At a glance
- Plan type
- Hospital plan with a savings account
- Hospitals
- Network hospitals
- Hospital and specialists
- 100% of Scheme tariff
- Savings account
- R609 a month for the main member (15%)
- Chronic conditions
- 32
- Cancer
- PMB level of care
- Overall annual limit
- None
- Children you pay for
- Up to 3
- Children on the plan to age
- 24
- Plan type
- Hospital plan with a savings account
- Hospitals
- Network hospitals
- Hospital and specialists
- 100% of Scheme tariff
- Savings account
- R655 a month for the main member (15%)
- Chronic conditions
- 32
- Cancer
- PMB level of care
- Children you pay for
- Up to 3
- Children on the plan to age
- 23
Monthly contributions
2027 rates take effect on 1 January 2027. You pay for up to 3 children.
| Member | 2026 | 2027 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main member | R4 062 | R4 367 | +7.5% |
| Adult dependant | R2 898 | R3 115 | +7.5% |
| Child | R1 434 | R1 542 | +7.5% |
Benefits
Bestmed has published its full 2027 rules, but we hold only the main rows so far. A row without a 2027 entry shows the 2026 rule, marked.
Benefits in force for 2026.
In hospital
Hospitals
Network hospitals only (Beat3 Network)
Bestmed Annexure C - General Exclusions 2026, p6
Hospitals
Network hospitals only (Beat3 Network)
Bestmed Comparative Guide 2027, p9
Specialists in hospital
100% of Scheme tariff. A specialist who charges more leaves a shortfall.
Bestmed Beat 3 Product brochure 2026, p4
Specialists in hospital
100% of Scheme tariff. A specialist who charges more leaves a shortfall.
Bestmed Comparative Guide 2027, p9
Hospital outside the network
A co-payment of R15 025 if you choose a hospital outside the network for a planned admission.
Bestmed Annexure C - General Exclusions 2026, p6
Hospital outside the network
A co-payment of R15 626 if you choose a hospital outside the network for a planned admission.
Bestmed Comparative Guide 2027, p14
Day procedures
A co-payment of R2 872 when done in an acute hospital instead of a day hospital.
Bestmed Annexure B1 - Benefit Options - Beat Range 2026, p22
Day procedures
A co-payment of R2 987 when done in an acute hospital instead of a day hospital.
Bestmed Comparative Guide 2027, p14
Private ward
Not covered.
Your Guide to Bestmed 2026, p11
Private ward
2027 not in our records yet. 2026: Not covered.
Your Guide to Bestmed 2026, p11 (2026)
Chronic and cancer
Chronic conditions
32 conditions (the 27 on the Chronic Disease List plus others the scheme adds).
Chronic conditions
32 conditions (the 27 on the Chronic Disease List plus others the scheme adds).
Bestmed Comparative Guide 2027, p49
Chronic medicine outside the formulary
A co-payment of 30% applies.
Bestmed Beat 3 Product brochure 2026, p8
Chronic medicine outside the formulary
A co-payment of 30% applies.
Bestmed Comparative Guide 2027, p18
Cancer
Cover at the PMB level of care, through ICON.
Bestmed 2026 Comparative Guide, p9
Cancer
Cover at the PMB level of care.
Bestmed Comparative Guide 2027, p13
Dialysis
Through National Renal Care.
Bestmed Managed Care Guide 2026, p16
Dialysis
2027 not in our records yet. 2026: Through National Renal Care.
Bestmed Managed Care Guide 2026, p16 (2026)
Day to day
Medical savings account
15% of your contribution goes into a savings account for day-to-day costs.
Bestmed Annexure B4 - PMSA and Vested MSA 2026, p3
Medical savings account
15% of your contribution goes into a savings account for day-to-day costs.
Bestmed Comparative Guide 2027, p23
Maternity
Maternity care programme, paid from the scheme’s risk benefits, not savings.
Bestmed Managed Care Guide 2026, p18-19
Maternity
Maternity care programme, paid from the scheme’s risk benefits, not savings.
Bestmed Comparative Guide 2027, p22
Children on the plan
As dependants up to age 24.
