At a glance
- Plan type
- Hospital plan
- Hospitals
- Network hospitals
- Day-to-day costs
- Your own
- Chronic conditions
- 27 (Chronic Disease List)
- Cancer
- PMB level of care
- Overall annual limit
- None
- Children on the plan to age
- 24
- Priced by
- Household income (3 bands)
- Plan type
- Hospital plan
- Hospitals
- Network hospitals
- Hospital and specialists
- 100% of Scheme tariff
- Day-to-day costs
- Your own
- Chronic conditions
- 27 (Chronic Disease List)
- Cancer
- PMB level of care
- Children on the plan to age
- 23
- Priced by
- Household income (3 bands)
Monthly contributions
2027 rates take effect on 1 January 2027.
| Household income (2026) | Main member | Adult | Child |
|---|---|---|---|
| Income R0 - R9 000 pm | R1 736 | R1 736 | R715 |
| Income R9 001 - R14 000 pm | R2 024 | R2 024 | R860 |
| Income >R14,001 | R3 615 | R3 615 | R1 873 |
| Household income (2027) | Main member | Adult | Child |
|---|---|---|---|
| Income R0 - R9 000 pm | R1 866 | R1 866 | R769 |
| Income R9 001 - R14 000 pm | R2 176 | R2 176 | R925 |
| Income >R14,001 | R3 886 | R3 886 | R2 013 |
The income bands are the scheme's own and can move from year to year.
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 (Beat and Rhythm Hospital Network)
Bestmed Annexure C - General Exclusions 2026, p6
Hospitals
Network hospitals only (Beat and Rhythm Hospital Network)
Bestmed Comparative Guide 2027, p39
Specialists in hospital
Not in our records yet.
Specialists in hospital
100% of Scheme tariff. A specialist who charges more leaves a shortfall.
Bestmed Comparative Guide 2027, p39
Hospital outside the network
A co-payment of R15 025 if you choose a hospital outside the network for a planned admission.
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, p42
Day procedures
A co-payment of R2 872 when done in an acute hospital instead of a day hospital.
Bestmed Annexure B3 - Benefit Options - Rhythm Range 2026, p16
Day procedures
A co-payment of R2 987 when done in an acute hospital instead of a day hospital.
Bestmed Comparative Guide 2027, p42
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
27 conditions, the Chronic Disease List.
Chronic conditions
27 conditions, the Chronic Disease List.
Bestmed Comparative Guide 2027, p49
Chronic medicine outside the formulary
Not in our 2026 records.
Chronic medicine outside the formulary
A co-payment of 30% applies.
Bestmed Comparative Guide 2027, p45
Cancer
Cover at the PMB level of care, through ICON.
Bestmed 2026 Comparative Guide, p23
Cancer
Cover at the PMB level of care.
Bestmed Comparative Guide 2027, p41
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
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, p47
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
Unlimited GP consultations. Subject to Rhythm GP network. Subject to pre-approval after 10th visit. Applicable per family per annum.
Bestmed Rhythm1 2026 Product brochure, p6
GP visits
Rhythm Network; 100% Scheme tariff; unlimited medically necessary (pre-auth after 10th visit).
Bestmed Comparative Guide 2027, p48
Specialist visits
Specialist consultations must be referred by a Rhythm Network Provider. 100% Scheme tariff. Limited to a maximum of R2 670 per family per year. Subject to Rhythm Specialist DSP network.
Bestmed Rhythm1 2026 Product brochure, p6
Specialist visits
Rhythm Specialist Network referral; 100% Scheme tariff; up to R2 777 per family.
Bestmed Comparative Guide 2027, p48
Prescribed medicine (acute)
Medicine for acute ailments, covered under the Rhythm GP network benefit at 100% Scheme tariff, subject to the Rhythm formulary.
Bestmed Rhythm1 2026 Product brochure, p6
Prescribed medicine (acute)
Rhythm Network pharmacy; 100% Scheme tariff; formulary only (quantity limits may apply).
