Our website is best
viewed in portrait

Bestmed has proudly launched our 2026 healthcare benefits, reinforcing our commitment to providing affordable, member-first healthcare through our Personally Yours promise.

Despite the ongoing economic challenges South Africa faces and rising medical costs, Bestmed continues to stand out in South Africa’s healthcare landscape. The Scheme has achieved six consecutive years of positive membership growth, making us the only top open medical scheme in the country to do so. 

Over the past five years, Bestmed’s principal membership has grown by 28.1%. We are honoured by the continued trust you place in us.

“Healthcare inflation remains one of the biggest challenges facing households,” says Bestmed CEO and Principal Officer, Leo Dlamini. “Our responsibility is to protect the depth of our benefits while ensuring contributions remain competitive. For 2026, we’re not only maintaining our benefits — we’re expanding them to include even more preventative care.”

An even stronger focus on prevention
Preventative care remains at the heart of our approach, with several new and enhanced benefits rolling out in 2026. 

• Colon cancer screening (faecal occult test) – introduced across all benefit options.
• HIV rapid test – now available on all options as a preventative care benefit.
• Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screening – the eligible age has been reduced from 50 to 45 years, and the benefit now extends to Beat1 and Rhythm1 members. Intrauterine device (IUD) – a new, separate benefit under female contraceptives across all options.

The Tempo wellness programme is the embodiment of our preventative care efforts and Personally Yours promise. All Bestmed members and their dependants (16 years and older) also have access to Tempo benefits at no additional cost. Tempo is available to all members, regardless of your selected benefit option.

• Increased take-home medicine allowance at retail pharmacies (increased from R450 to R700).
• Added adenoidectomy cover (with tonsillectomy) on Rhythm1.
• Higher limits for cochlear implants and bone-anchored hearing aids on Beat4 and the Pace range.
• Combined shoulder and knee replacement benefit, offering greater flexibility and higher cover for shoulder prostheses.
• Expanded breast reduction surgery cover to Pace3, with an all-inclusive benefit of R100 000 on both Pace3 and Pace4.

Meeting growing healthcare needs
Bestmed processed nearly 34 million claims in 2024, paying out R7.8 billion to our members. From January to July 2025 alone, claims totalled R5 billion, a reflection of the rising complexity of members’ healthcare needs.

Hospital costs continue to represent the largest share of claims (43%), followed by medicines and specialists (16% each). Diagnostic testing and pathology now account for 7% of claims, while breast and prostate cancers remain the most prevalent.

“Longer hospital stays, increased testing, mental health needs and rising administrative costs are all influencing the cost of healthcare,” added Dlamini. “Our figures reflect the reality of these challenges, and we’re adapting to ensure our members continue receiving the care they deserve.”

Sustainable growth and digital innovation
Our sustained growth is supported by strong financial fundamentals and a clear focus on service improvement. Investments include upgrades to its online Advisor Portal, enhanced Call Centre systems, and smart automation to streamline member support.

“As we grow, we’re investing in the right systems, training, and service infrastructure to ensure our members continue experiencing the high standard of care they expect from us,” Dlamini adds.

Keeping contributions competitive
For 2026, the Scheme will implement an average weighted contribution increase of 6.8%, with some options rising by as little as 5.1%. This is a clear signal that affordability remains central to the Scheme’s strategy.

“Our members place both their health and financial wellbeing in our hands,” concludes Dlamini. “We take that trust seriously. Every year, we strive to grow sustainably, enhance our benefits, and deliver on our Personally Yours promise.”

All proposed benefit changes and contribution adjustments are subject to approval by the Council for Medical Schemes (CMS).

About Bestmed Medical Scheme
Bestmed Medical Scheme is South Africa’s largest self-administered medical scheme, offering 14 benefit options designed to meet the needs of diverse members. With over 21 300 network-contracted healthcare providers nationwide, Bestmed continues to live up to its Personally Yours philosophy.
Learn more at www.bestmed.co.za.