Scheme reviews
Bestmed: plans, benefits and who it suits
By Naledi Mokoena · 6 min read · Updated 24 June 2026
- Administrator
- Self-administered (Bestmed Medical Scheme)
- Plan types
- Network, hospital plan, savings, comprehensive
- Known for
- Self-administered open scheme, Beat and Pace plan families
- Day-to-day
- Savings on Pace plans, limited on Beat
- Network option
- Yes - Beat network plans
- How to join
- bestmed.co.za or a registered broker
Bestmed Medical Scheme is a self-administered open scheme, one of the larger schemes in South Africa, with a plan range built around two families: the Beat plans (entry and network) and the Pace plans (savings and comprehensive). It suits members who want a self-administered scheme with a clear plan ladder and competitive entry options.
Beat plans run from Beat 1 up, often as hospital or network options, while Pace plans add medical savings and broader day-to-day cover. Bestmed is known for being self-administered, meaning it runs its own administration rather than outsourcing it.
As always, check the network rules on the Beat range, the savings structure on Pace, and the standard waiting periods before joining.
Plan families and who each suits
- Beat 1 to 4: entry, hospital and network plans with rising levels of cover. Suit younger members and those who mainly want hospital protection.
- Beat network options: trade a defined network for a lower contribution. Suit budget-focused members.
- Pace plans: add a medical savings account and broader day-to-day. Suit families.
- Pace comprehensive options: the top tier for members with higher ongoing needs.
Indicative contribution bands
Contributions below are indicative bands to show where a plan type usually sits. They are not quotes. Always confirm the current year's rates on the scheme's own site before you decide.
| Plan type | Entry contribution (indicative, per adult) | Hospital cover | Day-to-day | Network restriction |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Network (Beat) | from roughly R1,400 to R2,000 | Network hospitals | Limited | Yes |
| Hospital plan (Beat) | from roughly R1,900 to R2,600 | Private hospitals | From own pocket | Sometimes |
| Savings (Pace) | from roughly R3,000 to R4,800 | Private hospitals | Savings account | No |
| Comprehensive (Pace) | from roughly R5,500 upward | Private hospitals | Savings plus extended | No |
Benefits and chronic cover
Bestmed covers the 26 PMB chronic conditions, with extended chronic and richer day-to-day cover on the Pace range. Being self-administered, Bestmed handles its own member services. Check the current benefit schedule for the specific limits, sub-limits and any co-payments on your chosen plan.
Waiting periods and penalties
A 3-month general waiting period and up to a 12-month condition-specific waiting period can apply to new members, and a late-joiner penalty can apply after age 35 without prior cover. These are standard under the Medical Schemes Act.
How to join and claim
Apply through bestmed.co.za, the Bestmed app or a registered broker. Use network providers where required, pre-authorise planned admissions, and submit out-of-pocket claims through the app or member portal.
If a scheme does not resolve a complaint, you can escalate to the Council for Medical Schemes (CMS) at medicalschemes.co.za, the statutory regulator for all registered medical schemes in South Africa.
Frequently asked questions
What does Beat 2 cost on Bestmed?
Bestmed publishes current Beat plan rates each year on bestmed.co.za. Beat plans are the entry and network family, so they sit lower than the Pace savings and comprehensive plans. Always check the official current-year table.
Is Bestmed self-administered?
Yes. Bestmed runs its own administration rather than outsourcing it to a third-party administrator. It is an open scheme, so anyone can apply, subject to the usual waiting periods and rules.
What is the difference between Beat and Pace?
Beat plans are the entry, hospital and network family with limited day-to-day. Pace plans add a medical savings account and broader day-to-day cover, sitting at a higher contribution. Pace suits members with more day-to-day needs.
What is the cheapest Bestmed plan?
The entry Beat plans, especially the network versions, are the lowest-cost options. They restrict you to a network in exchange for a lower contribution. Confirm current rates on bestmed.co.za before deciding.
How do I contact Bestmed?
Use the contact number and member portal on bestmed.co.za, or the Bestmed app. Avoid third-party numbers in search results. Unresolved complaints can go to the Council for Medical Schemes.
Does Bestmed have a hospital plan?
Yes. Several Beat plans are structured as hospital cover, focusing on in-hospital costs with limited day-to-day. They suit members who mainly want protection from large hospital bills.
Are there waiting periods on Bestmed?
Yes. A 3-month general and up to a 12-month condition-specific waiting period can apply to new members, plus a possible late-joiner penalty after age 35. These follow the Medical Schemes Act.
