Bestmed Rhythm2: 2027 contributions and benefits

At a glance

Plan type: Comprehensive plan
Hospitals: Network hospitals
Hospital and specialists: 100% of Scheme tariff
Day-to-day costs: Day-to-day benefits
Chronic conditions: 27 (Chronic Disease List)
Cancer: PMB level of care
Overall annual limit: None
Children you pay for: Up to 3
Children on the plan to age: 24
Priced by: Household income (3 bands)

Plan type: Comprehensive plan
Hospitals: Network hospitals
Hospital and specialists: 100% of Scheme tariff
Day-to-day costs: Day-to-day benefits
Chronic conditions: 27 (Chronic Disease List)
Cancer: PMB level of care
Children you pay for: Up to 3
Children on the plan to age: 23
Priced by: Household income (2 bands)

Monthly contributions

2027 rates take effect on 1 January 2027. You pay for up to 3 children.

Household income (2026)	Main member	Adult	Child
Income R0 - R5 500 pm	R2 747	R2 610	R1 653
Income R5 501 - R8 500 pm	R3 300	R3 000	R1 759
Income >R8,501	R3 516	R3 165	R1 759

Household income (2027)	Main member	Adult	Child
Income R0 - R5 500 pm	R3 214	R3 054	R1 882
>R5 501 pm	R3 762	R3 387	R1 882

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

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

Bestmed Rhythm2 2026 Product brochure, p4

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.

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, 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. Applicable per family per annum.

Bestmed Rhythm2 2026 Product brochure, p6

GP visits

Rhythm Network; 100% Scheme tariff; unlimited + specified minor trauma.

Bestmed Comparative Guide 2027, p48

Specialist visits

Specialist consultations (incl minor procedures in specialist rooms and consumables), referred by a Rhythm Network Provider; 100% Scheme tariff, limited to M = R1 822 / M1+ = R3 037; subject to the Rhythm Specialist DSP network.

Bestmed Rhythm2 2026 Product brochure, p6

Specialist visits

Rhythm Specialist Network referral; 100% Scheme tariff; M=R1 895 / M1+=R3 158.

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 Rhythm2 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 Rhythm2 protocols, Rhythm Dental Network Providers and Rhythm approved dental codes.

Bestmed Rhythm2 2026 Product brochure, p9

Basic dentistry

Rhythm Dental Network; 100% Scheme tariff; incl. dentures (1 set / 24 months).

Bestmed Comparative Guide 2027, p48

Eyes (optometry)

Benefits available every 24 months from date of service. Network Provider (PPN) • Consultation - One (1) per beneficiary. Frame = R310 covered AND 100% of cost of standard lenses (single vision OR bifocal OR multifocal) OR Contact lenses = R795 OR Non-network Provider • Consultation - R420 fee at non-network provider Frame = R233 AND Single vision lenses = R225 OR Bifocal lenses = R485 OR Multifocal lenses = R485 • In lieu of glasses members can opt for contact lenses, limite

Bestmed Rhythm2 2026 Product brochure, p9

Eyes (optometry)

24-month. PPN frame R340 / contacts R835; non-network frame R255.

Bestmed Comparative Guide 2027, p48

Basic X-rays

Out-of-hospital basic radiology: 100% Scheme tariff, subject to the Rhythm2 basic radiology list of codes, tariff protocols and MRP (Rhythm2 Radiology Manual).

Bestmed Rhythm2 2026 Product brochure, p6

Basic X-rays

Rhythm Network referral; 100% Scheme tariff; no Rand limit.

Bestmed Comparative Guide 2027, p48

Blood tests (pathology)

Out-of-hospital pathology: 100% Scheme tariff, subject to the Rhythm2 pathology list of codes, tariff protocols and MRP (Rhythm2 Pathology Manual).

Bestmed Rhythm2 2026 Product brochure, p6

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 Rhythm2, 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 at a designated service provider (DSP) hospital.

Bestmed Rhythm2 2026 Product brochure, p3

Biological medicine during hospitalisation

100% Scheme tariff. Limited to R18 215 per family per annum. Subject to pre-authorisation and funding guidelines.

