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Bestmed Beat 3 Medical Aid Plan

Overall, the Bestmed Beat 3 Medical Aid Plan is a trustworthy and comprehensive medical aid plan that offers international cover up to R3 million to up to 3 Family Members. The Bestmed Beat 3 Medical Aid Plan starts from R3,724 ZAR.

🔎 International Cover	R5 million limited 1 million in USA
👤 Main Member Contribution	R3,724
👥 Adult Dependent Contribution	R2,656
💙 Child Dependent Contribution	R1,314
📊 Annual Limit	Several limits and sub-limits
⚕️ Hospital Cover	Subject to scheme rules
💶 Prescribed Minimum Benefits (PMB)	☑️ Yes
📉 Screening and Prevention	☑️ Yes
💳 Medical Savings Account	☑️ Yes
🍼 Maternity Benefits	☑️ Yes

Bestmed Beat 3 Plan Review – 7 Key Point Quick Overview

☑️ Bestmed Beat 3 Plan Overview
☑️ Bestmed Beat 3 Plan Contributions and PMSA
☑️ Bestmed Beat 3 Plan Benefits and Cover Comprehensive Breakdown
☑️ Bestmed Beat 3 Plan Exclusions and Waiting Periods
☑️ Bestmed Beat 3 Plan vs. Similar Plans from Other Medical Schemes
☑️ Our Verdict on The Bestmed Beat 3 Plan
☑️ Bestmed Beat 3 Plan Frequently Asked Questions

Bestmed Beat 3 Plan Overview

The Bestmed Beat 3 medical aid plan is one of 10, starting from R3,724 and includes an international cover of up to R5 million and R1 million for Family cover in USA, out-of-hospital benefits, and more.

Gap Cover is not available on the Bestmed Beat 3 Plan. Bestmed offers 24/7 medical emergency assistance. Additionally, a Beat 3 Network Option is available.

According to the Trust Index, Bestmed has a trust rating of 3.5.

📌 Download the latest Beat 3 Product Brochure in PDF format.

Bestmed Beat 3 Plan Contributions and PMSA

Bestmed Beat 3 Monthly Contributions

🔎 Member	👤 Main Member	👥 +1 Adult Dependent	💙 +1 Child Dependent
📌 Network	R3,352	R2,391	R1,183
📍 Non-Network	R3,724	R2,656	R1,314

Bestmed Beat 3 Medical Savings Account Available at the start of the year

🔎 Member	👤 Main Member	👥 +1 Adult Dependent	💙 +1 Child Dependent
📌 Network	R503 x 12 Months	R359 x 12 Months	R177 x 12 Months
📍 Non-Network	R559 x 12 Months	R398 x 12 Months	R197 x 12 Months

You might consider: 5 Best Medical Aids under R3000

Bestmed Beat 3 Plan Benefits and Cover Comprehensive Breakdown

Beat 3 Hospital Plan (With Savings and Limited Benefits)

🅰️ Savings Account / Day-to-day Benefits	There is a savings account available. There are limited day-to-day benefits offered.
🅱️ Over-the-counter Medication	Covered from the available funds in the savings account.

Bestmed Beat 3 In-Hospital Benefits

Method of Payment on Beat 3 Plan

✅ On the Beat 3 option, hospitalization benefits are covered by Scheme risk.
✅ Certain day-to-day benefits are funded by the Scheme risk, while the savings account funds other services.
✅ 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. However, this will have no impact on your medical savings account.

Bestmed Beat 3 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 R22,197 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. Subject to the medical savings account.
❤️ 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)	Covered up to 100% of the Bestmed tariff. There is a limit of up to R14,969 per family.
➡️ In- and Out-of-Hospital Dental and oral surgery	Covered up to 100% of the Bestmed tariff. The scheme risk funds the procedure if beneficiaries are 7 years and younger. There is a limit of R9,338 per family.
🦵 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 R92,145 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 – R33,600 Pacemakers (dual chamber) – R49,711 Vascular – R63,000 Spinal, including artificial discs – R36,528 Drug-eluting stents – only PMBs using DSP products Mesh – R12,838 Gynecology/Urology – R10,603 Lens Implants (per lens, per eye) – R7,964
☑️ External prostheses	Only PMBs are covered.
✅ Joint replacement surgery	The following prostheses limits apply to PMBs: Hip replacement and other major joints – R38,589 Knee replacement – R47,748 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)	Covered up to 100% of the Bestmed tariff. Subject to pre-approval and other protocols. Covered up to a limit of R9,155 per eye.
👶 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 R1milion. All other nations are insured for up to 60 days, and a family (member and dependents) is protected for R5million.
📌 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 3 Out-of-Hospital Benefits

The following benefits may be governed by pre-authorization, clinical procedures, preferred providers (PPs), designated service providers (DSPs), formularies, funding standards, and the Mediscor Reference Pricing (MRP).

