BestMed is one of South Africa’s leading medical schemes, offering a range of medical aid plans designed to cater to different healthcare needs. Whether you are a young professional, a growing family, or someone with specific medical needs, BestMed has a plan that suits your requirements. This article delves into the 2024 BestMed medical aid plans, highlighting the key features, benefits, and updates, ensuring that you make an informed decision when selecting your medical aid provider.
Overview of BestMed’s Offerings
BestMed offers a variety of medical aid plans, each tailored to different stages of life and healthcare needs. The monthly contributions range from R1,307.00 to R9,411.00, providing flexibility for individuals and families across various income brackets. Dependents, including children and adults, can also be added to these plans, with fees reflecting the main member’s chosen plan.
In 2024, BestMed continues to provide robust coverage that includes in-hospital and out-of-hospital emergencies. Members benefit from a comprehensive range of services, including:
- Oncology Benefits
- Radiology Benefits
- Medicines and Chronic Benefits
- HIV and AIDS Support
- Diabetes Management
- Maternity Care
- Back and Neck Care
- Emergency Services
With these extensive offerings, BestMed remains a top choice for South Africans seeking reliable and comprehensive medical coverage.
BestMed 2024 Plan Options
BestMed has organized its plans into four categories: Network Plans, Savings Plans, Comprehensive Plans, and Hospital Plans. Each category is designed to meet specific healthcare needs, ensuring that members can find a plan that suits their lifestyle and medical requirements.
1. Network Plans
The Network Plans are ideal for young professionals or couples who have savings in place and are looking for affordable medical aid options.
- Rhythm 1 Plan:
- Contributions: R1,307.00 to R2,723.00
- Dependent Fees: R539.00 to R1,410.00
- Key Benefits: Hospital and emergency care, day-to-day benefits, medicines, preventative care, and maternity benefits.
- This plan is designed for young professionals with limited medical needs but who want basic coverage in case of emergencies.
- Rhythm 2 Plan:
- Contributions: R1,917.00 to R2,763.00
- Dependent Fees: R1,154.00 to R1,382.00
- Key Benefits: Similar to Rhythm 1 but with more extensive coverage, making it suitable for those who need a bit more day-to-day medical care.
2. Savings Plans
The Savings Plans are geared towards individuals or families who want comprehensive in-hospital coverage combined with a medical savings account for day-to-day expenses.
- Beat 2 Plan:
- Contributions: R2,323.00 (principal member), R1,804.00 (adult dependents), R978.00 (child dependents)
- Key Benefits: Extensive hospital cover, savings account for day-to-day expenses, dentist services, and more.
- Beat 2 Network Plan:
- Contributions: R2,090.00 (principal member), R1,624.00 (adult dependents), R879.00 (child dependents)
- Key Benefits: Similar to Beat 2 but with a designated network of hospitals, offering slightly lower premiums.
- Beat 3 Plan:
- Contributions: R3,400.00 (principal member), R2,425.00 (adult dependents), R1,200.00 (child dependents)
- Key Benefits: Comprehensive in-hospital coverage, maternity benefits, and a savings account for day-to-day expenses.
- Beat 3 Network Plan:
- Contributions: R3,060.00 (principal member), R2,183.00 (adult dependents), R1,080.00 (child dependents)
- Key Benefits: Similar to Beat 3 but with a hospital network, making it more affordable.
3. Comprehensive Plans
The Comprehensive Plans are designed for individuals or families with more extensive healthcare needs, including chronic conditions.
- Beat 4 Plan:
- Contributions: R5,513.00 (principal member), R4,553.00 (adult dependents), R1,362.00 (child dependents)
- Key Benefits: Extensive hospital cover, oncology services, and chronic benefits, suitable for families with specific healthcare needs.
- Pace 1 Plan:
- Contributions: R4,620.00 (principal member), R3,245.00 (adult dependents), R1,166.00 (child dependents)
- Key Benefits: Comprehensive hospital cover, extensive day-to-day benefits, and savings for out-of-hospital services.
- Pace 2 Plan:
- Contributions: R6,562.00 (principal member), R6,425.00 (adult dependents), R1,447.00 (child dependents)
- Key Benefits: Comprehensive cover, freedom of choice for hospitals and doctors, and structured payments for both in-hospital and out-of-hospital services.
- Pace 3 Plan:
- Contributions: R7,534.00 (principal member), R6,065.00 (adult dependents), R1,296.00 (child dependents)
- Key Benefits: Extensive chronic benefits, no co-payments, and excellent hospital cover, making it ideal for mature families with diverse healthcare needs.
- Pace 4 Plan:
- Contributions: R9,411.00 (principal member and adult dependents), R2,205.00 (child dependents)
- Key Benefits: The most comprehensive plan, offering maximum cover for hospital expenses and extensive day-to-day benefits, ideal for families with high medical costs.
4. Hospital Plans
The Hospital Plans are tailored for individuals who primarily need in-hospital coverage with some preventative care benefits.
- Beat 1 Plan:
- Contributions: R1,710.00 (principal member), R1,329.00 (adult dependents), R720.00 (child dependents)
- Key Benefits: Primary healthcare services, private hospital cover, and preventative care, with no limit on the number of child dependents.
Key Updates for 2024
BestMed has introduced several updates and enhancements to its offerings for 2024, ensuring that members receive even better value and service. Some of the key updates include:
- BEAT3 Plus: This new plan offers a 25% annual savings account, comprehensive cover for both in-hospital and out-of-hospital care, and unutilized savings that carry over to the next year with interest.
- Turbocharged Tempo Wellness Programme: BestMed’s Tempo wellness programme has been enhanced, allowing members to complete their health and emotional wellbeing assessments online. The programme remains free for all BestMed members.
- Extended Child Dependent Coverage: BestMed now allows child dependents to remain on the plan at child rates until the age of 24, and for registered students, until the age of 26. This extension provides greater flexibility for families with older children.
Advantages and Disadvantages of BestMed Medical Plans
Advantages:
- Affordable premiums across various plans.
- Flexibility to add dependents at reasonable rates.
- Comprehensive day-to-day and in-hospital benefits.
- Strong chronic and oncology support.
- Long-standing reputation for reliability and consistency.
Disadvantages:
- Lack of a dedicated plan for young students.
- No rewards programme to incentivize healthy living.
Conclusion
BestMed continues to stand out as a reliable and comprehensive medical aid provider in South Africa. With a wide range of plans tailored to different needs and life stages, extensive benefits, and ongoing improvements for 2024, BestMed remains a strong choice for those seeking robust medical coverage. Whether you’re a young professional, a growing family, or someone with specific healthcare needs, BestMed has a plan that can meet your requirements, providing peace of mind and quality healthcare coverage.