Bestmed Pace4: 2027 contributions and benefits

Q: Who is Pace4 for?

In Bestmed’s own words (Bestmed Pace4 Product brochure 2027, p2): “You are a discerning person who may have above-average medical costs, or would like the maximum cover available. You need the comfort of extensive benefits and cover for hospital expenses. This option also offers a personal medical savings account (PMSA), which provides further payment flexibility. With the exclusivity that Pace4 offers, you have the greatest cover with complete peace of mind.”

Q: How much does Pace4 cost in 2027?

From 1 January 2027: R13 641 a month for the main member, R13 641 for an adult dependant and R3 195 for a child. You pay for up to 3 children.

Q: How much is Pace4 going up for 2027?

For the main member, from R12 572 to R13 641 a month, +8.5%.

Q: Does Pace4 have a medical savings account?

Yes. 3% of your contribution goes into a savings account, which pays for day-to-day costs such as GP visits and medicine.

Q: How many chronic conditions does Pace4 cover?

56: the 27 on the Chronic Disease List and others the scheme adds.

Q: Until what age can children stay on as dependants?

Up to age 23 in 2027 (24 in 2026).

Q: Will I have a shortfall if my specialist charges more?

Pace4 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.

At a glance

Plan type: Comprehensive plan
Hospitals: Any private hospital
Hospital and specialists: 100% of Scheme tariff
Savings account: R377 a month for the main member (3%)
Chronic conditions: 56
Overall annual limit: None
Children you pay for: Up to 3
Children on the plan to age: 24

Plan type: Comprehensive plan
Hospitals: Any private hospital
Hospital and specialists: 100% of Scheme tariff
Savings account: R409 a month for the main member (3%)
Chronic conditions: 56
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	R12 572	R13 641	+8.5%
Adult dependant	R12 572	R13 641	+8.5%
Child	R2 945	R3 195	+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, p25

Specialists in hospital

100% of Scheme tariff. A specialist who charges more leaves a shortfall.

Bestmed Pace4 Product brochure 2026, p3

Specialists in hospital

100% of Scheme tariff. A specialist who charges more leaves a shortfall.

Bestmed Comparative Guide 2027, p25

Day procedures

A co-payment of R2 872 when done in an acute hospital instead of a day hospital.

Bestmed Annexure B2 - Benefit Options - Pace Range 2026, p19

Day procedures

A co-payment of R2 987 when done in an acute hospital instead of a day hospital.

Bestmed Comparative Guide 2027, p28

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

56 conditions (the 27 on the Chronic Disease List plus others the scheme adds).

Chronic conditions

56 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 10% applies.

Bestmed Pace4 Product brochure 2026, p8

Chronic medicine outside the formulary

A co-payment of 10% applies.

Bestmed Comparative Guide 2027, p33

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

3% 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

3% of your contribution goes into a savings account for day-to-day costs.

Bestmed Comparative Guide 2027, p37

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, p36

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

100% Scheme tariff.

Bestmed Pace4 Product brochure 2026, p3

GP visits

Once the PMSA is depleted: overall day-to-day limit, M=R7 422 / M1+=R12 033. GP + specialist combined.

Bestmed Comparative Guide 2027, p37

Specialist visits

100% Scheme tariff.

Bestmed Pace4 Product brochure 2026, p3

Specialist visits

Once the PMSA is depleted: overall day-to-day limit, M=R7 422 / M1+=R12 033. GP + specialist combined.

Bestmed Comparative Guide 2027, p37

Prescribed medicine (acute)

Limited to M = R10 732, M1+ = R16 671. Co-payment of 10%. (Subject to overall day-to-day limit)

Bestmed Pace4 Product brochure 2026, p8

Prescribed medicine (acute)

90% Scheme tariff (10% co-payment); overall day-to-day limit, M=R11 161 / M1+=R17 338.

Bestmed Comparative Guide 2027, p37

Basic dentistry

12 years and above. Under 12 years. Once a year. Twice a year.

