Scores reflect the Overall AI Score for each category
Based on recent customer reviews, Bestmed Medical Scheme is described by members as a scheme that collects contributions reliably but struggles when cover is actually needed. Recurring themes include authorisation delays on urgent procedures, chronic medication scripts left unapproved, and emails and chats that go unanswered for weeks. A small number of members praise named consultants and fast PMB approvals, but these experiences are the exception rather than the pattern.
Top Strengths:
- •Customer Service & Staff Quality: A handful of consultants are singled out by name, including Boitumelo Ratakane, Tiamo Maroga and Bongamusa, for diligence, product knowledge and honouring callback commitments. These interactions stand out against widespread reports of rude, dismissive and unresponsive agents.
Replied to 94% of negative reviews
Reply time on negative reviews: 271h 41m
TrustIndex
2.3
Ranking
#19
in Medical Aid
Reply Time
257h 42m
NPS Score
-80
Recommended: Unlikely
Replied to 94% of negative reviews
Reply time on negative reviews: 271h 41m
Oct '25 - Sep '26
Frequently Asked Questions About Bestmed Medical Scheme
What do customers say about Bestmed Medical Scheme?
Based on recent customer reviews, Bestmed Medical Scheme is described by members as a scheme that collects contributions reliably but struggles when cover is actually needed. Recurring themes include authorisation delays on urgent procedures, chronic medication scripts left unapproved, and emails and chats that go unanswered for weeks. A small number of members praise named consultants and fast PMB approvals, but these experiences are the exception rather than the pattern.
What is Bestmed Medical Scheme's biggest strength?
Bestmed Medical Scheme's biggest strength, according to Hellopeter's AI analysis, is Customer Service & Staff Quality. A handful of consultants are singled out by name, including Boitumelo Ratakane, Tiamo Maroga and Bongamusa, for diligence, product knowledge and honouring callback commitments. These interactions stand out against widespread reports of rude, dismissive and unresponsive agents.
What are the most common complaints about Bestmed Medical Scheme?
The most common complaint about Bestmed Medical Scheme, based on Hellopeter's AI analysis of recent customer reviews, is Billing, Payments & Account Management. Members report membership suspended within days of a late debit order despite proof of payment, refunds for cash paid consultations taking weeks or landing in old accounts, cancellation requests ignored for months, and unexplained outstanding balances appearing after cancellation.
Is Bestmed Medical Scheme trustworthy?
Bestmed Medical Scheme has a TrustIndex of 2.3 out of 10 on Hellopeter, based on 116 reviews in the last 12 months. They reply to 94% of negative reviews, typically within 271 hours 41 min. Hellopeter has tracked Bestmed Medical Scheme across 1,274 total reviews. How is the TrustIndex calculated? →
Recent reviews (116)
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 Jun 2014
Absolutely TERRIBLE #Bestmed #WorstMedicalAid
The worst Medical Aid Scheme I have ever been part of you pay massive premiums and then if you go into hospital you basically have to pay 80% of the bills, what is the use of having cover you could have just saved all those premiums and paid the bills and still had change over. Absolutely TERRIBLE #Bestmed #WorstMedicalAid
1 reviews | Active since Jun 2014
Absolutely TERRIBLE #Bestmed #WorstMedicalAid
The worst Medical Aid Scheme I have ever been part of you pay massive premiums and then if you go into hospital you basically have to pay 80% of the bills, what is the use of having cover you could have just saved all those premiums and paid the bills and still had change over. Absolutely TERRIBLE #Bestmed #WorstMedicalAid
1 reviews | Active since Mar 2012
Authorizations and payments dont communicate
Was admitted to hospital and eventually got an authorization number. Had a cyst in the brain, and now have been handed over for the CT scan account due to Bestmed not wanting to pay
1 reviews | Active since Mar 2012
Authorizations and payments dont communicate
Was admitted to hospital and eventually got an authorization number. Had a cyst in the brain, and now have been handed over for the CT scan account due to Bestmed not wanting to pay
1 reviews | Active since Jul 2020
Urgent Complaint Regarding Outstanding Medical Aid Shortfalls
Good day, I am extremely unhappy and disappointed with the service I have received from Bestmed regarding outstanding medical expenses and shortfalls. I have contacted Bestmed several times by phone in an attempt to resolve this matter, but unfortunately, no one has been able to assist me or provide a satisfactory resolution. I am now receiving messages from ER Consulting threatening that I will be listed with the Credit Bureau due to an alleged shortfall of R2,008 for Ntabeni Hospital on 18 January. As far as I understand, all costs relating to this treatment were supposed to be covered and paid by Bestmed. I have also been informed of an additional shortfall of approximately R2,600 for St Augustine Hospital. I urgently need Bestmed to investigate these matters and explain why these amounts were not paid. I should not have to deal with debt collection threats when I have been making every effort to resolve the matter directly with my medical aid. Please investigate both claims, confirm exactly what was paid and what remains outstanding, and explain why these shortfalls occurred. I also request that Bestmed urgently intervene with ER Consulting while this matter is being investigated. I expect this matter to be resolved as soon as possible and would appreciate if Bestmed pay this immediately since I don't have this money that's one of reasons why I was in hospital.