✅ All planned treatments or procedures must be pre-authorized for members.
✅ Most non-hospital expenses, such as visits to a primary care physician (PCP) or specialist, are paid from an individual’s savings account.
✅ Certain non-hospital benefits are paid up to 100% scheme tariff.
✅ Any remaining funds in your savings account will be transferred to your vested savings account at the beginning of the following fiscal year if you do not utilize them all.
✅ Members who select the network option must utilize contracted service providers, such as network hospitals, that the Scheme engages.
✅ Compare medical aid plans with other medical aid plans.

Non-network pharmacies and DSP specialists will be reimbursed at the Scheme’s standard rate, including for the treatment of PMBs.

1️⃣ FP and Specialist Consultations	These consultations are covered using available funds from the medical savings account.
2️⃣ 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.
3️⃣ Basic and Specialized Dentistry	Basic Covered from the Preventative Benefit or the medical savings account. Specialized Covered from the savings account. Orthodontic treatment Subject to pre-approval.
4️⃣ Medical devices/aids, apparatus, appliances (including wheelchairs, crutches, etc.)	Covered from funds in the savings account.
5️⃣ Hearing Aids	Subject to pre-approval. Covered from available savings account funds.
6️⃣ Supplementary Services	Covered from available funds in the savings account.
7️⃣ 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.
8️⃣ Optometry	Covered from available funds in the savings account.
9️⃣ Basic Radiology and Pathology	Covered from available funds in the savings account.
🔟 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 R12,979 per family per year
➡️ Rehabilitation after a traumatic event	Only PMBs are covered. Subject to pre-approval and DSP.

Bestmed Beat 3 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.
➡️ Non-CDL Chronic medicine (First paid from the non-CDL limit. After that, approved CDL and PMB medicine is paid from the Scheme Risk) The following medicine is not subject to any chronic limits and is paid from scheme risk: Organ Transplants Chronic Renal Failure Multiple Sclerosis Hemophilia	Five conditions are covered. Covered up to 80% of the Bestmed tariff. There is a co-payment of 30% for non-formulary medicine. The following limits will apply: Main Member – R3,793 Main Member + Dependents – R7,716
💊 Biological medicine	Only PMBs are covered according to funding protocols. Subject to pre-approval.
💶 Other high-cost medication	Only PMBs are covered according to funding protocols. Subject to pre-approval.
🩺 Acute Medicine	Covered from the available funds in the medical savings account
🧪 OTC Medication	Covered from the available funds in the medical savings account

Bestmed Beat 3 Chronic Condition List

The Bestmed Beat 3 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

and many more.

NON-CDL

✅ Severe Acne
✅ Allergic Rhinitis
✅ Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) or /attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (/ADHD)
✅ Severe Eczema
✅ Migraine Prophylaxis

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 3 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.
📍 Travel Vaccines	All	Amount and frequency vary by product up to the maximum quantity authorized.	Program risk benefits for mandatory typhoid, yellow fever, tetanus, meningitis, hepatitis, and cholera travel vaccinations.
✔️ Pediatric Immunizations	Babies and Children	Funding for all pediatric immunizations per the state-recommended vaccine schedule.	Funding for all pediatric immunizations per the state-recommended vaccine schedule.
👶 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 R2,678 per beneficiary. Covers all items categorized under the female contraception category.
☑️ HPV Vaccinations	Female Beneficiaries 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
⚕️ PSA Screening	Male Beneficiaries	Once every 2 years	It may be performed at a urologist, family practitioner, or network pharmacy clinic. The available savings account covers the consultation fee.
🚩 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 Beat 3 Preventative Dentistry

The following services may be subject to pre-approval, clinical protocols, and financial guidelines.

