Photo: A3alb, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0Bestmed medical aid 2026
Bestmed medical aid in 2026: Beat, Pace and Rhythm — the options and what each costs a month
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Bestmed: an open, self-administered scheme
The CMS register at 31 March 2026 lists Bestmed Medical Scheme as open (CMS Annual Report 2025/26). Bestmed describes itself as "South Africa's largest self-administered medical scheme", with a track record of over 60 years (company profile), and its 2026 guide counts over 121,000 principal members and over 250,000 beneficiaries (Your Guide to Bestmed 2026).
Bestmed contributions 2026: Beat and Pace
Monthly contributions from p. 2 of each 2026 benefit summary; the totals include any savings account. Richest option first:
| Option | Main member | Adult dependant | Child dependant | Savings account |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pace4 | R12,572 | R12,572 | R2,945 | Yes |
| Pace3 | R10,064 | R8,101 | R1,731 | Yes |
| Pace2 | R8,766 | R8,596 | R1,933 | Yes |
| Pace1 | R5,934 | R4,289 | R1,541 | Yes |
| Beat4 | R7,365 | R6,082 | R1,821 | Yes |
| Beat3 Plus | R5,042 | R3,746 | R1,902 | Yes |
| Beat3 | R4,514 | R3,220 | R1,593 | Yes |
| Beat3 Network (N) | R4,062 | R2,898 | R1,434 | Yes |
| Beat2 | R3,084 | R2,395 | R1,299 | Yes |
| Beat2 Network (N) | R2,775 | R2,156 | R1,167 | Yes |
| Beat1 | R2,523 | R1,959 | R1,061 | No |
| Beat1 Network (N) | R2,269 | R1,764 | R956 | No |
The Network (N) versions of Beat1, Beat2 and Beat3 cost less because you must use specific network hospitals; the standard versions let you choose any hospital (Beat1 summary). Beat1 is a hospital plan.
Rhythm1 and Rhythm2: priced by income
The Rhythm options use designated service provider networks (Rhythm network hospitals and GPs) and have no savings account. Contributions by monthly income (Rhythm1, Rhythm2):
| Option | Monthly income | Main member | Adult dependant | Child dependant |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rhythm2 | R0– R5,500 | R2,747 | R2,610 | R1,653 |
| R5,501– R8,500 | R3,300 | R3,000 | R1,759 | |
| Above R8,501 | R3,516 | R3,165 | R1,759 | |
| Rhythm1 | R0– R9,000 | R1,736 | R1,736 | R715 |
| R9,001– R14,000 | R2,024 | R2,024 | R860 | |
| Above R14,001 | R3,615 | R3,615 | R1,873 |
Every option still pays PMBs in full at the designated providers: Prescribed Minimum Benefits.
Joining and claiming
Get a quote on bestmed.co.za or through an adviser, or use the 2026 individual application form (new business: [email protected]); employer groups have their own forms. Bestmed counts dependants under 24 as children and charges at most three. Waiting periods follow section 29A: see medical aid in South Africa.
Claims: e-mail [email protected], post to PO Box 2297, Pretoria 0001, or use the Bestmed app, within four months of treatment; the guide says claims are processed within 48 hours (Your Guide to Bestmed 2026). Client service 086 000 2378.
Complaints
- Complain to Bestmed first, in writing, and keep the reference number: call client service on 086 000 2378, then e-mail [email protected] (subject "Manager, escalated query"); a formal complaint follows rule 28 of the registered rules (Your Guide to Bestmed 2026).
- If the answer does not settle it, use the scheme's internal dispute process (the scheme's rules require one, s 29(1)(j) of the Medical Schemes Act).
- Then complain to the Council for Medical Schemes: e-mail [email protected] with the CMS complaint form, the scheme's reply and your accounts (CMS complaints procedure). Under section 47 the scheme has 30 days to answer the CMS; a ruling can be appealed within 3 months (s 48). How it works: Council for Medical Schemes.
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Frequently asked questions
How much is Bestmed per month in 2026?
From R1,736 per main member on Rhythm1 (income up to R9,000) to R12,572 on Pace4, according to the scheme's 2026 benefit summaries.
What is the cheapest Bestmed option?
Rhythm1 in the lowest income band (R1,736). Among the Beat options, Beat1 Network costs R2,269 per main member.
What does the N mean on Bestmed Beat options?
Network: Beat1, Beat2 and Beat3 Network require specific network hospitals in exchange for a lower contribution.
Is Bestmed an open medical scheme?
Yes. The CMS register at 31 March 2026 lists it as open, and it describes itself as self-administered.
How long do I have to submit a Bestmed claim?
Four months from the date of treatment (Your Guide to Bestmed 2026).
Sources
- Bestmed — 2026 Beat1 benefit summary, contributions on p. 2 (Web Archive copy, April–May 2026)
- Bestmed — 2026 Beat2 benefit summary, contributions on p. 2 (Web Archive copy, April–May 2026)
- Bestmed — 2026 Beat3 benefit summary, contributions on p. 2 (Web Archive copy, April–May 2026)
- Bestmed — 2026 Beat3 Plus benefit summary, contributions on p. 2 (Web Archive copy, April–May 2026)
- Bestmed — 2026 Beat4 benefit summary, contributions on p. 2 (Web Archive copy, April–May 2026)
- Bestmed — 2026 Pace1 benefit summary, contributions on p. 2 (Web Archive copy, April–May 2026)
- Bestmed — 2026 Pace2 benefit summary, contributions on p. 2 (Web Archive copy, April–May 2026)
- Bestmed — 2026 Pace3 benefit summary, contributions on p. 2 (Web Archive copy, April–May 2026)
- Bestmed — 2026 Pace4 benefit summary, contributions on p. 2 (Web Archive copy, April–May 2026)
- Bestmed — 2026 Rhythm1 benefit summary, contributions on p. 2 (Web Archive copy, April–May 2026)
- Bestmed — 2026 Rhythm2 benefit summary, contributions on p. 2 (Web Archive copy, April–May 2026)
- Bestmed — Your Guide to Bestmed 2026: self-administered, members, claims, complaints, contacts (Web Archive copy of 19 May 2026; the scheme's site refuses automated access)
- Bestmed — Company profile: 'South Africa's largest self-administered medical scheme' (Web Archive copy of 10 June 2026)
- Council for Medical Schemes — Annual Report 2025/26 (copy tabled in Parliament, hosted by PMG): register of medical schemes at 31 March 2026, solvency, complaints
- Council for Medical Schemes — Medical Schemes Act 131 of 1998 and Regulations (consolidated copy, Web Archive)
- Council for Medical Schemes — The Complaints Procedure (Web Archive)