At a glance
- Plan type
- Hospital plan with a savings account
- Hospitals
- Any private hospital
- Hospital and specialists
- 100% of Scheme tariff
- Savings account
- R1 031 a month for the main member (14%)
- Chronic conditions
- 36
- 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
- Any private hospital
- Hospital and specialists
- 100% of Scheme tariff
- Savings account
- R1 119 a month for the main member (14%)
- Chronic conditions
- 36
- 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 | R7 365 | R7 991 | +8.5% |
| Adult dependant | R6 082 | R6 599 | +8.5% |
| Child | R1 821 | R1 976 | +8.5% |
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
Any hospital
Hospitals
Any hospital
Bestmed Comparative Guide 2027, p9
Specialists in hospital
100% of Scheme tariff. A specialist who charges more leaves a shortfall.
Bestmed Beat 4 Product brochure 2026, p3
Specialists in hospital
100% of Scheme tariff. A specialist who charges more leaves a shortfall.
Bestmed Comparative Guide 2027, p9
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
36 conditions (the 27 on the Chronic Disease List plus others the scheme adds).
Chronic conditions
36 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 20% applies.
Bestmed Beat 4 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
14% of your contribution goes into a savings account for day-to-day costs.
Bestmed Annexure B4 - PMSA and Vested MSA 2026, p5
Medical savings account
14% 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
GP, nurse and specialist consultations (incl emergency unit visits where a procedure room was used): Savings first.
Bestmed Beat 4 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 (incl emergency unit visits where a procedure room was used): Savings first.
Bestmed Beat 4 Product brochure 2026, p6
Specialist visits
Paid from your savings account, with no separate limit.
Bestmed Comparative Guide 2027, p23
Prescribed medicine (acute)
Savings first. 100% Scheme tariff. Limited to M = R3 652, M1 + = R7 376. (Subject to overall day-to-day limit)
Bestmed Beat 4 Product brochure 2026, p8
Prescribed medicine (acute)
From the PMSA first (no separate sub-limit).
Bestmed Comparative Guide 2027, p23
Basic dentistry
Savings first. 100% Scheme tariff. Orthodontics are subject to pre-authorisation. Limited to M = R7 149, M1+ = R14 359. (Subject to overall day-to-day limit)
Bestmed Beat 4 Product brochure 2026, p6
Basic dentistry
From the PMSA first (no separate sub-limit).
Bestmed Comparative Guide 2027, p23
Eyes (optometry)
Optometry benefit, every 24 months. Network (PPN): 1 consultation/beneficiary; frame R1 270; standard lenses (single/bifocal/multifocal) 100% OR contact lenses R2 085. Non-network: consultation R420; frame R953; single vision R225/bifocal R485/multifocal R1 080; contacts R2 085.
Bestmed Beat 4 Product brochure 2026, p7
Eyes (optometry)
2027 not in our records yet. 2026: Optometry benefit, every 24 months. Network (PPN): 1 consultation/beneficiary; frame R1 270; standard lenses (single/bifocal/multifocal) 100% OR contact lenses R2 085. Non-network: consultation R420; frame R953; single vision R225/bifocal R485/multifocal R1 080; contacts R2 085.
Bestmed Beat 4 Product brochure 2026, p7 (2026)
Basic X-rays
Basic radiology and pathology: Savings first.
Bestmed Beat 4 Product brochure 2026, p7
Basic X-rays
From the PMSA first (no separate sub-limit).
Bestmed Comparative Guide 2027, p23
Blood tests (pathology)
Savings first. 100% Scheme tariff. Limited to M = R4 132, M1+ = R8 414. (Subject to overall day-to-day limit)
Bestmed Beat 4 Product brochure 2026, p7
Blood tests (pathology)
From the PMSA first (no separate sub-limit).
Bestmed Comparative Guide 2027, p23
Full benefit list
Every benefit we hold for Beat4, 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 4 Product brochure 2026, p3
Biological medicine during hospitalisation
100% Scheme tariff. Limited to R30 357 per family per annum. Subject to pre-authorisation and funding guidelines.
Bestmed Beat 4 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 4 Product brochure 2026, p3
Surgical procedures and anaesthetics
100% Scheme tariff.
Bestmed Beat 4 Product brochure 2026, p3
Stem cell transplants
100% Scheme tariff. (PMBs only)
Bestmed Beat 4 Product brochure 2026, p4
Prosthesis – Internal
Sub-limits per beneficiary per annum: • *Functional R39 060. • Pacemaker (single and dual chamber) R71 218. • Vascular R74 674. • Spinal including artificial disc R42 522. • Drug-eluting stents R23 890. • Mesh R15 777. • Gynaecology/urology R11 570. • Lens implants R9 014 a lens per eye.
Bestmed Beat 4 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 4 Product brochure 2026, p4
Birth (in hospital)
100% Scheme tariff.
