Bestmed Medical Scheme 2026 Review
One of SA's oldest medical schemes (founded 1963) and still self-administered. Beat 1 Network from R2,269/month is the cheapest plan; the Beat range covers hospital and entry savings options, the Pace range covers traditional comprehensive plans. 2026 increase: 6.8% — the lowest of any major open scheme.
Cheapest plan
Beat 1 Network
From (main member)
R2,269
2026 increase
6.8% (lowest of major schemes)
Beneficiaries
~217k
Type
Self-administered open scheme
Established
1963
2026 Bestmed plan range
| Plan | Main member 2026 | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Beat 1 Network | R2,269 | Cheapest plan — pure hospital, Bestmed network |
| Beat 1 | R2,523 | Pure hospital, any private hospital |
| Beat 2 Network | Quote-based | Hospital + limited day-to-day savings, Bestmed network |
| Beat 2 | Quote-based | Hospital + limited day-to-day savings, any hospital |
| Beat 3 Network | Quote-based | Mid-tier savings, Bestmed network |
| Beat 3 | Quote-based | Mid-tier savings, any hospital |
| Beat 4 | Quote-based | Comprehensive savings + above-threshold benefit |
| Pace 1 / Pace 2 / Pace 3 / Pace 4 | Quote-based | Traditional plan range, escalating benefits |
Verified 2026 contributions shown where published; higher Beat and Pace tiers vary by family composition — get a quote from Bestmed direct or a registered broker. Source: Bestmed 2026 product brochures.
The two Bestmed ranges, explained
Beat range
Hospital and entry savings plans. Beat 1 is a pure hospital plan; Beat 2–4 add progressively more day-to-day savings and above-threshold benefit. "Network" versions are restricted to Bestmed's designated hospital list; non-Network versions allow any private hospital at a higher premium.
Pace range
Traditional comprehensive plans — no medical savings account, day-to-day claims paid against scheme benefits up to per-discipline limits. Pace 1 to Pace 4 escalate the breadth of cover. Best fit for high-utilisation households who prefer predictable scheme-paid benefits over MSA budgeting.
Key features
- • Lowest 2026 increase of any major open scheme — 6.8% vs the industry weighted average of ~8.6%
- • Self-administered — does not outsource administration to a separate company, which structurally keeps costs lower than the industry average
- • Tempo wellness benefit bundled on most plans — preventive screenings, dental check-ups, optometry, selected vaccines at no extra premium
- • Beat 1 Network at R2,269 is competitive for a pure hospital plan with PMB cover
- • ~217k beneficiaries — smaller than Discovery, Bonitas or Momentum but financially sound with long history (founded 1963)
- • 27 CDL conditions covered on all plans (chronic medication via DSP pharmacy network)
Things to weigh
- • Beat 1 Network and Beat 2 Network use a restricted hospital list — fine in metros, less practical in some rural areas. Check the hospital list before contracting.
- • Smaller scheme size (~217k beneficiaries) means slightly fewer DSP partnerships than the giants; chronic-disease and oncology DSP arrangements are narrower.
- • No equivalent of Discovery Vitality or Momentum Multiply rewards programme — Tempo is preventive wellness only, not a points/incentive ecosystem.
Frequently asked questions
How much does Bestmed cost in 2026?+
Is Bestmed a good medical aid?+
What is the difference between Beat 1 Network and Beat 1?+
Does Bestmed cover chronic medication?+
What is the Tempo wellness programme?+
Important
This article is for general information only and is not financial advice. Figures and rules change frequently — always verify with the official source before acting.