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Build the career you’ve always dreamed of, with a company that’s Personally Yours. Choosing the right career is one of the most important steps toward becoming the person you’ve always envisioned. At Bestmed, we believe your work should inspire you, challenge you and help you grow, both professionally and personally. At Bestmed, our people are more than employees; they’re our Heartbeats.
Bestmed is a non-profit, mutual, self-administered medical scheme registered with the Council for Medical Schemes. We have been providing healthcare to the lives of South Africans for over 60 years. We are the largest self-administered scheme and the fourth largest open medical scheme in South Africa.
Bestmed strives to be an employer of choice by:
Bestmed has an excellent track record within the medical scheme industry:
At Bestmed, our Heartbeats (employees) are the core of a healthy organisation that grows by keeping the quality of lives of our beneficiaries as the guiding light.
Our Heartbeats keep our family values at the heart of every partnership, whether internal (YOU) or external.
Bestmed is the largest self-administered medical scheme in South Africa.
How are we committed to our “Personally Yours” promise? Four of Bestmed’s options were selected as the best performers within the South African medical scheme market (2018 GTC Medical Aid Survey). Bestmed was also voted third on the Client Service Satisfaction benchmark by the Ask Afrika Orange Index® 2019.
In 2020, Bestmed performed best in the medical industry, with regard to Perceived Quality, Perceived Value, Overall Customer Service Index, and Customer Loyalty, and ranked second in Customer Expectations in the South African Customer Service Index (SA-csi). We are also humbled that Bestmed received the lowest number of complaints in the industry in 2020.
Bestmed takes an active role in addressing social, cultural and environmental issues in the communities we serve. We follow a strict governance process in providing support to these communities to ensure that beneficiaries’ funds are appropriately allocated.
We are involved in many CSI initiatives such as Partners for Possibility (PfP), the flagship programme of Symphonia for South Africa (SSA). This unique programme partners business leaders with principals from under-resourced schools in a year-long, collaborative and very practical journey.
One of our recent initiatives, in addition to our involvement with PfP, included Bestmed’s Heartbeats generously contributing their valuable leave days to a COVID-19 relief fund to help those less privileged. Bestmed also donated much needed food and sanitising supplies, three-layer masks and high-quality cloth pads to underprivileged communities during lockdown, as well as a cash donation towards the Unisa Foundation to purchase laptops that will enable students to access digital study material and write exams remotely, ensuring their safety during the COVID-19 pandemic.
At Bestmed, we live our four core brand values daily – to be mutual, seamless, principled and passionate. These values are visible in the way we place people above our net healthcare result, providing a seamless service to our beneficiaries.At Bestmed, we live our four core brand values daily – to be mutual, seamless, principled and passionate. These values are visible in the way we place people above our net healthcare result, providing a seamless service to our beneficiaries.
We treat everyone with warmth, care, openness and loyalty. We are passionate about what we do.
We are pleased that our Heartbeats have industry competitive salaries, benefits, incentives and non-cash compensation.
Our benefits include a higher-than-normal quota of annual leave days, a wide range of pension options, long-service leave and medical aid benefits. When the Scheme and its Heartbeats perform exceptionally well, we also have two discretionary performance bonuses per year.
Our incentive programme, Pacesetter, creates energy, fun and encourages the right behaviour.
We also show that we care via our outstanding employee wellbeing programme that includes access to gym facilities, sponsored access to counselling services, care packages, subsidised healthy meals, Pilates classes and a lunchtime walking club.
Bestmed is committed to the development of our Heartbeats and will actively support YOU to reach your full potential.
Bestmed encourages life-long learning and development. We offer benefits for further studies, such as bursaries and interest-free loans to facilitate formal learning. We also invest in on-the-job training, seminars, courses and formal training programmes. Online learning is also offered to assist Heartbeats to expand their knowledge and expertise.
Bestmed also offers financial assistance to Heartbeats who need to be professionally certified and/or maintain their certification.
Bestmed believes that by building their skills pools, the more competitive South Africa will be globally. We, therefore, implement successful learnerships and internships that often result in creating employment for the participants.
Bestmed identifies and develops talent to optimise effective leadership at all levels to meet the demands of the modern workplace. Our Leadership Development Programme is future focused. We expand our succession planning programme throughout the Scheme and institute target-driven skills development for all identified talent. We also encourage and develop strategic thinking across all levels of the Scheme.
Innovation fuels our future, driving us to exceed our beneficiaries’ expectations continuously. At Bestmed, YOU have the opportunity to introduce new perspectives and methods to create a better experience for all.