Children on the plan
As dependants up to age 23.
Bestmed Comparative Guide 2027
GP visits
Savings account.
Bestmed Beat 3 Product brochure 2026, p6
GP visits
Paid from your savings account, with no separate limit.
Bestmed Comparative Guide 2027, p23
Specialist visits
GP, nurse and specialist consultations: Savings account.
Bestmed Beat 3 Product brochure 2026, p6
Specialist visits
Paid from your savings account, with no separate limit.
Bestmed Comparative Guide 2027, p23
Prescribed medicine (acute)
Savings account.
Bestmed Beat 3 Product brochure 2026, p8
Prescribed medicine (acute)
Paid from your savings account, with no separate limit.
Bestmed Comparative Guide 2027, p23
Basic dentistry
12 years and above. Under 12 years. Once a year. Twice a year.
Bestmed Beat 3 Product brochure 2026, p13
Basic dentistry
Paid from your savings account, with no separate limit.
Bestmed Comparative Guide 2027, p23
Eyes (optometry)
Savings account.
Bestmed Beat 3 Product brochure 2026, p6
Eyes (optometry)
Paid from your savings account, with no separate limit.
Bestmed Comparative Guide 2027, p23
Basic X-rays
Basic radiology and pathology: Savings account.
Bestmed Beat 3 Product brochure 2026, p6
Basic X-rays
Paid from your savings account, with no separate limit.
Bestmed Comparative Guide 2027, p23
Blood tests (pathology)
Basic radiology and pathology: Savings account.
Bestmed Beat 3 Product brochure 2026, p6
Blood tests (pathology)
Paid from your savings account, with no separate limit.
Bestmed Comparative Guide 2027, p23
Full benefit list
Every benefit we hold for Beat3 Network, in Bestmed’s own wording, from its 2026 documents. Bestmed’s full 2027 list is not in our records yet.
In hospital
Accommodation (hospital stay) and theatre fees
100% Scheme tariff.
Bestmed Beat 3 Product brochure 2026, p3
Biological medicine during hospitalisation
100% Scheme tariff. Limited to R24 286 per family per annum. Subject to pre-authorisation and funding guidelines.
Bestmed Beat 3 Product brochure 2026, p3
Treatment of chemical and substance abuse
Benefits shall be limited to the treatment of PMB conditions and subject to the following: • Pre-authorisation • DSPs • 21 days’ stay for in-hospital management per beneficiary per annum.
Bestmed Beat 3 Product brochure 2026, p4
Surgical procedures and anaesthetics
100% Scheme tariff.
Bestmed Beat 3 Product brochure 2026, p4
Stem cell transplants
100% Scheme tariff. (PMBs only)
Bestmed Beat 3 Product brochure 2026, p4
Prosthesis – Internal
Sub-limits per beneficiary per annum: • *Functional R36 763. • Pacemaker (single and dual chamber) R54 390. • Vascular R68 929. • Spinal including artificial disc R39 966. • Drug-eluting stents - subject to Vascular prosthesis limit. • Mesh R14 047. • Gynaecology / urology R11 601. • Lens implants R8 713 a lens per eye.
Bestmed Beat 3 Product brochure 2026, p4
Oncology
100% Scheme tariff, subject to pre-authorisation, designated or preferred service providers, and protocols. Essential ICON protocols apply.
Bestmed Beat 3 Product brochure 2026, p4
Birth (in hospital)
100% Scheme tariff.
Bestmed Beat 3 Product brochure 2026, p5
HIV/AIDS
100% Scheme tariff. Subject to pre-authorisation and DSPs.
Bestmed Beat 3 Product brochure 2026, p5
Step-down and sub-acute care
100% Scheme tariff.
Bestmed Beat 3 Product brochure 2026, p5
Day procedures
Day procedures performed in a day hospital by a DSP provider will be funded at 100% network or Scheme tariff, subject to pre-authorisation, protocols, funding guidelines and DSPs. A co-payment of R2 872 will be incurred per event if a day procedure is done in an acute hospital that is not a day hospital. If a DSP is used and the DSP does not work in a day hospital, the day procedure co-payment will not apply if done in acute hospital, if it is arranged with the Scheme before
Bestmed Beat 3 Product brochure 2026, p5
MRI, CT and PET scans
100% Scheme tariff. Limited to a combined in- and out-of-hospital benefit of R33 472 per family per annum. PET scans - PMB only. Subject to benefit confirmation and reference number received from the Contact Centre.