Bestmed Rhythm2 2026 Product brochure, 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 Rhythm2 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 Rhythm2 2026 Product brochure, p4

Prosthesis – Internal

Sub-limits per beneficiary per annum: • *Functional R35 613. • Vascular R57 441. • Pacemaker (singular 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 Rhythm2 2026 Product brochure, p4

Internal prostheses

Joint replacement surgery (except for PMBs). PMBs subject to prosthesis limits: • Hip replacement and other major joints R34 107. • Knee and shoulder replacements R43 122. • Other minor joints R16 151. Functional nasal surgery and surgical procedures where CNS stimulators are used (e.g. epilepsy, Parkinson disease, etc.) will be excluded from benefits, except for PMB conditions.

Bestmed Rhythm2 2026 Product brochure, p4

Breast surgery for cancer

Treatment of the unaffected (non-cancerous) breast will be limited to PMB provisions and is subject to pre-authorisation and funding guidelines.

Bestmed Rhythm2 2026 Product brochure, p4

Surgical procedures and anaesthetics

100% Scheme tariff. Subject to pre-authorisation and DSP network. Excluded from benefits: functional nasal surgery, surgery for medical conditions, e.g. epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, etc., and procedures where stimulators are used.

Bestmed Rhythm2 2026 Product brochure, p4

Organ transplants

100% Scheme tariff (PMBs only).

Bestmed Rhythm2 2026 Product brochure, p4

MRI, CT and PET scans

100% Scheme tariff. Limited to a combined in- and out-of-hospital benefit of R18 828 per family per annum. PET scans - PMB only. Subject to benefit confirmation and reference number received from the Contact Centre.

Bestmed Rhythm2 2026 Product brochure, p5

Birth (in hospital)

100% Scheme tariff.

Bestmed Rhythm2 2026 Product brochure, p5

Oncology

100% Scheme tariff, subject to pre-authorisation, designated or preferred service providers and protocols. Essential ICON protocols apply.

Bestmed Rhythm2 2026 Product brochure, p5

Peritoneal dialysis and haemodialysis

100% Scheme tariff. Subject to pre-authorisation, protocols and DSP.

Bestmed Rhythm2 2026 Product brochure, p5

Planned PMB procedures

Approved PMBs at DSPs.

Bestmed Rhythm2 2026 Product brochure, p5

HIV/AIDS

Subject to pre-authorisation, protocols and DSP.

Bestmed Rhythm2 2026 Product brochure, p5

Step-down and sub-acute care

100% Scheme tariff.

Bestmed Rhythm2 2026 Product brochure, p5

Advanced illness benefit

100% Scheme tariff, limited to R72 858 per beneficiary per annum. Subject to available benefit, pre-authorisation and treatment plan.

Bestmed Rhythm2 2026 Product brochure, 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 t

Bestmed Rhythm2 2026 Product brochure, p5

Co-payments

Non-DSP hospital co-payment: Co-payment of R15 025 per event for voluntary use of a non-DSP hospital.

Bestmed Rhythm2 2026 Product brochure, p5

Oncology

100% Scheme tariff, subject to pre-authorisation, designated or preferred service providers and protocols. Essential ICON protocols apply.

Bestmed Rhythm2 2026 Product brochure, p7

Travel cover

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

Bestmed Rhythm2 2026 Product brochure, 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

Approved PMBs at DSPs.

Bestmed Rhythm2 2026 Product brochure, p4

Orthopaedic and medical appliances

100% Scheme tariff. Limited to R8 264 per family per annum.

Bestmed Rhythm2 2026 Product brochure, p4

Blood tests (pathology)

Out-of-hospital pathology: 100% Scheme tariff, subject to the Rhythm2 pathology list of codes, tariff protocols and MRP (Rhythm2 Pathology Manual).

Bestmed Rhythm2 2026 Product brochure, p6

Basic X-rays

Out-of-hospital basic radiology: 100% Scheme tariff, subject to the Rhythm2 basic radiology list of codes, tariff protocols and MRP (Rhythm2 Radiology Manual).