Bestmed Pace4 Product brochure 2026, p13

Basic dentistry

Once the PMSA is depleted: overall day-to-day limit, M=R16 389 / M1+=R27 662.

Bestmed Comparative Guide 2027, p37

Eyes (optometry)

Benefits available every 24 months from date of service. Network Provider (PPN) • Consultation - One (1) per beneficiary. • Frame = R1 325 covered AND • 100% of cost of standard lenses (single vision OR bifocal OR multifocal) AND Lens enhancement = R750 covered OR • Contact lenses = R2 700 OR Non-network Provider • Consultation - R420 fee at non-network provider • Frame = R994 AND • Single vision lenses = R225 OR • Bifocal lenses = R485 OR • Multifocal lenses = R1 080 (consis

Bestmed Pace4 Product brochure 2026, p7

Eyes (optometry)

2027 not in our records yet. 2026: Benefits available every 24 months from date of service. Network Provider (PPN) • Consultation - One (1) per beneficiary. • Frame = R1 325 covered AND • 100% of cost of standard lenses (single vision OR bifocal OR multifocal) AND Lens enhancement = R750 covered OR • Contact lenses = R2 700 OR Non-network Provider • Consultation - R420 fee at non-network provider • Frame = R994 AND • Single vision lenses = R225 OR • Bifocal lenses = R485 OR • Multifocal lenses = R1 080 (consis

Bestmed Pace4 Product brochure 2026, p7 (2026)

Basic X-rays

Basic radiology and pathology: 100% Scheme tariff, limited to M = R7 137 / M1+ = R14 048, subject to the overall day-to-day limit (M = R45 375 / M1+ = R73 172).

Bestmed Pace4 Product brochure 2026, p7

Basic X-rays

Once the PMSA is depleted: overall day-to-day limit, M=R7 422 / M1+=R14 610.

Bestmed Comparative Guide 2027, p37

Blood tests (pathology)

Basic radiology and pathology: 100% Scheme tariff, limited to M = R7 137 / M1+ = R14 048, subject to the overall day-to-day limit (M = R45 375 / M1+ = R73 172).

Bestmed Pace4 Product brochure 2026, p7

Blood tests (pathology)

Once the PMSA is depleted: overall day-to-day limit, M=R7 422 / M1+=R14 610.

Bestmed Comparative Guide 2027, p37

Full benefit list

Every benefit we hold for Pace4, 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 Pace4 Product brochure 2026, p3

Take-home medicine

100% Scheme tariff if claimed on the day of discharge, as follows: Limited to a maximum of 7 days treatment if claimed as part of the hospital account, or limited to R700 if claimed from a retail pharmacy. Subject to MRP. No benefit if not claimed within 3 days from the date of discharge.

Bestmed Pace4 Product brochure 2026, p3

Biological medicine during hospitalisation

Limited to the Biological medicine benefit per beneficiary per year as set out on page 8. Subject to pre-authorisation and funding guidelines.

Bestmed Pace4 Product brochure 2026, p3

Treatment in mental health facilities

Approved PMBs at DSPs. Limited to a maximum of 21 days per beneficiary per annum in hospital including inpatient electroconvulsive therapy and inpatient psychotherapy, OR 15 contact sessions for out-patient psychotherapy per beneficiary per annum. Subject to pre-authorisation.

Bestmed Pace4 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 Pace4 Product brochure 2026, p3

Surgical procedures and anaesthetics

100% Scheme tariff.

Bestmed Pace4 Product brochure 2026, p3

Organ transplants

100% Scheme tariff.

Bestmed Pace4 Product brochure 2026, p3

Stem cell transplants

100% Scheme tariff. (PMBs only)

Bestmed Pace4 Product brochure 2026, p4

Planned PMB procedures

100% Scheme tariff.

Bestmed Pace4 Product brochure 2026, p4

MRI, CT and PET scans

100% Scheme tariff. Limited to a combined in- and out-of-hospital benefit of R47 070 per family per annum. PET scans are limited to one (1) scan per beneficiary per annum. Subject to benefit confirmation and reference number received from the Contact Centre.

