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Bestmed vs Discovery
A self-administered open scheme compared with Discovery Health Medical 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 and 2027)
Bestmed and Discovery Health are two of the open medical schemes in South Africa, 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 list every premium. The 2027 contribution increases are summarised below; for your own option, check the 2027 contribution tables published by each scheme 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 Saver, Smart, Core and KeyCare (8 series and 26 plans for 2027) |
| 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 defined hospital networks on Delta, Smart, Active and KeyCare plans |
| Wellness and rewards | The Tempo wellness programme (free to all beneficiaries, with the Tempo Lifestyle Screening for those aged 16 and over) | Vitality rewards and wellness programme (a separate, linked product) |
How much are Bestmed and Discovery contributions rising for 2027?
Discovery Health Medical Scheme contributions rise by a weighted average of 8.2% from 1 January 2027, within a range of 7.4% to 8.9%, according to the Discovery 2027 member FAQ. By plan series, total contributions rise by 7.4% on Active Smart, 7.9% on the Saver, Core, Smart Saver and Smart plans, 8.4% on Coastal Saver, and 8.9% on Executive, Comprehensive, Priority, Coastal Core and KeyCare. Discovery states that its 2027 contributions and the new Active Core plan are subject to approval by the Council for Medical Schemes.
Bestmed has announced an average weighted increase of 7.35% for 2027, as reported by Moonstone on 1 October 2026. Comparing the official Bestmed 2026 and 2027 Comparative Guides, Curemed calculates that principal member contributions rise by about 7.5% on Beat1 to Beat3, their Network versions and Rhythm1, by 6.5% on Beat3 Plus, 7.0% on Pace1 and 8.5% on Beat4 and Pace2 to Pace4. Rhythm2 moves from three income bands to two, and the principal member rate in its bottom band rises by 17.0%. Bestmed is also adding Best Bucks, R1,000 per family for out-of-hospital claims on qualifying options once every adult beneficiary completes the Tempo Lifestyle Screening.
For 2027 prices side by side, see our Discovery vs Bestmed plan-by-plan comparison. Every option is set out in the Discovery 2027 increase analysis and the Bestmed 2027 increase analysis.
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 Medical Scheme offers 26 plans across 8 series for 2027. On structure, it may suit people who want a wide choice of plans and the separate 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 has the larger membership of the two. Both are open schemes, so any member of the public may apply, subject to the Scheme Rules.
What plan ranges does Bestmed offer?
Bestmed offers the Beat, Pace and Rhythm ranges.
What are the main Discovery plan series?
Executive, Comprehensive, Priority, Saver, Smart Saver, Smart, Core and KeyCare. For 2027 Discovery lists 26 plans across these 8 series, including the new Active Core plan, subject to approval by the Council for Medical Schemes.
Do both have wellness programmes?
Yes. Discovery offers Vitality, a separate product, and Bestmed offers Tempo, which is free to all beneficiaries, with the Tempo Lifestyle Screening for those 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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