Bestmed Medical Aid 2026: Benefit and Contribution Changes
- Albert Johnson
- 6 days ago
- 2 min read
Bestmed Medical aid has released its 2026 medical aid benefit changes, with updates designed to improve member value while keeping healthcare cover sustainable. If you’re a Bestmed Medical aid member, or considering joining, here’s a breakdown of what’s new and how it could affect your medical aid in South Africa.
Contribution Increases for 2026
Average contribution increase: 6.8%
Benefit and sub-limit increases: 4.6%
Child dependents: Recognized up to age 24, with only three children charged. Any additional children are covered at no extra cost. (on most options)
Updated In-Hospital Benefits
Bestmed Medical Scheme has introduced several important changes to its in-hospital cover:
Increased take-home medicine benefit at retail pharmacies across all options.
Cover for adenoidectomy procedures with tonsillectomy added to Rhythm1.
Enhanced benefits for cochlear implants and bone-anchored hearing aids on Beat4 and the Pace range.
New R100,000 benefit for medically necessary breast reduction surgery on Pace3 and Pace4.
Shoulder replacements now included in a combined shoulder-and-knee replacement benefit for greater financial protection.
Stronger Preventative Care Benefits
Preventative care remains a key focus in 2026, with new and expanded benefits across all options:
Female contraceptives: A separate IUD benefit introduced across all plans.
Colon cancer screening: Faecal occult blood test (FOBT) every 24 months for members aged 40+.
HIV rapid test: Available once every 12 months at designated service provider (DSP) pharmacies.
Prostate screening (PSA): Qualifying age lowered from 50 to 45, available every 24 months. Now included on all options, including Beat1 and Rhythm1.
Why These Bestmed Medical Aid 2026 Changes Matter
The updates to Bestmed Medical Aid 2026 options reflect a balance between affordability and healthcare trends in South Africa. Members will benefit from:
Improved access to preventative screening.
Enhanced hospital benefits for high-cost procedures.
Contributions that remain competitive despite rising medical inflation.
Bestmed’s 2026 benefit changes aim to keep healthcare cover both affordable and relevant. By expanding preventative care, increasing in-hospital support, and moderating contribution increases, Bestmed continues its commitment to supporting South African families with reliable medical aid.
If you’d like to review your medical aid options for 2026 or explore which Bestmed Medical Scheme Option best suits your needs, get in touch with us today.
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