Bestmed Beat 3 Product brochure 2026, p6
Travel cover
Holiday travel: Limited to 90 days and R5 000 000 per family
Bestmed Beat 3 Product brochure 2026, p5
Fertility treatment
Not covered. Examinations, tests and treatment of impotence and of infertility or artificial insemination or artificial fertilisation
Bestmed Annexure C - General Exclusions 2026, p2
Day to day
Over-the-counter medicine
Savings account.
Bestmed Beat 3 Product brochure 2026, p3
Prosthesis – External
Not covered. No benefit (PMBs only).
Bestmed Beat 3 Product brochure 2026, p4
Orthopaedic and medical appliances
100% Scheme tariff. Limited to R15 690 per family per annum.
Bestmed Beat 3 Product brochure 2026, p4
Dental and oral surgery (in or out of hospital)
100% Scheme tariff. Limited to R10 217 per family per annum.
Bestmed Beat 3 Product brochure 2026, p4
Basic X-rays
Basic radiology and pathology: Savings account.
Bestmed Beat 3 Product brochure 2026, p6
Supplementary services
Savings account.
Bestmed Beat 3 Product brochure 2026, p6
Optometry benefit
Savings account.
Bestmed Beat 3 Product brochure 2026, p6
GP visits
Savings account.
Bestmed Beat 3 Product brochure 2026, p6
Medical appliances
Savings account.
Bestmed Beat 3 Product brochure 2026, p6
CDL and PMB chronic medicine*
100% Scheme tariff. Co-payment of 30% for non-formulary medicine.
Bestmed Beat 3 Product brochure 2026, p8
Acute medicine
Savings account.
Bestmed Beat 3 Product brochure 2026, p8
Female contraceptives
All females of child-bearing age. Quantity and frequency depending on product up to the maximum allowed amount. Oral / injectable / implantable female contraceptives R2 510 per beneficiary per annum OR Intrauterine device (IUD) limited to R3 795 per beneficiary once every 5 years.
Bestmed Beat 3 Product brochure 2026, p11
MRI, CT and PET scans
100% Scheme tariff. Limited to a combined in- and out-of-hospital benefit of R33 472 per family per annum. PET scans - PMB only. Subject to benefit confirmation and reference number received from the Contact Centre.
Bestmed Beat 3 Product brochure 2026, p6
Maternity care (out of hospital)
100% Scheme tariff.
Bestmed Beat 3 Product brochure 2026, p5
Procedures in the doctor’s rooms
100% Scheme tariff.
Bestmed Beat 3 Product brochure 2026, p5
Specialist visits
GP, nurse and specialist consultations: Savings account.
Bestmed Beat 3 Product brochure 2026, p6
Basic dentistry
12 years and above. Under 12 years. Once a year. Twice a year.
Bestmed Beat 3 Product brochure 2026, p13
Blood tests (pathology)
Basic radiology and pathology: Savings account.
Bestmed Beat 3 Product brochure 2026, p6
Screening and prevention
Back and neck preventative programme
Benefits payable at 100% of contracted fee. Subject to pre-authorisation, protocols and DSPs.
Bestmed Beat 3 Product brochure 2026, p6
Pneumonia vaccines
Children <2 years. High-risk adult group. Children: As per schedule of Department of Health. Adults: Twice in a lifetime with booster above 65 years of age. Adults: The Scheme will identify certain high-risk individuals who will be advised to be immunised.
Bestmed Beat 3 Product brochure 2026, p11
Paediatric immunisations
Babies and children. Funding for all paediatric vaccines according to the state-recommended programme.
Bestmed Beat 3 Product brochure 2026, p11
Mammogram
Females 40 years and older. Once every 24 months. 100% Scheme tariff.