Bestmed Comparative Guide 2027, p48
Basic dentistry
Where clinically appropriate and subject to Rhythm1 protocols, Rhythm Dental Network Providers and Rhythm approved dental codes.
Bestmed Rhythm1 2026 Product brochure, p7
Basic dentistry
Rhythm Dental Network; 100% Scheme tariff; no Rand limit (no dentures).
Bestmed Comparative Guide 2027, p48
Eyes (optometry)
Benefits available every 24 months from date of service. Network Provider (PPN) • One (1) consultation (eye test) at optometrist network per beneficiary per annum. • No benefit for spectacle frames, lenses or contact lenses. Non-network Provider • One (1) consultation per beneficiary = R420 • No benefit for spectacle frames, lenses or contact lenses.
Bestmed Rhythm1 2026 Product brochure, p7
Eyes (optometry)
24-month. PPN one eye test per beneficiary; no frame/lens/contact benefit.
Bestmed Comparative Guide 2027, p48
Basic X-rays
Approved PMBs at DSPs.
Bestmed Rhythm1 2026 Product brochure, p4
Basic X-rays
Rhythm Network referral; 100% Scheme tariff; no Rand limit.
Bestmed Comparative Guide 2027, p48
Blood tests (pathology)
100% Scheme tariff. Basic blood tests as requested by a Rhythm Network GP and network pathologists, subject to Rhythm1 protocols and Rhythm approved pathology codes.
Bestmed Rhythm1 2026 Product brochure, p7
Blood tests (pathology)
Rhythm Network referral; 100% Scheme tariff; no Rand limit.
Bestmed Comparative Guide 2027, p48
Full benefit list
Every benefit we hold for Rhythm1, 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
Approved PMBs at DSPs.
Bestmed Rhythm1 2026 Product brochure, p3
Biological medicine during hospitalisation
Approved PMBs at DSPs.
Bestmed Rhythm1 2026 Product brochure, p3
Prosthesis – Internal
Sub-limits per beneficiary per annum: • *Functional R35 613. • Vascular R57 441. • Pacemaker (single and dual chamber) R54 390. • Spinal including artificial disc R33 278. • Drug-eluting stents – subject to Vascular prosthesis limit. DSPs apply. • Mesh R12 171. • Gynaecology / urology R10 053. • Lens implants R6 988 a lens per eye.
Bestmed Rhythm1 2026 Product brochure, p4
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 Rhythm1 2026 Product brochure, p4
Surgical procedures and anaesthetics
Approved PMBs at DSPs. Subject to pre-authorisation. Excluded from benefits: functional nasal surgery, surgery for medical conditions, e.g. epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, etc., and procedures where stimulators are used.
Bestmed Rhythm1 2026 Product brochure, p4
Stem cell transplants
100% Scheme tariff. (PMBs only)
Bestmed Rhythm1 2026 Product brochure, p4
MRI, CT and PET scans
Approved PMBs at DSPs. PET scans - PMB only. Subject to benefit confirmation and reference number received from the Contact Centre.
Bestmed Rhythm1 2026 Product brochure, p5
Birth (in hospital)
Approved PMBs at DSPs.
Bestmed Rhythm1 2026 Product brochure, p5
Oncology
Oncology benefits funded at PMB level of care only, subject to pre-authorisation, designated or preferred service providers and protocols. Essential ICON protocols apply.
Bestmed Rhythm1 2026 Product brochure, p5
Peritoneal dialysis and haemodialysis
Approved PMBs at DSPs.
Bestmed Rhythm1 2026 Product brochure, p5
Planned PMB procedures
Approved PMBs at DSPs.
Bestmed Rhythm1 2026 Product brochure, p5
HIV/AIDS
Approved PMBs at DSPs.
Bestmed Rhythm1 2026 Product brochure, p5
Alternatives to hospitalisation
Approved PMBs at DSPs.
