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Bestmed vs Discovery
A self-administered scheme compared with the largest open scheme.
By Martin Janse van Rensburg, Sales Manager and Financial Advisor · Reviewed by Roxanne Hurter-Ehlers
Bestmed vs Discovery Health: Compare Plans, Benefits and Networks (2026)
Bestmed and Discovery Health are two of South Africa's open medical schemes, both regulated by the Council for Medical Schemes. This guide compares their structure, plan ranges, hospital networks and wellness programmes so you can see how they differ. It does not quote premiums, which change every year: for current contributions, check each scheme's own website or ask a broker for a personalised quote.
| At a glance | Bestmed | Discovery Health |
|---|---|---|
| Scheme type | Open scheme, CMS-regulated | Open scheme, CMS-regulated |
| Administration | Self-administered | Administered by Discovery Health (Pty) Ltd |
| Plan ranges | the Beat, Pace and Rhythm ranges | Executive, Comprehensive, Priority, Saver, Smart, Core and KeyCare |
| Plan types | Hospital, savings, comprehensive and income-based network plans | Comprehensive, savings, hospital and income-based network plans |
| Hospital network | Network options on lower Beat plans and the Rhythm range, with broader choice on higher options | Unlimited private hospital cover, with a defined hospital network on Delta, Smart and KeyCare plans |
| Wellness and rewards | The Tempo wellness programme (free to members aged 16 and over) | Vitality rewards and wellness programme (a separate, linked product) |
Who each scheme may suit
Bestmed
Bestmed is a self-administered open scheme. On structure, it may suit people who value a self-administered scheme with a preventative-care focus.
Discovery Health
Discovery Health is the largest open medical scheme in South Africa. On structure, it may suit people who want the widest plan range and the Vitality rewards programme.
The right choice depends on your specific needs, your preferred hospitals and which plan tier fits your situation, not on the scheme name alone.
How a broker helps you compare
A registered broker compares the schemes side by side against your needs through a needs analysis (required under the FAIS Act), covering your health needs, chronic conditions, family composition, hospital preferences and budget. Curemed is FSP 44098 and accredited by the Council for Medical Schemes as ORG 163, and advises on all the main open schemes. See our credentials.
Related comparisons and guides
Frequently asked questions
Which scheme is self-administered?
Bestmed is self-administered, while Discovery is administered by Discovery Health (Pty) Ltd.
Which is larger?
Discovery is the largest open scheme in South Africa. Bestmed is a smaller open scheme.
What are Bestmed's plan ranges?
Bestmed offers the Beat, Pace and Rhythm ranges.
What are Discovery's main plan series?
Executive, Comprehensive, Priority, Saver, Smart, Core and KeyCare.
Do both have wellness programmes?
Yes. Discovery offers Vitality, and Bestmed offers Tempo, which is free to members aged 16 and over.
Do both offer income-based or network plans?
Yes. Discovery offers KeyCare, and Bestmed offers the Rhythm range and network options on lower Beat plans.
Are both open and CMS-regulated?
Yes. Both are open schemes regulated by the Council for Medical Schemes.
Compare these schemes against your needs
Speak to an independent Curemed broker for a no-obligation needs analysis and a side-by-side comparison matched to your situation.
Speak to a broker
Martin Janse van Rensburg
Sales Manager and Financial Advisor | Financial advisor specialising in medical aid
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