Bestmed Pace4 Product brochure 2026, p4

Internal prostheses

100% Scheme tariff. Limited to R170 081 per family per annum.

Bestmed Pace4 Product brochure 2026, p4

Prosthesis – Internal

Sub-limits per beneficiary per annum. • *Functional R45 953. • Vascular R79 269. • Pacemaker (single and dual chamber) R79 255. • Spinal including artificial disc R85 048. • Drug-eluting stents R28 323. • Mesh R24 942. • Gynaecology / urology R20 584. • Lens implants R22 792 a lens per eye. • Joint replacements: - Hip replacement and other major joints R76 102. - Knee and shoulder replacements R88 120. - Other minor joints R28 323.

Bestmed Pace4 Product brochure 2026, p4

Peritoneal dialysis and haemodialysis

100% Scheme tariff. Subject to pre-authorisation and DSPs.

Bestmed Pace4 Product brochure 2026, p4

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. 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 the time.

Bestmed Pace4 Product brochure 2026, p5

Planned PMB procedures

100% Scheme tariff. Subject to pre-authorisation and protocols. Limited to R12 772 per eye.

Bestmed Pace4 Product brochure 2026, p5

Planned PMB procedures

100% Scheme tariff up to a maximum limit of R100 000 per family per annum. Subject to funding protocols and pre-authorisation.

Bestmed Pace4 Product brochure 2026, p5

Planned PMB procedures

100% Scheme tariff up to a maximum limit of R350 000 per beneficiary per annum. Subject to pre-authorisation and preferred providers or DSPs.Sound processor upgrades every 5 years.

Bestmed Pace4 Product brochure 2026, p5

Advanced illness benefit

100% Scheme tariff, limited to R145 716 per beneficiary per annum. Subject to available benefit, pre-authorisation and treatment plan.

Bestmed Pace4 Product brochure 2026, p5

Step-down and sub-acute care

General wound care shall be at 100% of Scheme tariff and be limited to R17 429 per family per annum. (Subject to overall day-to-day limit). NPWT treatment shall be at 100% Scheme tariff, subject to pre-authorisation.

Bestmed Pace4 Product brochure 2026, p6

MRI, CT and PET scans

100% Scheme tariff. Limited to a combined in- and out-of hospital benefit of R47 070 per family per annum. PET scans are limited to one (1) scan per beneficiary per annum. Subject to benefit confirmation and reference number received from the Contact Centre.

Bestmed Pace4 Product brochure 2026, p7

Rehabilitation services after trauma

100% Scheme tariff.

Bestmed Pace4 Product brochure 2026, p7

HIV/AIDS

100% Scheme tariff. Subject to pre-authorisation and DSPs.

Bestmed Pace4 Product brochure 2026, p7

Oncology

100% of Scheme tariff, subject to pre-authorisation, designated or preferred service providers and protocols. Essential, Core and Enhanced level ICON protocols apply. Additional access to biological / high cost medicine cover limited to the biological / high cost medicine limit.

Bestmed Pace4 Product brochure 2026, p7

Peritoneal dialysis and haemodialysis

100% Scheme tariff. Subject to pre-authorisation and DSPs.

Bestmed Pace4 Product brochure 2026, p7

Travel cover

Holiday travel: Limited to 90 days and R5 000 000 per family

Bestmed Pace4 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

Consultations and procedures

100% Scheme tariff.

Bestmed Pace4 Product brochure 2026, p3

Dental and oral surgery (in or out-of-hospital)

100% Scheme tariff. Limited to R25 542 per family per annum.

Bestmed Pace4 Product brochure 2026, p4

Orthopaedic and medical appliances

100% Scheme tariff. Limited to R15 690 per family per annum.