Bestmed Rhythm1 2026 Product brochure, p5
Advanced illness benefit
Approved PMBs. Subject to pre-authorisation and treatment plan.
Bestmed Rhythm1 2026 Product brochure, p5
Day procedures
PMBs in network day hospitals: Approved PMBs at DSPs. Subject to pre-authorisation, protocols and funding guidelines. Non-PMBs in network day-hospitals: 100% Scheme tariff. Subject to approved DSPs and pre-authorisation.
Bestmed Rhythm1 2026 Product brochure, p5
Day procedures
Limited to R57 441 per family per annum for non-PMB day procedures. 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. The non-PMB conditions covered are: • Circumcision • Colonoscopy • Gastroscopy • Myringotomy and gromm
Bestmed Rhythm1 2026 Product brochure, 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 Rhythm1 2026 Product brochure, p5
Oncology
Oncology benefits funded at PMB level of care only, subject to pre-authorisation, designated or preferred service providers and protocols. Essential ICON protocols apply.
Bestmed Rhythm1 2026 Product brochure, p6
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
Approved PMBs at DSPs.
Bestmed Rhythm1 2026 Product brochure, p4
Dental and oral surgery (in or out of hospital)
Approved PMBs at DSPs.
Bestmed Rhythm1 2026 Product brochure, p4
Basic radiology
Approved PMBs at DSPs.
Bestmed Rhythm1 2026 Product brochure, p4
Supplementary services
Approved PMBs at DSPs.
Bestmed Rhythm1 2026 Product brochure, p5
Hearing aids
Approved PMBs at DSPs.
Bestmed Rhythm1 2026 Product brochure, p6
GP consultations
Unlimited GP consultations. Subject to Rhythm GP network. Subject to pre-approval after 10th visit. Applicable per family per annum.
Bestmed Rhythm1 2026 Product brochure, p6
Specialist consultations
Specialist consultations must be referred by a Rhythm Network Provider. 100% Scheme tariff. Limited to a maximum of R2 670 per family per year. Subject to Rhythm Specialist DSP network.
Bestmed Rhythm1 2026 Product brochure, p6
Optometry
Benefits available every 24 months from date of service. Network Provider (PPN) • One (1) consultation (eye test) at optometrist network per beneficiary per annum. • No benefit for spectacle frames, lenses or contact lenses. Non-network Provider • One (1) consultation per beneficiary = R420 • No benefit for spectacle frames, lenses or contact lenses.
Bestmed Rhythm1 2026 Product brochure, p7
Basic dentistry
Where clinically appropriate and subject to Rhythm1 protocols, Rhythm Dental Network Providers and Rhythm approved dental codes.
Bestmed Rhythm1 2026 Product brochure, p7
Pathology
100% Scheme tariff. Basic blood tests as requested by a Rhythm Network GP and network pathologists, subject to Rhythm1 protocols and Rhythm approved pathology codes.
Bestmed Rhythm1 2026 Product brochure, p7
Basic radiology
100% Scheme tariff. Basic X-rays as requested by your Rhythm Network GP and subject to Rhythm1 protocols and Rhythm approved radiology codes.
Bestmed Rhythm1 2026 Product brochure, p7
CDL and PMB chronic medicine
100% Scheme tariff. 30% co-payment on non-formulary medicine at a preferred provider network pharmacy.
Bestmed Rhythm1 2026 Product brochure, p8
Other high-cost medicine
PMBs only.
Bestmed Rhythm1 2026 Product brochure, p8
Over-the-counter medicine
100% Scheme tariff. Limited to R251 per family per annum and to R125 per event. Subject to preferred provider pharmacy network.