Bestmed Rhythm2 2026 Product brochure, p6

Dental and oral surgery (in or out of hospital)

Approved PMBs at DSPs.

Bestmed Rhythm2 2026 Product brochure, p4

Supplementary services

100% Scheme tariff.

Bestmed Rhythm2 2026 Product brochure, p5

GP consultations

Unlimited GP consultations. Subject to Rhythm GP network. Applicable per family per annum.

Bestmed Rhythm2 2026 Product brochure, p6

Out-of-network and casualty visits

Out-of-network visits to a GP and casualty visits are limited to a maximum of R1 802 per family per year. Basic radiology and pathology that falls within the benefit schedule, as well as medicine, when received as a result of the casualty visit will be paid from the out-of-network and casualty visits limit. Once limit has been reached the costs will be for the member’s own account. • You will be required to pay for all treatment received at the point of service. The cost of t

Bestmed Rhythm2 2026 Product brochure, p7

Physiotherapy and other therapists

Approved PMB services only.

Bestmed Rhythm2 2026 Product brochure, p7

Optometry

Bestmed Rhythm2 2026 Product brochure, p9

Basic dentistry

Where clinically appropriate and subject to Rhythm2 protocols, Rhythm Dental Network Providers and Rhythm approved dental codes.

Bestmed Rhythm2 2026 Product brochure, p9

CDL and PMB chronic medicine

100% Scheme tariff. 30% co-payment for non-formulary medicine at a preferred provider network pharmacy.

Bestmed Rhythm2 2026 Product brochure, p10

Other high-cost medicine

PMBs only.

Bestmed Rhythm2 2026 Product brochure, p10

Over-the-counter (OTC) medicine

100% Scheme tariff. Limited to R366 per family per annum and to R122 per event.

Bestmed Rhythm2 2026 Product brochure, p10

MRI, CT and PET scans

Bestmed Rhythm2 2026 Product brochure, p5

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

Maternity care (out of hospital)

100% Scheme tariff.

Bestmed Rhythm2 2026 Product brochure, p5

Procedures in the doctor’s rooms

100% Scheme tariff.

Bestmed Rhythm2 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 Rhythm2 2026 Product brochure, p6

Contraceptives

Not covered. Contraceptives not on the option

Bestmed Annexure C - General Exclusions 2026, p3

Specialist visits

Bestmed Rhythm2 2026 Product brochure, p6

Screening and prevention

Back and neck preventative programme

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

Bestmed Rhythm2 2026 Product brochure, p7

Flu vaccines

All ages. 1 per beneficiary per year. At a Rhythm Network GP or preferred provider network pharmacy. Subject to Rhythm2 protocols and where clinically necessary.

Bestmed Rhythm2 2026 Product brochure, p12

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 Rhythm2 2026 Product brochure, p12

Mammogram

Females 40 years and older. Once every 24 months. Must be referred by Rhythm Network GP or Rhythm Specialist DSP.

Bestmed Rhythm2 2026 Product brochure, p12

HIV rapid test

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

Bestmed Rhythm2 2026 Product brochure, p12

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 Rhythm2 2026 Product brochure, p13

Baby growth and development assessments

0-2 years. 3 assessments per year. Assessments are done at a preferred provider network pharmacy clinic.

Bestmed Rhythm2 2026 Product brochure, 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 Rhythm2 2026 Product brochure, p3

Not covered on this option

No benefit for

Auxiliary services, Chronic medicine (other conditions), Hearing aids, 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:

Bestmed’s 2026 documents name no chronic conditions beyond the Chronic Disease List on Rhythm2.

Questions about Rhythm2

Answered from Bestmed’s documents.

Who is Rhythm2 for?

In Bestmed’s own words (Bestmed Rhythm2 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 family practitioner visits.”

How much does Rhythm2 cost in 2027?

From 1 January 2027 it depends on household income. In the lowest band, R3 214 a month for the main member; in the highest, R3 762.

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 Rhythm2 pay for GP visits and day-to-day costs?

It has day-to-day benefits; the fact sheet above lists what we hold.

How many chronic conditions does Rhythm2 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?

Rhythm2 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.