Quick summary
- Monthly contributions from R2,368
- Unlimited network GP visits
- Comprehensive hospital cover
- Day-to-day benefits included
- No savings account to manage
Can you afford comprehensive medical aid? Use our free budget calculator to see how Rhythm2 fits into your monthly expenses – and take control of your financial life.
What is the Bestmed Rhythm2 plan?
Bestmed Rhythm2 is a network medical aid plan for younger, healthier members. It offers unlimited hospitalisation coverage and consultations with family practitioners and specialists, with specified out-of-hospital benefits.
The Rhythm options are ideal for you if you are seeking an income-based option, are comfortable with using Designated Service Providers (DSPs) within the Rhythm network, and are looking for unlimited primary healthcare and hospital cover.
Whether you're a young professional, starting a family, or simply want comprehensive medical cover with straightforward benefits, Rhythm2 provides the protection you need through a carefully selected network of quality healthcare providers – all without the hassle of managing a medical savings account.
How does the Bestmed Rhythm2 plan work?
The Bestmed Rhythm network covers most out-of-hospital services. However, members are still required to go to a DSP. Some preventative care benefits are available from the scheme risk benefit, and benefits relating to conditions that meet the criteria for Prescribed Minimum Benefits (PMBs) are covered.
The Rhythm network model explained
- Hospital network: Mediclinic (MC) hospitals. In areas where there are no National Hospital Network (NHN) or MC hospitals, DSP hospitals apply.
- GP access: Unlimited GP consultations, subject to the Rhythm GP network.
- Specialist consultations: The Bestmed Rhythm GP will refer the member to a Rhythm Specialist DSP. Limited to M = R1,742, M1+ = R2,903. Subject to the Rhythm Specialist DSP network.
- No savings account: No savings account available. Day-to-day benefits are available.
- Risk-based benefits: All claims paid from scheme risk benefit, according to benefit limits, not from a personal savings account.
Why choose Rhythm 2?
- No need to manage or monitor a savings account
- Predictable monthly contributions
- Straightforward claims process
- Unlimited GP access for primary healthcare
- Comprehensive hospital cover with PMB protection
- Day-to-day benefits for essential services
Understanding the difference between medical schemes and hospital insurance helps clarify why a comprehensive network option offers better value than basic hospital plans.
What are the benefits of the Bestmed Rhythm2 plan?
The Rhythm2 plan offers various in-hospital benefits, including international travel coverage, internal prostheses, scans, oncology, organ transplants, maternity and postnatal care, and other advantages.
In-hospital benefits
- Unlimited hospital cover for PMB conditions at DSP hospitals (Bestmed will only authorise admissions to DSP hospitals)
- Internal and external prosthesis coverage (vascular prosthesis limit applies, DSPs apply)
- PMB conditions covered in full
- Approved PMBs at DSPs
- PET scans are excluded and not applicable to PMBs. Other scans subject to pre-authorisation if performed in hospital
- Limited to R17,414 per family per annum for certain benefits
Out-of-hospital day-to-day benefits
- Unlimited GP consultations within the Rhythm GP network
- Rhythm Network Provider specialist consultations (limited to M = R1,742, M1+ = R2,903 per family per annum)
- Approved PMB services only for certain specialist care
- Day-to-day benefits covered from scheme risk
Preventative care and screenings
- Flu vaccinations (one per beneficiary per year)
- Pneumonia vaccinations for children under two years of age, and high-risk adult groups
- Department of Health childhood immunisation schedule (babies and children)
- Contraceptives for all females of child-bearing age (limited to R2,200 per beneficiary per year)
- HPV vaccination for females nine to 26 years of age (vaccinations funded at MRP)
- Mammograms for females 40 years and older (once every 24 months)
- PSA tests for males 50 years and older (once every 24 months)
- Pap smears for females 18 years and older (once every 24 months)
Maternity benefits
Register for the maternity care programme by emailing maternity@bestmed.co.za or calling 012 472 6797. The programme provides:
- One 2D ultrasound scan at first trimester (between 10 to 12 weeks) at a GP, gynaecologist, or radiologist
- One 2D ultrasound scan at second trimester (between 20 to 24 weeks) at a GP, gynaecologist, or radiologist
- Comprehensive maternity support and information
- Access to a 24-hour medical advice line
Chronic condition management
Cover for 26 PMB chronic conditions is included, plus additional chronic care through DSPs, subject to registration, clinical protocols, and medicine formularies.
International travel cover
International travel coverage is included, providing emergency medical support when travelling abroad.
Tempo Wellness Programme
The Bestmed Tempo Wellness Programme is focused on supporting you on your path to improving your health and realising the rewards that come with it. Tempo Lifestyle Screening for adults (beneficiaries 16 years and older) includes one of each screening per year per adult beneficiary.
Learn more about which preventative screenings are covered by medical schemes and maximise these benefits.
Monthly contributions and key information
The table below sets out the Bestmed Rhythm2 plan contributions and comprehensive benefit details:
| Category | Details |
| Monthly contribution – principal member | From R2,368 (2025 rates) |
| Monthly contribution – adult dependent | Refer to Bestmed contributions table |
| Monthly contribution – child dependent | Refer to Bestmed contributions table |
| Child dependent policy | Pay for max 3 children; 4+ are free |
| Child dependent age | Under 24 years regarded as child dependent |
| Savings account | No savings account (risk-based benefits only) |
| Hospital cover | Unlimited PMB cover at DSP hospitals (Mediclinic/NHN) |
| GP consultations | Unlimited within Rhythm GP network |
| Specialist visits | Limited: Main = R1,742; Main+1 = R2,903 per family p.a. |
| Hospital network | Mediclinic and NHN hospitals; DSPs in other areas |
| Non-DSP hospital co-payment | Up to R14,364 for voluntary non-DSP use |
| Maternity cover | Comprehensive through maternity care programme |
| Chronic conditions | 26 PMB CDL conditions covered at DSPs |
| International travel cover | Included |
| Preventative care | From scheme risk benefit |
| Emergency services | 24/7 access and support |
| Pre-authorisation required | Yes – for all planned treatments and hospital admissions |
| Prosthesis limit | Sub limits apply |
| Tempo Wellness Programme | Included for all beneficiaries |
| Gap cover | Available separately (not included) |
| Waiting periods | 3-month general; 12-month condition-specific |
| Late joiner penalty | May apply per legislation |
Note: Contribution rates shown reflect 2025 pricing and are subject to annual adjustments. Always verify current rates directly with Bestmed before joining.
If you're switching medical aid schemes, continuous cover can help you avoid waiting periods. Learn about changing from one medical scheme to another effortlessly .
Take control of your financial health today
Choosing the right medical aid is a crucial financial decision for young professionals and families. At JustMoney, we provide the tools and resources you need to take complete control of your financial life.
Free budget calculator
Cover starting from R2,368 per month with no savings account to manage makes budgeting simple. Use the free JustMoney budget calculator to ensure medical aid fits comfortably within your financial plan.
Our budget calculator also helps you:
- Track your monthly income and expenses accurately
- Identify areas where you can save money for medical aid
- See exactly how much you can allocate to healthcare and other priorities
- Plan for future financial goals alongside medical cover
- Make informed decisions about your healthcare spending
- Balance medical aid with other insurance needs and lifestyle expenses