Medihelp vs Bestmed: Compare Plans, Benefits and Networks (2026)
Medihelp is an open medical scheme regulated by the Council for Medical Schemes (CMS), with a plan ladder that includes MedAdd, MedSaver, MedPlus, MedElite, MedPrime, MedVital and MedAccess, and uses designated provider networks on some plans for efficiency pricing. Bestmed is also an open scheme regulated by CMS and is self-administered, meaning it processes claims and manages members in-house rather than through a third-party administrator. Bestmed's plan ladder includes the Beat, Pace and Pulse ranges. Both schemes cover the 26 Chronic Disease List (CDL) conditions in full on every plan, as required by the Medical Schemes Act. The right scheme depends on your specific needs. There is no single best answer.
Medihelp vs Bestmed at a glance (2026)
| Attribute | Medihelp | Bestmed |
|---|---|---|
| Regulator | CMS | CMS |
| Scheme type | Open scheme | Open scheme |
| Administration model | Administered scheme | Self-administered (claims and member services in-house) |
| Plan ranges | MedAdd, MedSaver, MedPlus, MedElite, MedPrime, MedVital, MedAccess | Beat 1-4, Pace 1-4, Pulse 1-2 |
| Efficiency / network plan | MedVital uses designated provider networks for lower contributions | Network options available within the Beat range |
| Hospital network | Designated hospital network on some plans; broader choice on higher tiers | Designated hospital network on network plans; broader choice on higher tiers |
| Chronic Disease List (CDL) cover | All 26 CDL conditions covered in full on every plan | All 26 CDL conditions covered in full on every plan |
| Extended chronic cover | Available on higher tiers (specific list per plan) | Available on higher tiers (specific list per plan) |
| Day-to-day cover style | Combination of savings, threshold and network benefits, varies by plan | Combination of savings, threshold and network benefits, varies by plan |
| Member services | Member app and member portal | In-house member services; member app and member portal |
| Maternity benefit | Dedicated maternity programme; specifics vary by plan | Dedicated maternity programme; specifics vary by plan |
| Prescribed Minimum Benefits (PMBs) | Covered in full on all plans (legal minimum) | Covered in full on all plans (legal minimum) |
| Waiting periods | Standard CMS-permitted general and condition-specific waiting periods may apply | Standard CMS-permitted general and condition-specific waiting periods may apply |
| Late-joiner penalties | Applied per the Medical Schemes Act where applicable | Applied per the Medical Schemes Act where applicable |
Who Medihelp suits best
Members who want a long-established open scheme with a broad plan ladder, value efficiency-discounted network plans (such as MedVital), and want access to Medihelp's service footprint in South Africa.
Who Bestmed suits best
Members who prefer a self-administered scheme that manages claims and member services in-house, want a structured Beat and Pace plan ladder that progresses by life stage and budget, and want direct contact with the scheme's own service team.
How a broker helps you decide
A registered broker conducts a needs analysis (required under the FAIS Act) covering your health needs, chronic conditions, family composition and hospital preferences, then maps those needs to the specific Medihelp or Bestmed plan that fits best. The broker handles application paperwork, plan changes and claims support throughout the year. Curemed is FSP 44098 and accredited by CMS as ORG 163. See our credentials.
Frequently asked questions about Medihelp vs Bestmed
Are Medihelp and Bestmed both open schemes?
Yes. Both are open medical schemes regulated by the Council for Medical Schemes, meaning any South African can apply to join (subject to scheme rules, waiting periods and late-joiner penalties where applicable).
What does 'self-administered' mean for Bestmed?
Self-administered means the scheme processes claims, manages member data and runs member services in-house, rather than outsourcing these functions to a third-party administrator. It is not inherently better or worse than the administered model. Administered schemes use specialist administrators that bring scale and technology. The right fit depends on member preference and the scheme's actual service performance.
Do both schemes cover the same chronic conditions?
Both cover the 26 Chronic Disease List conditions in full on every plan, as required by the Medical Schemes Act. Higher-tier plans on both schemes extend chronic cover beyond the 26 CDL conditions, but the specific extended lists differ. Members with chronic conditions should check both lists directly with the scheme before deciding.
What is the MedVital plan?
MedVital is Medihelp's efficiency-discounted network plan. It uses designated GP and hospital networks in exchange for lower contributions than the open-choice plans.
What is the Beat plan range at Bestmed?
The Beat range is structured by tier (Beat 1 through Beat 4), with progressively higher hospital and day-to-day cover at higher contribution levels.
Can I move chronic cover when switching between Medihelp and Bestmed?
PMB-listed chronic conditions move with you between open schemes without a new condition-specific waiting period if you have been continuously covered. Other waiting periods may apply depending on your circumstances. A broker can confirm what will and will not apply.
Do both schemes apply late-joiner penalties?
Both schemes apply late-joiner penalties as allowed under the Medical Schemes Act when an adult joins a medical scheme later in life without evidence of prior continuous cover.
How do I choose between Medihelp and Bestmed?
Start with your health needs, your family situation, your preferred hospitals and any chronic conditions. Then compare the specific plans from each scheme that match those needs. A registered broker can do this comparison with you under the FAIS Act needs-analysis requirement.
Get an independent recommendation between Medihelp and Bestmed
Speak to a Curemed broker for a no-obligation needs analysis and a personalised plan recommendation.
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