Bestmed Beat 4 Product brochure 2026, p5
HIV/AIDS
100% Scheme tariff. Subject to pre-authorisation and DSPs.
Bestmed Beat 4 Product brochure 2026, p5
Step-down and sub-acute care
100% Scheme tariff.
Bestmed Beat 4 Product brochure 2026, p5
International medical travel cover
• Holiday travel: Limited to 90 days and R5 000 000 per family, i.e. members and dependants. Limited to R1 000 000 per family for travel to the USA. • Business travel: Limited to 60 days and R5 000 000 per family, i.e. members and dependants. Limited to R1 000 000 per family for travel to the USA.
Bestmed Beat 4 Product brochure 2026, p5
Advanced illness benefit
100% Scheme tariff, limited to R109 288 per beneficiary per annum. Subject to available benefit, pre-authorisation and treatment plan.
Bestmed Beat 4 Product brochure 2026, p5
Step-down and sub-acute care
General wound care savings first. 100% Scheme tariff. Limited to R6 311 per family. (Subject to overall day-to-day limit). NPWT treatment shall be at 100% Scheme tariff, subject to pre-authorisation.
Bestmed Beat 4 Product brochure 2026, p6
Peritoneal dialysis and haemodialysis
100% Scheme tariff. Subject to pre-authorisation and DSPs.
Bestmed Beat 4 Product brochure 2026, p7
Medicine on discharge
100% Scheme tariff if claimed on the day of discharge, as follows: Limited
Bestmed Beat 4 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
Prosthesis – External
100% Scheme tariff. Limited to R29 599 per family. DSPs apply. Includes artificial limbs limited to one (1) limb every 60 months. Repair work to artificial limbs will be funded from the out-of-hospital Medical aids, apparatus and appliances benefit.
Bestmed Beat 4 Product brochure 2026, p4
Prosthesis – External
100% Scheme tariff. Limited to R29 599 per family. DSPs apply. Includes artificial limbs limited to one (1) limb every 60 months. Repair work to artificial limbs will be funded from the out-of-hospital Medical aids, apparatus and appliances benefit.
Bestmed Beat 4 Product brochure 2026, p4
Dental and oral surgery (in or out of hospital)
100% Scheme tariff. Limited to R12 772 per family per annum.
Bestmed Beat 4 Product brochure 2026, p4
Dental and oral surgery (in or out of hospital)
100% Scheme tariff. Limited to R12 772 per family per annum.
Bestmed Beat 4 Product brochure 2026, p4
Orthopaedic and medical appliances
100% Scheme tariff. Limited to R15 690 per family per annum.
Bestmed Beat 4 Product brochure 2026, p4
Orthopaedic and medical appliances
100% Scheme tariff. Limited to R15 690 per family per annum.
Bestmed Beat 4 Product brochure 2026, p4
Basic X-rays
Basic radiology and pathology: Savings first.
Bestmed Beat 4 Product brochure 2026, p7
Basic X-rays
Once savings is depleted: 100% Scheme tariff, limited to M = R4 132 / M1+ = R8 414, subject to the overall day-to-day limit.
Bestmed Beat 4 Product brochure 2026, p7
Basic and specialised dentistry
Savings first. 100% Scheme tariff. Orthodontics are subject to pre-authorisation. Limited to M = R7 149, M1+ = R14 359. (Subject to overall day-to-day limit)
Bestmed Beat 4 Product brochure 2026, p6
Specialised dentistry
Savings first. 100% Scheme tariff. Orthodontics are subject to pre-authorisation. Limited to M = R7 149, M1+ = R14 359. (Subject to overall day-to-day limit)
Bestmed Beat 4 Product brochure 2026, p6
Hearing aids (subject to authorisation)
Limited to R13 357 per family every 24 months. 100% Scheme tariff. Subject to pre-authorisation, quotation, motivation and audiogram.
Bestmed Beat 4 Product brochure 2026, p6
Hearing aids (subject to authorisation)
Limited to R13 357 per family every 24 months. 100% Scheme tariff. Subject to pre-authorisation, quotation, motivation and audiogram.
Bestmed Beat 4 Product brochure 2026, p6
CDL and PMB chronic medicine*
100% Scheme tariff. Co-payment of 20% for non-formulary medicine.
Bestmed Beat 4 Product brochure 2026, p8
Acute medicine
Savings first. 100% Scheme tariff. Limited to M = R3 652, M1 + = R7 376. (Subject to overall day-to-day limit)
Bestmed Beat 4 Product brochure 2026, p8
Acute medicine
Savings first. 100% Scheme tariff. Limited to M = R3 652, M1 + = R7 376. (Subject to overall day-to-day limit)
Bestmed Beat 4 Product brochure 2026, p8
Prescribed medicine (acute)
Once all the funds in the PMSA and day-to-day overall limits have been depleted, then these funds may also be used for day-to-day medical expenses
Bestmed Annexure B4 - PMSA and Vested MSA 2026, p5
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 801 per beneficiary per annum OR Intrauterine device (IUD) limited to R4 225 per beneficiary once every 5 years.