Bestmed is always looking for ways in which we can use technology to make life easier for all our stakeholders. A new age administration platform (BIT – Beat Inspired Technology) mobile app for our beneficiaries, an award-winning Talent system (Beatzone) and digital self-help channels are only a few examples of technological innovations that Bestmed has made available.
We know that our Heartbeats are our best source of new and workable ideas. We, therefore, encourage a constant flow of new ideas on Beatzone.
We also know that it helps to work with others. We give our Heartbeats the space to help others and work in other departments to get a sense of what others need to work better. Employees regularly share their ideas in an effort to help the Scheme shape the industry.
At Bestmed, everyone plays for the team. We support each other as the Bestmed family. Our culture of inclusiveness, diversity, accountability, transparency, friendliness and honesty unites and cheers us on every day.
Employee morale at Bestmed exceeds the South African benchmark, according to the findings of a study conducted by Afriforte and the North West University (NWU) WorkWell Research Unit in 2020. All Heartbeats can voice their opinions without fear. When obstacles arise, we overcome them with authenticity.
We run regular cross-departmental team-building events to encourage, improve and cement collaboration at Bestmed.
Afriforte and the NWU WorkWell Research Unit found in their 2020 study that “the Bestmed work environment is optimised and highly supportive for people optimisation and high performance.” This excellent result reflects good internal corporate governance and due diligence. Our leaders keep us informed and regularly acknowledge Heartbeats’ contribution to Bestmed’s success.
In addition to good leadership, every Heartbeat displays the five core behaviours that are recognised and rewarded at Bestmed:
Whether it is our beneficiaries or our Heartbeats, we put people first. As an inclusive workplace, we value diversity in all its forms and create an environment where, no matter what your background, you should feel empowered to bring your full, authentic self to work.
We respect the diverse and unique voices of our Heartbeats and celebrate them in a myriad of ways. For example, we host fun days, year-end functions and recognition ceremonies, but we also remember birthdays, celebrate important moments with our Heartbeats and provide care during difficult times.
Bestmed provides YOU with the flexibility to create your own work-life balance.
Flexibility drives our benefits and way of work, from workplace to work schedules.
Flexible scheduling options are available for many positions at Bestmed. All Heartbeats also receive two paid hours off every month, with the flexibility to collect those hours and transform them into a day off without impacting on your already above-norm leave days available. We also have shorter workdays (7.5 work hours).
Certain roles have the option to work from home. Bestmed’s offices are also well-located for those working from the office, cutting down on travel time and increasing work-life balance.
Bestmed makes it easy for Heartbeats to complete their benefits administration, leave applications, travel claims and more via our cutting-edge Talent system, Beatzone.
We offer a wide choice of pension and medical aid options and the option to structure your TGP to include a 13th cheque. Our package simulator makes it easier for our Heartbeats to choose the best options for them.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging at Bestmed focuses on enabling a culture where all our Heartbeats are treated fairly and with respect.
With strong compliance to the Employment Equity Act as aspect, this is also underpinned by a focus on having a diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace environment where every Heartbeat feels that they belong.
Conscious Conversations is an initiative which aims to help foster an environment where our Heartbeats may broaden their awareness of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) through open and constructive dialogue.
Conscious Conversations is a platform where all Heartbeats can engage in meaningful, empowering, and constructive dialogue about DEIB topics.
The Disability Community at Bestmed is a community within the workplace that can serve a multitude of vital purposes, contributing to a more inclusive and supportive environment for all our Heartbeats. The purpose of this Community includes some of the following supportive elements:
Creating a Safe Space:
Sharing Practical Advice:
Bestmed’s Executive Management team is the driving force behind the Scheme’s business strategy and long-term goals. Our Executives uphold policies, regulations and ethical standards to ensure governance and compliance. They also oversee operations, monitor results and ensure delivery on objectives to drive performance.
The Executive Management team is also responsible for:
The Secretariat Support team is the backbone of Bestmed’s teams’ functions. These dedicated Heartbeats have exceptional organisational skills and a sharp eye for detail. The team assists with:
Finance
Bestmed’s Finance Department doesn’t just count coins and hold the Scheme’s purse strings. The department is the foundation of Bestmed’s financial operations, compliance and reporting. These Heartbeats are responsible for debtors, creditors, advisor management and commission, payments, interfaces, investments, budgets and variance analyses, internal and external reporting (monthly and quarterly), SARS submissions, and reconciliations.
Procurement, Facilities, and Occupational Health and Safety (OHS)
The Procurement team at Bestmed assists in the process of finding, negotiating terms and acquiring goods or services from an external source. This is often via a tendering or competitive bidding process. The team also ensures compliance with the Scheme’s Procurement Policy.