Bestmed Rhythm1 2026 Product brochure, p8
Psychologist and counselling visits
Chronic psychiatric conditions and mental disorders except for those that are prescribed in the treatment of certain PMB conditions and are available in the state sector
Bestmed Annexure C - General Exclusions 2026, p3
Alternative healthcare
Not covered. Acupuncture, chiropractors, herbalists, nature and homeopaths
Bestmed Annexure C - General Exclusions 2026, p3
MRI, CT and PET scans
Specialised diagnostic imaging (MRI, CT scans, PET scans, angiography, etc.) for the Rhythm1 option, except for those that are prescribed in the treatment of certain PMB conditions and are available in the state sector
Bestmed Annexure C - General Exclusions 2026, p2
Maternity care (out of hospital)
Approved PMBs at DSPs.
Bestmed Rhythm1 2026 Product brochure, p5
Procedures in the doctor’s rooms
Approved PMBs at DSPs.
Bestmed Rhythm1 2026 Product brochure, p5
Prescribed medicine (acute)
Medicine for acute ailments, covered under the Rhythm GP network benefit at 100% Scheme tariff, subject to the Rhythm formulary.
Bestmed Rhythm1 2026 Product brochure, p6
Contraceptives
Not covered. Contraceptives not on the option
Bestmed Annexure C - General Exclusions 2026, p3
Screening and prevention
Back and neck preventative programme
Benefits payable at 100% of contracted fee. Subject to pre-authorisation, protocols and DSPs.
Bestmed Rhythm1 2026 Product brochure, p6
Flu vaccines
All ages. 1 per beneficiary per year. At a Rhythm Network GP or preferred provider network pharmacy. Subject to Rhythm1 protocols and where clinically necessary.
Bestmed Rhythm1 2026 Product brochure, p10
Travel vaccines
All ages. Quantity and frequency depending on product up to the maximum allowed amount. Mandatory travel vaccines for typhoid, yellow fever, tetanus, meningitis, hepatitis and cholera from Scheme risk benefits.
Bestmed Rhythm1 2026 Product brochure, p10
Mammogram (tariff code 34100)
Females 40 years and older. Once every 24 months. Must be referred by Rhythm Network GP or Rhythm Specialist DSP.
Bestmed Rhythm1 2026 Product brochure, p10
HIV rapid test
All ages. Voluntary testing and counselling (VCT) subject to Scheme protocols and funding guidelines.
Bestmed Rhythm1 2026 Product brochure, p10
Pap smear (pathology only)
Females 18 years and older. Once every 24 months. Can be done at a Rhythm Specialist DSP gynaecologist, Rhythm Network GP or preferred provider network pharmacy clinic. Consultation paid from the available GP consultation benefit or Specialist visits benefit.
Bestmed Rhythm1 2026 Product brochure, p10
Baby growth and development assessments
0-2 years. 3 assessments per year. Assessments are done at a preferred provider network pharmacy clinic.
Bestmed Rhythm1 2026 Product brochure, p11
Prescribed Minimum Benefits
PMB conditions
Benefits relating to conditions that meet the criteria for PMBs will be covered in full when using DSPs
Bestmed Rhythm1 2026 Product brochure, p3
Not covered on this option
No benefit for
Auxiliary services, Chronic medicine (other conditions), Casualty 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’s 2026 documents name no chronic conditions beyond the Chronic Disease List on Rhythm1.
Questions about Rhythm1
Answered from Bestmed’s documents.
Who is Rhythm1 for?
In Bestmed’s own words (Bestmed Rhythm1 Product brochure 2027, p2): “You are looking for a benefit option that is suited to your income, you are comfortable to make use of a network of designated service providers and value a range of preventative care benefits and unlimited GP visits.”
How much does Rhythm1 cost in 2027?
From 1 January 2027 it depends on household income. In the lowest band, R1 866 a month for the main member; in the highest, R3 886.
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.
Does Rhythm1 pay for GP visits and day-to-day costs?
No. Rhythm1 is a hospital plan, so day-to-day costs are your own.
How many chronic conditions does Rhythm1 cover?
27, the conditions on the Chronic Disease List.
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?
Rhythm1 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.