Bestmed Beat 4 Product brochure 2026, p10
Maternity care (out of hospital)
100% Scheme tariff.
Bestmed Beat 4 Product brochure 2026, p5
Procedures in the doctor’s rooms
100% Scheme tariff.
Bestmed Beat 4 Product brochure 2026, p5
Basic dentistry
Savings first. 100% Scheme tariff. Orthodontics are subject to pre-authorisation. Limited to M = R7 149, M1+ = R14 359. (Subject to overall day-to-day limit)
Bestmed Beat 4 Product brochure 2026, p6
Blood tests (pathology)
Savings first. 100% Scheme tariff. Limited to M = R4 132, M1+ = R8 414. (Subject to overall day-to-day limit)
Bestmed Beat 4 Product brochure 2026, p7
Care after a hospital stay
100% Scheme tariff.
Bestmed Beat 4 Product brochure 2026, p7
GP visits
GP, nurse and specialist consultations (incl emergency unit visits where a procedure room was used): Savings first.
Bestmed Beat 4 Product brochure 2026, p6
GP visits
Once savings is depleted: 100% Scheme tariff, limited to M = R4 133 / M1+ = R7 361, subject to the overall day-to-day limit (M = R16 227 / M1+ = R32 452).
Bestmed Beat 4 Product brochure 2026, p6
Eyes (optometry)
Optometry benefit, every 24 months. Network (PPN): 1 consultation/beneficiary; frame R1 270; standard lenses (single/bifocal/multifocal) 100% OR contact lenses R2 085. Non-network: consultation R420; frame R953; single vision R225/bifocal R485/multifocal R1 080; contacts R2 085.
Bestmed Beat 4 Product brochure 2026, p7
Specialist visits
GP, nurse and specialist consultations (incl emergency unit visits where a procedure room was used): Savings first.
Bestmed Beat 4 Product brochure 2026, p6
Specialist visits
Once savings is depleted: 100% Scheme tariff, limited to M = R4 133 / M1+ = R7 361, subject to the overall day-to-day limit (M = R16 227 / M1+ = R32 452).
Bestmed Beat 4 Product brochure 2026, p6
Screening and prevention
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 4 Product brochure 2026, p10
Paediatric immunisations
Babies and children. Funding for all paediatric vaccines according to the state-recommended programme.
Bestmed Beat 4 Product brochure 2026, p10
Mammogram
Females 40 years and older. Once every 24 months. 100% Scheme tariff.
Bestmed Beat 4 Product brochure 2026, p10
HIV rapid test
All ages. Voluntary testing and counselling (VCT) subject to Scheme protocols and funding guidelines.
Bestmed Beat 4 Product brochure 2026, p10
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 4 Product brochure 2026, p11
Screening and prevention
12 years and above. Under 12 years. Once a year. Twice a year.
Bestmed Beat 4 Product brochure 2026, p12
Intra-oral radiograph
All ages. 2 photos per year.
Bestmed Beat 4 Product brochure 2026, p12
Fluoride treatment
All ages. Twice a year (i.e. every 6 months from the date of service).
Bestmed Beat 4 Product brochure 2026, p12
Space maintainers
During primary and mixed denture stage. Once per space.
Bestmed Beat 4 Product brochure 2026, p12
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 4 Product brochure 2026, p3
Not covered on this option
No benefit for
Alternative healthcare, Auxiliary services, Chronic medicine (other conditions), Casualty visits, Psychologist and counselling visits, Over-the-counter medicine, Physiotherapy and other therapists, MRI, CT and PET scans, 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 Beat4’s 2026 chronic list:
- ADHD
- Allergic Rhinitis
- Chronic Migraine
- Depression
- Eczema / Atopic Dermatitis
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Others on its list have no page of ours yet.
Questions about Beat4
Answered from Bestmed’s documents.
Who is Beat4 for?
In Bestmed’s own words (Bestmed Beat 4 Product brochure 2027, p2): “Beat4 is Bestmed’s superior hybrid option for those with specific healthcare needs. It offers comprehensive in-hospital benefits at private hospitals. There is a generous amount of day-to-day medical cover for consultations, dentistry, chronic medications and a range of preventative care benefits.”
How much does Beat4 cost in 2027?
From 1 January 2027: R7 991 a month for the main member, R6 599 for an adult dependant and R1 976 for a child. You pay for up to 3 children.
How much is Beat4 going up for 2027?
For the main member, from R7 365 to R7 991 a month, +8.5%.
Does Beat4 have a medical savings account?
Yes. 14% 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 Beat4 cover?
36: 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?
Beat4 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.