The Facilities team liaise with the landlords to assist with maintaining Bestmed's offices. This ensures a healthy and safe working environment for all Heartbeats. The team also assists with the coordination of office moves, routine and scheduled maintenance, as well as repairs and renovations when required.
The Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) team ensures that Bestmed is compliant with the Labour Department’s requirements for Health and Safety as per the OHS Act 85 of 1993. This entails maintaining a safe and healthy work environment, as well as educating Heartbeats on health and safety at work, including evacuation drills. The team also attends to any incidents reported on-site and, in turn, reports on such incidents. These Heartbeats can also provide first aid when required to all Heartbeats or visitors on-site.
The Information Technology (IT) Department is the engine room that ensure seamless technological processes to support Bestmed’s productivity levels. The department develops and supports IT applications, provides desktop and mobile support to Heartbeats, and manages IT infrastructure, cyber security, IT governance, and the facilities and data centre.
The Internal Audit Department provides independent, risk-based and objective assurance, advice, insight and foresight to the Audit Committee and Management to help strengthen Bestmed’s ability to create, protect and sustain value. Internal Audit also:
The Legal, Risk and Governance (LRG) Department plays a pivotal role in ensuring the integrity, sustainability and compliance of Bestmed. The department helps Bestmed navigate the South African medical schemes regulatory landscape, which includes the Medical Schemes Act (MSA), Financial Advisory and Intermediary Services (FAIS) Act, and the King IV Code on Corporate Governance.
LRG also ensures that Bestmed operates within a robust governance framework, enabling informed decision-making, protecting member interests and enhancing organisational resilience. Through proactive legal and risk oversight, as well as diligent fraud, waste and abuse (FWA) investigations, the department contributes to Bestmed’s long-term sustainability and reputation in the medical schemes industry.
As a shared services department, their role is to support all departments by ensuring that the Scheme operates within the bounds of South African law, manages risks proactively and adheres to sound governance principles.
Advisory, Risk and Quality Management
The Advisory, Risk and Quality Management Department plays a critical role within Managed Healthcare to ensure Scheme compliance and to mitigate fraudulent activities. The team is involved in the medical underwriting of Scheme members, non-disclosure investigations and clinical (medical and dental) advice to stakeholders.
Disease Management
The Disease Management Department manages and supports members, who are registered on our Managed Care programmes, through evidence-based, integrated care that improves health outcomes and ensures the Scheme’s long-term sustainability.
Managed Care programmes include Oncology care, HIV/AIDS care, Dialysis care, Back and neck programme, Alcohol and substance abuse care, Wound care, Stoma care, and Maternity care. Disease Management also facilities the annual flu vaccine and pneumonia high-risk programmes.
Hospital Benefit Management
Hospital Benefit Management (HBM) manages access to hospital-based healthcare services. The department ensures that all authorised hospital admissions, procedures and treatments are clinically appropriate, cost-effective and aligned with the Scheme rules, benefit structures and funding policies. The HBM team also:
Pharmaceutical Benefit Management and Prescribed Minimum Benefits
As part of the Managed Healthcare team, the Pharmaceutical Benefit Management (PBM) and Prescribed Minimum Benefits (PMB) Department ensures that all Bestmed members have access to cost effective and clinically appropriate medicine for the treatment of their PMB (and non-PMB) conditions, as well as out-of-hospital sservices related to a PMB diagnosis.
Service Providers
The Service Providers Department connects Bestmed members to network healthcare providers. The team manages Designated Service Provider (DSP) networks for Prescribed Minimum Benefit (PMB) coverage, negotiates tariffs to contain costs, acts as a liaison to resolve claims enquiries and educates providers on billing protocols to ensure access, cost-efficiency and quality care for our members.
Advisor Sales Channel
The Advisor Sales Channel team works hard to build trust and rapport with Bestmed’s advisor community. Our Business Consultants go the extra mile to make sure that advisors are equipped with the information they need to assist our members and potential members to choose a benefit option that will best suit their healthcare needs .
They also assist advisors with the initial member enrolment and onboarding process, as well as with member transitions to other benefit options, should their healthcare needs change.
The team also helps advisors with members’ claims and billing issues, and keeps our advisor community up to date with regulatory and policy changes, which may impact coverage options or benefits.
Corporate Relations
Corporate Relations serves as the bridge between Bestmed and its corporate partners. They manage relationships, drive engagement, and ensure that employers and members receive proactive, consistent and tailored support.
Their role goes beyond service. They listen, advise, collaborate and align organisational goals with the needs of our clients and members.
