Bestmed describes itself as the largest self-administered medical scheme in South Africa and the fourth-largest open scheme. It has operated for more than 60 years. At 31 December 2025 it had 126,124 principal members and a solvency ratio of 35.14%, above the 25% minimum the law requires (Bestmed 2025 financial statements). Bestmed members have access to more than 21,500 healthcare providers nationally (Bestmed 2025 financial statements) and can find providers near them using the Bestmed app or website.

Bestmed Medical Scheme Benefits

Bestmed Medical Scheme Benefits

  • Extensive maternity benefits
  • Preventative care: free vaccines, paediatric immunisations, female contraceptives and preventative health screenings
  • Diabetes, maternity care, oncology and HIV/AIDS programmes
  • The Bestmed app for easy online management of your plan
  • An extensive, nationwide service provider network

Bestmed Medial Aid Plans

Pace1

Excellent hospital benefits with extensive day-to-day cover. Pace1 is perfect for those who want quality benefits at affordable prices.

You pay for a maximum of three children. Any additional children can join as beneficiaries of the Scheme at no additional cost.

Beat1

No matter your age, if you are looking to be covered for life’s unexpected tumbles, this hospital plan gives unlimited cover for unplanned hospital stays.

You pay for a maximum of three children. Any additional children can join as beneficiaries of the Scheme at no additional cost.

Beat1 Network

No matter your age, if you are looking to be covered for life’s unexpected tumbles, our hospital plans give unlimited cover at any of our network hospitals for planned and unplanned hospital stays.

You pay for a maximum of three children. Any additional children can join as beneficiaries of the Scheme at no additional cost.

Beat2

Beat2 offers extensive hospital cover (at private hospitals) as well as access to a savings account for general day-to-day expenses.

You pay for a maximum of three children. Any additional children can join as beneficiaries of the Scheme at no additional cost.

Beat2 Network

Beat2 Network offers extensive hospital cover (at private hospitals) as well as access to a savings account for general day-to-day expenses.

You pay for a maximum of three children. Any additional children can join as beneficiaries of the Scheme at no additional cost.

Beat3

Beat3 offers extensive in-hospital cover with savings and additional benefits, including comprehensive maternity benefits.

You pay for a maximum of three children. Any additional children can join as beneficiaries of the Scheme at no additional cost.

Beat3 Network

Beat3 Network offers extensive in-hospital cover with savings and additional benefits, including comprehensive maternity benefits. This plan is associated with network hospitals and providers.

You pay for a maximum of three children. Any additional children can join as beneficiaries of the Scheme at no additional cost.

Beat3 Plus

Beat3 Plus offers extensive in-hospital cover with substantial savings and additional out-of-hospital benefits, including supplementary services and optometry benefits.

You pay for a maximum of three children. Any additional children can join as beneficiaries of the Scheme at no additional cost.

Beat4

A comprehensive plan for those with specific healthcare needs, including chronic benefits and savings.

You pay for a maximum of three children. Any additional children can join as beneficiaries of the Scheme at no additional cost.

Pace2

Comprehensive cover with in- and out-of-hospital benefits.

You pay for a maximum of three children. Any additional children can join as beneficiaries of the Scheme at no additional cost.

Pace3

Pace3 offers comprehensive cover for members that have diverse medical needs. It includes comprehensive chronic benefits and excellent hospital cover.

You pay for a maximum of three children. Any additional children can join as beneficiaries of the Scheme at no additional cost.

Pace4

You may have above-average medical costs, or would like the maximum cover available. You need the comfort of extensive benefits and cover for hospital expenses.

In addition, there is an individual medical savings account which offer further payment flexibility.

You pay for a maximum of three children. Any additional children can join as beneficiaries of the Scheme at no additional cost.

Rhythm1

*Your monthly contribution will be determined by the higher of the gross monthly income of the Main Member and Spouse/Partner on the membership upon submitting your application. Three months’ payslips will be required upon applying with Bestmed and proof of income will be requested annually to determine the correct income category for the membership. If your are unable to provide the requested, the highest income bracket being used.

Our network options offer you unlimited in-hospital cover with either limited essential day-to-today benefits, or comprehensive savings for your consultations with designated healthcare providers. 

Rhythm2

Our network options offer you unlimited in-hospital cover with either limited essential day-to-today benefits, or comprehensive savings for your consultations with designated healthcare providers. This option is income level dependant.

You pay for a maximum of three children. Any additional children can join as beneficiaries of the Scheme at no additional cost.

Click here to speak with one of our Advisors to explore whether Bestmed is the correct option for your unique medical aid needs

Compare Bestmed side by side with Medihelp

See plan ranges, networks, chronic cover and member tools compared head-to-head.

Read the Bestmed vs Medihelp comparison

Medical aid for your family?

See our independent broker guide on what to compare when choosing family cover.

Read the family guide
Curemed Health and Wealth Consultants is an authorised financial services provider (FSCA FSP 44098) and is accredited with the Council for Medical Schemes (ORG 163). Information on this website is general in nature and does not constitute financial, tax or medical advice. Speak to a Curemed Advisor for advice suited to your circumstances. We process personal information in line with POPIA. Read our privacy policy and policies.