Bestmed Medical Scheme
Scores reflect the Overall AI Score for each category
Based on recent customer reviews, Bestmed Medical Scheme is facing significant member dissatisfaction across nearly every service dimension. Members repeatedly describe declined authorisations, retroactive membership cancellations citing non-disclosure, unanswered emails, and long call centre hold times. While isolated praise exists for specific consultants and occasional PMB approvals, the dominant narrative is one of administrative obstruction, opaque claim rejections, and emotional distress during medical emergencies.
Replied to 66% of negative reviews
Reply time on negative reviews: 99h 20m
TrustIndex
2.4
Ranking
#21
in Medical Aid
Reply Time
93h 25m
NPS Score
-75
Recommended: Unlikely
Replied to 66% of negative reviews
Reply time on negative reviews: 99h 20m
Sep '25 - Aug '26
Based on recent customer reviews, Bestmed Medical Scheme is facing significant member dissatisfaction across nearly every service dimension. Members repeatedly describe declined authorisations, retroactive membership cancellations citing non-disclosure, unanswered emails, and long call centre hold times. While isolated praise exists for specific consultants and occasional PMB approvals, the dominant narrative is one of administrative obstruction, opaque claim rejections, and emotional distress during medical emergencies.
The most common complaint about Bestmed Medical Scheme, based on Hellopeter's AI analysis of recent customer reviews, is Claims Processing & Authorisation. Claims Processing & Authorisation (1.1) is the most damaging concern. Members describe authorisations declined for emergencies, PMB obligations disputed, pre-auth delays cancelling surgeries, and claims rejected on technicalities like ICD codes, leaving members liable for large hospital bills despite paid premiums.
Used this business recently? Share your experience to help others decide.
Used this business recently? Share your experience to help others decide.
Share Your Experience1 reviews | Active since Dec 2021
I called Bestmed regarding a authorization declined code. I was passed from one person to another , then I was eventually speaking to an agent and all of a sudden was cut off back to the switch board . I also send an email regarding to services regarding the declined code to date no answer. If I don't pay my monthly subscription would they be so patience !!! Regards
1 reviews | Active since Dec 2021
I called Bestmed regarding a authorization declined code. I was passed from one person to another , then I was eventually speaking to an agent and all of a sudden was cut off back to the switch board . I also send an email regarding to services regarding the declined code to date no answer. If I don't pay my monthly subscription would they be so patience !!! Regards
1 reviews | Active since May 2026
My pulmonologist submitted a script for approval for chronic medicine to Bestmed on 19 May, and not response received to date - 26 May. I trie d to email again, with no response apart from the automated response. The AI function does not understand my questions. I called, and after about 30 minutes of holding, I put the receiver down.
1 reviews | Active since May 2026
My pulmonologist submitted a script for approval for chronic medicine to Bestmed on 19 May, and not response received to date - 26 May. I trie d to email again, with no response apart from the automated response. The AI function does not understand my questions. I called, and after about 30 minutes of holding, I put the receiver down.
1 reviews | Active since Mar 2021
Bestmed is a ****, if you know what’s good for you don’t take a medical aid with them, in January this year I had a stomach bug and I had a Running Tummy I was vomiting and dehydrated I phoned an ambulance to take me to the hospital, after being treated and seeing by the doctor he then said I’m responding well to the medication he then said he will not be admitting me. Today I’m getting an invoice from ER24 saying that Bestmed refuses to pay them for the Ambulance Services as my situation was not life Threatening, how was it not life threatening when I was dehydrated couldn’t even stand, yet I pay close to 3000 rands a Month what iam I paying for if when I’m in need of a medi Assistance I will be told no my situation is not life threatening I’m so disappointed with Bestmed I have been with them for 3 years and I have never had such an issue I guess I will have to cancel and go where my money will be valued if you know what’s good for your money stay away from Bestmed as they will milk you then when you need their help you will be told that you need to die first for them to see if your situation is life threatening or not
1 reviews | Active since Mar 2021
Bestmed is a ****, if you know what’s good for you don’t take a medical aid with them, in January this year I had a stomach bug and I had a Running Tummy I was vomiting and dehydrated I phoned an ambulance to take me to the hospital, after being treated and seeing by the doctor he then said I’m responding well to the medication he then said he will not be admitting me. Today I’m getting an invoice from ER24 saying that Bestmed refuses to pay them for the Ambulance Services as my situation was not life Threatening, how was it not life threatening when I was dehydrated couldn’t even stand, yet I pay close to 3000 rands a Month what iam I paying for if when I’m in need of a medi Assistance I will be told no my situation is not life threatening I’m so disappointed with Bestmed I have been with them for 3 years and I have never had such an issue I guess I will have to cancel and go where my money will be valued if you know what’s good for your money stay away from Bestmed as they will milk you then when you need their help you will be told that you need to die first for them to see if your situation is life threatening or not
1 reviews | Active since Feb 2011
Bestmed denies payment for things they should pay for. They also give false information for the reason the payment has been denied. When you query it they blame a new system they have implemented for making the mistake. Don't trust Bestmed. You have to query everything.