Direct Sales
The Direct Sales Department is responsible for individual new member acquisition for the Scheme and contributing to a positive net membership growth each year. Our Direct Sales Consultants recommend suitable benefit options to each potential member based on their and their dependants’ budget and healthcare needs.
Marketing and Communication
Bestmed’s Marketing and Communication Department is the heart of the brand. This dynamic team creates content, campaigns and experiences that promote the Scheme’s Personally Yours promise to all internal and external stakeholders. Creativity and relatability, alongside consistency of our corporate identity, are focal points to ensure the delivery of excellence and the placement of Bestmed as the medical scheme of choice.
Member Relations and Wellness
Member Relations and Wellness are committed to supporting all stakeholders by promoting their physical health, emotional well-being and understanding of available benefits.
The Tempo team delivers a comprehensive range of wellness services to corporate groups, individual members and advisors. We design and implement tailored wellness programmes that support Corporate Relations to achieve both member retention and acquisition objectives.
Additionally, monthly Tempo Wellness Webinars are aimed at informing and educating members on preventative care benefits, while fostering greater awareness of how to lead healthier and more meaningful lives.
The Member Relations team is responsible for educating members on their benefit options to ensure that new members clearly understand our Scheme Rules, processes and general information. The team provides a seamless onboarding experience, helping members make informed decisions that align with their health and financial needs.
Furthermore, the Member Experience team undertakes ad hoc business-driven projects to inform, update and educate members on any changes that may directly impact them. All escalations are handled with professionalism and care. They consistently go the extra mile to deliver a personalised and positive member experience.
Claims
The Claims Department is a dedicated team that specialises in accurate and timely assessments of members’ and providers’ claims. The team plays a critical role in upholding Bestmed’s commitment to quality and same-day claim assessments. Through close collaboration with other departments and a focus on thorough review processes, and precise rule and tariff loading, they help safeguard Bestmed’s financial sustainability and ensure that every claim is processed with integrity and excellence.
Client Services
Client Services places our members’ needs first in all aspects of business. The team engages with our members via various IT-telephony platforms that allow us to provide optimum service and customer satisfaction. Besides telephone, email and Live Chat query resolutions, Client Services is responsible for:
Our support units also assist advisors, as well as with quotations, and dental, Prescribed Minimum Benefit (PMB) and chronic medicine queries.
Membership Corporate Business
The Membership Corporate Business Department plays a crucial role in administration related to Bestmed’s corporate members, including:
Membership Individual Business
The administration of our individual members is safe in the hands of our Membership Individual Business Department. We are responsible for:
Membership New Business and Underwriting
The Membership New Business and Underwriting Department is the touch point for all new member administration. Our responsibilities include:
The Talent Team is the cornerstone of Bestmed’s healthy work environment and high-performance culture. This dynamic department:
Bestmed has a well-defined corporate social investment (CSI) and sponsorships framework. The main intent of our initiatives is to benefit previously disadvantaged members of society in a Personally Yours, impactful and sustainable manner.
The initiatives help us to achieve our objective of being a good corporate citizen and reflect the Scheme’s understanding of how continuous growth and development help to build healthy, resilient communities in South Africa.
Where possible, Bestmed’s employees, fondly referred to as Heartbeats, also are encouraged to collaborate in our initiatives. It is important for the Scheme to nurture an organisational culture of caring.
We support the educational growth of our employees through bursaries, helping you pursue further studies relevant to your career. This initiative provides the financial backing needed to advance your skills while contributing to the Scheme’s success.
Our internship programs offer hands-on experience in a professional environment, allowing you to apply academic knowledge to real-world projects. They provide an excellent opportunity to learn, grow, and explore potential career paths within the Scheme.
Learnerships combine structured learning with practical work experience, equipping you with the skills and qualifications needed for career advancement. Learners gain valuable on-the-job experience while earning recognized credentials.
We offer a range of internal training programs designed to enhance your skills and knowledge within the Scheme. These sessions focus on practical, role-specific learning to help you excel in your current role and prepare for future opportunities.
Our eLearning platform provides flexible, on-demand courses to fit your schedule and development needs. You can access a wide variety of courses, from soft skills to Scheme-specific training, to continuously build your expertise.
We invest in external training programs to give employees access to the latest industry knowledge and best practices. This enables you to expand your expertise and bring fresh insights back to the Scheme.
We cover professional membership fees and support Continuous Professional Development (CPD) to help you maintain your credentials. This ensures you remain professionally competitive and equipped for ongoing growth.
The following is an outline of our process and tips on how to best showcase your talent and experience.