🔎 Service	➡️ Age	📉 Frequency
📌 General full-mouth examination by a general dentist (including the use of gloves and sterile equipment)	12 years>	Once yearly
📍 General full-mouth examination by a general dentist (including the use of gloves and sterile equipment)	<12 years	Twice yearly
✔️ Full-mouth Intra-Oral Photos	All	Once every 3 years
☑️ Intra-Oral Radiograph	All	2 photos yearly
✅ Scaling or polishing	All	Twice yearly
⚕️ Fluoride treatment	All	Twice yearly
🅰️ Fissure Sealing	Up to and including beneficiaries 21 years old	According to the applicable and accepted protocol
🅱️ Space Maintainers	During the primary and mixed denture stage	Once per space

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 Nine prenatal consultations with a general practitioner, gynecologist, or midwife. One postnatal consultation 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. Supplements Any item classified as a pregnancy supplement may be claimed up to a monthly limit of R127 for a maximum of nine months.

Bestmed Beat 3 Maternity Care Program

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

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

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.

Try our free Ovulation Calculator

Bestmed Beat 3 Plan Exclusions and Waiting Periods

Bestmed Beat 3 Exclusions

Some of the following are excluded from Beat 3. 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.

Unkept appointments by members, and more.

Bestmed Beat 3 Waiting Periods

Depending on pre-existing or existing conditions, the following might apply when you register for medical cover with the Bestmed Beat 3 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 3 Plan vs. Similar Plans from Other Medical Schemes

🔎 Medical Aid Plan	🥇 Bestmed Beat 3	🥈 Medihelp MedPrime Elect	🥉 GEMS Ruby
🌎 International Cover	R500,000 – R3 million	Scheme Tariff	Scheme Rate
👤 Main Member Contribution	R3,724	R3,918	3,180 – 3,920 ZAR
👥 Adult Dependent Contribution	R2,656	R3,306	2,385 – 2,955 ZAR
🍼 Child Dependent Contribution	R1,314	R1,140	1,230 – 1,520 ZAR
📉 Annual Limit	Several limits and sub-limits	Unlimited	Unlimited
💶 Oncology Cover (Maximum ZAR)	100% of the scheme tariff	R299,000	R381,899
💳 Prescribed Minimum Benefits (PMB)	☑️ Yes	☑️ Yes	☑️ Yes
💻 Screening and Prevention	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
💙 Medical Savings Account	☑️ Yes	☑️ Yes	☑️ Yes

Our Verdict on The Bestmed Beat 3 Plan

The Bestmed Beat 3 plan is an excellent value-for-money healthcare option well-suited for young individuals and new families.

It offers comprehensive maternity benefits, extensive in-hospital cover at private hospitals, and chronic benefits, particularly for families with growing children.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some of the Bestmed Beat 3 maternity benefits?

Bestmed Beat 3 offers cover for consultations, including 9 antenatal and 1 postnatal consultation, ultrasounds, and supplements.

How can I join the Bestmed maternity program?

To join, you can email Bestmed at [email protected] if you are an existing member of Bestmed. Alternatively, you can contact Bestmed telephonically at 012 472 6797 to find out more or to apply.

What is the Beat 3 Option from Bestmed?

Bestmed Beat 3 provides extensive in-hospital cover at private hospitals, including substantial maternity benefits and chronic benefits for growing families. The plan also includes preventative care benefits to encourage healthy living and ensure members receive optimal care.

What is the best between medical aid and medical insurance?

Medical aid ensures that you are covered if you are hospitalized, have a chronic ailment covered by minimum benefits, or require benefits for day-to-day living. However, medical insurance guarantees payment if you are hospitalized and unable to work or earn a livelihood.

What is the waiting period for Bestmed?

Bestmed Medical Scheme will occasionally pay a claim in the form of a PMB. This occurs when you are in a waiting period or if you are receiving treatment for a condition that is excluded from your plan. Therefore, there could be a three-month general waiting time or a 12-month condition-specific waiting period.

How old is Bestmed Medical Aid?

Bestmed was founded in 1964 and will be 60 years old in 2024.

Who is Bestmed Beat 3 best suited for?

Bestmed Beat 3 is best suited for young individuals and new families looking for a value-for-money healthcare option with comprehensive coverage, including in-hospital, maternity, chronic, and preventative care benefits.

Are there any drawbacks to Bestmed Beat 3?

Higher premiums may be associated with Bestmed Beat 3 compared to more basic options. In addition, there could be waiting periods before members can access certain benefits, such as maternity benefits.

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.