Bestmed Beat 3 Product brochure 2026, p11
HIV rapid test
All ages. Voluntary testing and counselling (VCT) subject to Scheme protocols and funding guidelines.
Bestmed Beat 3 Product brochure 2026, p11
PSA screening
Males 45 years and older. Once every 24 months. To be done at urologist or GP. Urologist or GP consultation paid from the available consultation benefit.
Bestmed Beat 3 Product brochure 2026, p12
Screening and prevention
12 years and above. Under 12 years. Once a year. Twice a year.
Bestmed Beat 3 Product brochure 2026, p13
Intra-oral radiograph
All ages. 2 photos per year.
Bestmed Beat 3 Product brochure 2026, p13
Fluoride treatment
All ages. Twice a year (i.e. every 6 months from the date of service).
Bestmed Beat 3 Product brochure 2026, p13
Space maintainers
During primary and mixed denture stage. Once per space.
Bestmed Beat 3 Product brochure 2026, p13
Prescribed Minimum Benefits
PMB conditions
Benefits relating to conditions that meet the criteria for PMBs will be covered in full when using DSPs
Bestmed Beat 3 Product brochure 2026, p3
Not covered on this option
No benefit for
Alternative healthcare, Auxiliary services, Chronic medicine (other conditions), Casualty visits, Hearing aids, Psychologist and counselling visits, Care after a hospital stay, other than Prescribed Minimum Benefits.
Bestmed Annexure C - General Exclusions 2026, p3
Conditions
The Chronic Disease List conditions are Prescribed Minimum Benefits on every medical aid. How each one works on a medical aid:
- Addison's Disease
- Asthma
- Bipolar Disorder
- Bronchiectasis
- Dysrhythmia
- Heart Failure
- Cardiomyopathy
- COPD
- Chronic Kidney Disease
- Coronary Artery Disease
- Crohn's Disease
- Type 1 Diabetes
- Type 2 Diabetes
- Epilepsy
- Glaucoma
- Haemophilia
- HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus)
- High Cholesterol
- Hypertension
- Hypothyroidism
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Parkinson's Disease
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Schizophrenia
- Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)
- Ulcerative Colitis
Bestmed also names these on Beat3 Network’s 2026 chronic list:
Others on its list have no page of ours yet.
Questions about Beat3 Network
Answered from Bestmed’s documents.
Who is Beat3 Network for?
In Bestmed’s own words (Bestmed Beat 3 Product brochure 2027, p2): “Beat3 is recommended for members looking for generous maternity benefits, extensive in-hospital cover and cover for chronic conditions. The option also offers various preventative care benefits.”
How much does Beat3 Network cost in 2027?
From 1 January 2027: R4 367 a month for the main member, R3 115 for an adult dependant and R1 542 for a child. You pay for up to 3 children.
How much is Beat3 Network going up for 2027?
For the main member, from R4 062 to R4 367 a month, +7.5%.
What happens if I use a hospital that isn't on the network?
For a planned admission at a hospital outside Bestmed's network, the scheme charges a co-payment of R15 626 in 2027.
What is the difference between Beat3 Network and Beat3?
Beat3 Network uses Bestmed’s hospital network; Beat3 lets you use any hospital. In 2027 the main member pays R4 367 on Beat3 Network and R4 853 on Beat3.
Does Beat3 Network have a medical savings account?
Yes. 15% of your contribution goes into a savings account, which pays for day-to-day costs such as GP visits and medicine.
How many chronic conditions does Beat3 Network cover?
32: the 27 on the Chronic Disease List and others the scheme adds.
Is cancer treatment covered?
Yes, at the PMB level of care.
Until what age can children stay on as dependants?
Up to age 23 in 2027 (24 in 2026).
Will I have a shortfall if my specialist charges more?
Beat3 Network pays specialists in hospital at 100% of the Scheme tariff. If a specialist charges more than that, the difference is a shortfall. Gap cover is the product that pays shortfalls.
Factual information from Bestmed Medical Scheme’s published documents. It is not advice. Compiled by Eldon de Waal, CFA, the licensed advisor behind AURA. Catalogue v175, built 2026-10-19.