Bestmed Pace4 Product brochure 2026, p4

Blood tests (pathology)

Basic radiology and pathology: 100% Scheme tariff, limited to M = R7 137 / M1+ = R14 048, subject to the overall day-to-day limit (M = R45 375 / M1+ = R73 172).

Bestmed Pace4 Product brochure 2026, p7

Basic X-rays

Basic radiology and pathology: 100% Scheme tariff, limited to M = R7 137 / M1+ = R14 048, subject to the overall day-to-day limit (M = R45 375 / M1+ = R73 172).

Bestmed Pace4 Product brochure 2026, p7

Prosthesis – External

100% Scheme tariff. Limited to R39 216 per family per annum. DSPs apply. Includes artificial limbs limited to 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 Pace4 Product brochure 2026, p4

Physiotherapy and other therapists

100% Scheme tariff.

Bestmed Pace4 Product brochure 2026, p5

Orthodontic dentistry

100% Scheme tariff. Subject to pre-authorisation. Limited to R13 357 per event for beneficiaries up to 18 years of age. (Subject to overall day-to-day limit)

Bestmed Pace4 Product brochure 2026, p6

Medical aids, apparatus and appliances

100% Scheme tariff. Limited to R13 221 per family. Includes repairs to artificial limbs and insulin pump consumables. (Subject to overall day-to-day limit)

Bestmed Pace4 Product brochure 2026, p6

Wheelchairs

100% Scheme tariff. Limited to R17 880 per family every 48 months.

Bestmed Pace4 Product brochure 2026, p6

Hearing aids (Subject to pre-authorisation)

100% Scheme tariff. Limited to R36 610 per beneficiary every 24 months. Subject to quotation, motivation and audiogram.

Bestmed Pace4 Product brochure 2026, p6

Insulin pump (excluding consumables)

100% Scheme tariff. Limited to R53 143 per beneficiary every 24 months. Subject to pre-authorisation.

Bestmed Pace4 Product brochure 2026, p6

Continuous/Flash Glucose Monitoring (CGM/FGM)

100% Scheme tariff. Limited to R30 357 per family per annum. Subject to pre-authorisation.

Bestmed Pace4 Product brochure 2026, p6

Supplementary services

100% Scheme tariff. Limited to M = R7 137, M1+ = R14 048. (Subject to overall day-to-day limit)

Bestmed Pace4 Product brochure 2026, p6

GP visits

100% Scheme tariff. Limited to M = R7 137, M1+ = R11 570. (Subject to overall day-to-day limit)

Bestmed Pace4 Product brochure 2026, p6

Optometry benefit

Bestmed Pace4 Product brochure 2026, p7

CDL and PMB chronic medicine*

100% Scheme tariff. Co-payment of 10% for non-formulary medicine.

Bestmed Pace4 Product brochure 2026, p8

Non-CDL chronic medicine*

Medicine on the formulary shall be covered at 100% of Scheme tariff and non- formulary medicine shall be covered at 90% of Scheme tariff with a 10% co-payment. Payment shall be at Scheme tariff limited to M = R25 165 and M1+ = R50 558 for the following 29 (twenty-nine) non- CDL conditions:

Bestmed Annexure B2 - Benefit Options - Pace Range 2026, p20

Other high-cost medicine

100% Scheme tariff. Subject to pre-authorisation.

Bestmed Pace4 Product brochure 2026, p8

Acute medicine

Limited to M = R10 732, M1+ = R16 671. Co-payment of 10%. (Subject to overall day-to-day limit)

Bestmed Pace4 Product brochure 2026, p8

Over-the-counter (OTC) medicine

100% Scheme tariff. Subject to available savings.

Bestmed Pace4 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 801 per beneficiary per annum OR Intrauterine device (IUD) limited to R4 225 per beneficiary once every 5 years.

Bestmed Pace4 Product brochure 2026, p11

MRI, CT and PET scans

Bestmed Pace4 Product brochure 2026, p4

MRI, CT and PET scans

Bestmed Pace4 Product brochure 2026, p7

MRI, CT and PET scans

PET scans are not subject to that limit — separate, 1 per beneficiary

Bestmed Annexure B2 - Benefit Options - Pace Range 2026, p15

Specialist visits

100% Scheme tariff.

