre-approval and DSP.

Bestmed Beat 1 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.

1️⃣ CDL and PMB Chronic Conditions	Covered up to 100% of the Bestmed tariff. There is a co-payment of 30% for non-formulary medicine.
2️⃣ Biological medicine	Only PMBs are covered according to funding protocols. Subject to pre-approval.
3️⃣ 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:

✅ 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
✅ Diabetes Insipidus
✅ Diabetes mellitus type 1
✅ Diabetes mellitus type 2
✅ Dysrhythmias
✅ Epilepsy
✅ Glaucoma

and many more.

PMB:

✅ Aplastic anemia
✅ Benign prostatic hypertrophy
✅ Cerebral palsy
✅ Chronic anemia
✅ COVID-19
✅ Cushing’s disease
✅ Cystic fibrosis
✅ Endometriosis
✅ Female menopause
✅ Fibrosing alveolitis

and many more.

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).

🔎 Benefit	📌 Gender and Age Group	📉 Quantity and Frequency	☑️ 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 R2,550 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	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, family physician, 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.
🍼 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

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.

Try our free Ovulation Calculator

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.

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.

✅ 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.

Finally, Unkept appointments by members, and more.

Bestmed Beat 1 Waiting Periods

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

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

	BestMed Beat 1	Medihelp MedVital Elect	Discovery KeyCare
🌎 International Cover	R5 million and 1Milion in USA	n/a	None
👤 Main Member Contribution	R2,082	R2,022	R1,102
👥 Adult Dependent Contribution	R1,616	R1,470	R1,102
🍼 Child Dependent Contribution	R875	R852	R664
🔁 Gap Cover	None	☑️ Yes	☑️ Yes
💶 Prescribed Minimum Benefits (PMB)	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
⚕️ Screening and Prevention	☑️ Yes	☑️ Yes	☑️ Yes
🦷 Dentistry Benefit	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
💙 Mental Healthcare Program	☑️ Yes	☑️ Yes	☑️ Yes
➡️ Diabetes Care Program	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes

Our Verdict on The Bestmed Beat 1 Plan

Bestmed Beat 1 is a comprehensive option that covers in-hospital and day-to-day medical expenses. In addition, it includes chronic medication coverage, preventative care benefits, and a maternity program.

Bestmed offer easy procedures to make fast and efficient claims.

However, there are some drawbacks to Bestmed Beat 1. One of the main ones is that it may be more expensive than other options from Bestmed.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of cover does Bestmed Beat 1 offer?

Bestmed Beat 1 is a comprehensive option that covers in-hospital and day-to-day medical expenses. In addition, it includes chronic medication coverage, preventative care benefits, and a maternity program.

What are the Bestmed Beat 1 dental benefits?

Bestmed Beat 1 covers dental and oral surgery in and out-of-hospital.

How much is Bestmed Beat 1 monthly?

The Bestmed Beat 1 option is an entry-level plan from R2,082 monthly.

Is Bestmed Beat 1 a hospital plan?

No, Bestmed Beat 1 is not a hospital plan. However, on the Beat1 option, in-hospital benefits are covered by Scheme risk.

Does Bestmed Beat 1 have a network of healthcare providers?

Yes, members of Bestmed Beat 1 have access to a network of healthcare providers, including hospitals, doctors, and specialists.

Is Bestmed Beat 1 expensive?

No, Bestmed Beat 1 is an entry-level plan and cheaper than other options available from Bestmed.

What benefits are included in Bestmed Beat 1?

Bestmed Beat 1 includes a range of benefits, including comprehensive coverage, chronic medication cover, preventative care benefits, and a maternity program.

Are there any limits on benefits with Bestmed Beat 1?

Yes, there may be limits on certain benefits with Bestmed Beat 1, which could impact members who require a lot of medical care.

Does Bestmed Beat 1 cover preventative care?

Yes, Bestmed Beat 1 includes preventative care benefits, which can help members to maintain good health and manage chronic conditions effectively.

Does Bestmed Beat 1 cover maternity expenses?

Bestmed Beat 1 includes a maternity program providing comprehensive information and services for expectant parents and their support networks.

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.