1 reviews | Active since Feb 2011
Bestmed denies payment for things they should pay for. They also give false information for the reason the payment has been denied. When you query it they blame a new system they have implemented for making the mistake. Don't trust Bestmed. You have to query everything.
1 reviews | Active since May 2012
I am extremely disappointed with the service and contradictory information received from Bestmed regarding medication cover on the Rhythm 2 option. A member, Ms Marlyn Cass, was recently ill and was prescribed Ciprofloxacin by her doctor for an acute condition. At the pharmacy, the medication was declined as “not covered”, despite Ciprofloxacin appearing on the official Bestmed formulary list provided to us by Bestmed themselves. When this discrepancy was queried, Bestmed responded by referring us to the chronic medication authorisation process, requesting ICD-10 codes and additional documentation. The problem is that this was never a chronic medication application to begin with. This was medication prescribed for an acute illness. This raises serious concerns: - Why is Ciprofloxacin listed on the formulary if it is rejected at pharmacy level? - Is the Rhythm 2 plan only intended to cover chronic conditions despite Bestmed stating that acute medication is covered? - Why are members being given conflicting information by different departments? - Why is a straightforward formulary medication claim being turned into a chronic application process? Additionally, Stilpane was also rejected despite the circumstances requiring treatment and symptom management. Members pay monthly contributions expecting transparency and consistency. It is unacceptable that a formulary medication can simply be rejected without proper explanation, while members are sent in circles between departments. Bestmed needs to urgently clarify: 1. What medications on the Rhythm formulary are genuinely covered for acute conditions; 2. Why pharmacies reject medication that appears on the official formulary; 3. Why staff are providing contradictory explanations to members. At present, this feels misleading and unnecessarily frustrating for members who are already dealing with illness and medical expenses.
1 reviews | Active since May 2012
I am extremely disappointed with the service and contradictory information received from Bestmed regarding medication cover on the Rhythm 2 option. A member, Ms Marlyn Cass, was recently ill and was prescribed Ciprofloxacin by her doctor for an acute condition. At the pharmacy, the medication was declined as “not covered”, despite Ciprofloxacin appearing on the official Bestmed formulary list provided to us by Bestmed themselves. When this discrepancy was queried, Bestmed responded by referring us to the chronic medication authorisation process, requesting ICD-10 codes and additional documentation. The problem is that this was never a chronic medication application to begin with. This was medication prescribed for an acute illness. This raises serious concerns: - Why is Ciprofloxacin listed on the formulary if it is rejected at pharmacy level? - Is the Rhythm 2 plan only intended to cover chronic conditions despite Bestmed stating that acute medication is covered? - Why are members being given conflicting information by different departments? - Why is a straightforward formulary medication claim being turned into a chronic application process? Additionally, Stilpane was also rejected despite the circumstances requiring treatment and symptom management. Members pay monthly contributions expecting transparency and consistency. It is unacceptable that a formulary medication can simply be rejected without proper explanation, while members are sent in circles between departments. Bestmed needs to urgently clarify: 1. What medications on the Rhythm formulary are genuinely covered for acute conditions; 2. Why pharmacies reject medication that appears on the official formulary; 3. Why staff are providing contradictory explanations to members. At present, this feels misleading and unnecessarily frustrating for members who are already dealing with illness and medical expenses.
Bestmed Medical Scheme has a TrustIndex of 2.4 out of 10 on Hellopeter, based on 88 reviews in the last 12 months. They reply to 66% of negative reviews, typically within 99 hours 20 min. Hellopeter has tracked Bestmed Medical Scheme across 1,245 total reviews. How is the TrustIndex calculated? →