Bestmed Pace4 Product brochure 2026, p3

Care after a hospital stay

100% Scheme tariff.

Bestmed Pace4 Product brochure 2026, p7

Basic dentistry

12 years and above. Under 12 years. Once a year. Twice a year.

Bestmed Pace4 Product brochure 2026, p13

Maternity care (out of hospital)

Any item categorised as a maternity supplement can be claimed up to a maximum of R145 per claim, once a month, for a maximum of 9 months

Bestmed Annexure B2 - Benefit Options - Pace Range 2026, p32

Auxiliary services

Benefits shall be at 100% of Scheme tariff subject to the overall day-to-day limit and the following maxima per financial year: M = R7 137 and M1+ = R14 048

Bestmed Annexure B2 - Benefit Options - Pace Range 2026, p39

Screening and prevention

Back and neck preventative programme

Benefits payable at 100% of contracted fee. Subject to pre-authorisation, protocols and DSPs.

Bestmed Pace4 Product brochure 2026, p7

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 Pace4 Product brochure 2026, p11

Paediatric immunisations

Babies and children. Funding for all paediatric vaccines according to the state-recommended programme.

Bestmed Pace4 Product brochure 2026, p11

Mammogram

Females 40 years and older. Once every 24 months. 100% Scheme tariff.

Bestmed Pace4 Product brochure 2026, p11

HIV rapid test

All ages. Voluntary testing and counselling (VCT) subject to Scheme protocols and funding guidelines.

Bestmed Pace4 Product brochure 2026, p11

Pap smear (procedure and consultation)

Females 18 years and older. Once every 24 months. Can be done at a gynaecologist, GP or pharmacy clinic.

Bestmed Pace4 Product brochure 2026, p12

Glaucoma screening

Ages 50 and above. Once every 12 months. The benefit is subject to service being received from the contracted Optometrist Network only.

Bestmed Pace4 Product brochure 2026, p12

Screening and prevention

12 years and above. Under 12 years. Once a year. Twice a year.

Bestmed Pace4 Product brochure 2026, p13

Intra-oral radiograph

All ages. 2 photos per year.

Bestmed Pace4 Product brochure 2026, p13

Fluoride treatment

All ages. Twice a year (i.e. every 6 months from the date of service).

Bestmed Pace4 Product brochure 2026, p13

Space maintainers

During primary and mixed denture stage. Once per space.

Bestmed Pace4 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 Pace4 Product brochure 2026, p3

Not covered on this option

No benefit for

Alternative healthcare, Casualty visits, Psychologist and counselling visits, Procedures in the doctor’s rooms, 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:

Bestmed also names these on Pace4’s 2026 chronic list:

Others on its list have no page of ours yet.

Questions about Pace4

Answered from Bestmed’s documents.

Who is Pace4 for?

In Bestmed’s own words (Bestmed Pace4 Product brochure 2027, p2): “You are a discerning person who may have above-average medical costs, or would like the maximum cover available. You need the comfort of extensive benefits and cover for hospital expenses. This option also offers a personal medical savings account (PMSA), which provides further payment flexibility. With the exclusivity that Pace4 offers, you have the greatest cover with complete peace of mind.”

How much does Pace4 cost in 2027?

From 1 January 2027: R13 641 a month for the main member, R13 641 for an adult dependant and R3 195 for a child. You pay for up to 3 children.

How much is Pace4 going up for 2027?

For the main member, from R12 572 to R13 641 a month, +8.5%.

Does Pace4 have a medical savings account?

Yes. 3% 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 Pace4 cover?

56: the 27 on the Chronic Disease List and others the scheme adds.

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?

Pace4 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.

Compare my picks →On this plan? Get help with it →All Bestmed plans →Bestmed 2027 price changes →Gap cover →

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.