1 reviews | Active since Jul 2020
Urgent Complaint Regarding Outstanding Medical Aid Shortfalls
Good day, I am extremely unhappy and disappointed with the service I have received from Bestmed regarding outstanding medical expenses and shortfalls. I have contacted Bestmed several times by phone in an attempt to resolve this matter, but unfortunately, no one has been able to assist me or provide a satisfactory resolution. I am now receiving messages from ER Consulting threatening that I will be listed with the Credit Bureau due to an alleged shortfall of R2,008 for Ntabeni Hospital on 18 January. As far as I understand, all costs relating to this treatment were supposed to be covered and paid by Bestmed. I have also been informed of an additional shortfall of approximately R2,600 for St Augustine Hospital. I urgently need Bestmed to investigate these matters and explain why these amounts were not paid. I should not have to deal with debt collection threats when I have been making every effort to resolve the matter directly with my medical aid. Please investigate both claims, confirm exactly what was paid and what remains outstanding, and explain why these shortfalls occurred. I also request that Bestmed urgently intervene with ER Consulting while this matter is being investigated. I expect this matter to be resolved as soon as possible and would appreciate if Bestmed pay this immediately since I don't have this money that's one of reasons why I was in hospital.
1 reviews | Active since Feb 2023
Bad Customer Service
I did an Individual Lifestyle Screening through Dis-Chem, and now Bestmed is refusing to provide me with the report. I’ve called and escalated the matter, but it looks like I’m fighting a losing battle. I guess I’m never going to get the report.
1 reviews | Active since Feb 2023
Bad Customer Service
I did an Individual Lifestyle Screening through Dis-Chem, and now Bestmed is refusing to provide me with the report. I’ve called and escalated the matter, but it looks like I’m fighting a losing battle. I guess I’m never going to get the report.
1 reviews | Active since Sept 2026
Worst Medical aid if it come to authorization.
Worst Medical aid if it come to authorization. my husband need to go in for a op, all of a sudden he had the shoulder problem and they said we didn't declare it, now our medical aid is canceled from there side, you cant speak to someone at the nondec department only emails. they say they are the best at your fingertips.
1 reviews | Active since Sept 2026
Worst Medical aid if it come to authorization.
Worst Medical aid if it come to authorization. my husband need to go in for a op, all of a sudden he had the shoulder problem and they said we didn't declare it, now our medical aid is canceled from there side, you cant speak to someone at the nondec department only emails. they say they are the best at your fingertips.
1 reviews | Active since Mar 2026
BestMed? WorstMed? NoMed?
For anyone who is thinking about switching to, or joining this medical aid - please think very carefully about that. They do not offer any kind of value for your premium. Unless you're healthy, young and unlikely to claim. I understand the reasons for a loaded premium on a late-joiner basis. But when is a hospital plan not a hospital plan? I am not a new member, and I do not have an undeclared preexisting condition. Extremely disappointed with finding out that Bestmed only cover a hip replacement on some of their plans. Really? Who has this kind of procedure for fun?
1 reviews | Active since Mar 2026
BestMed? WorstMed? NoMed?
For anyone who is thinking about switching to, or joining this medical aid - please think very carefully about that. They do not offer any kind of value for your premium. Unless you're healthy, young and unlikely to claim. I understand the reasons for a loaded premium on a late-joiner basis. But when is a hospital plan not a hospital plan? I am not a new member, and I do not have an undeclared preexisting condition. Extremely disappointed with finding out that Bestmed only cover a hip replacement on some of their plans. Really? Who has this kind of procedure for fun?
1 reviews | Active since Dec 2025
Horrible medical aid: Bestmed
I was in a motor vehicle accident and my current medical aid scheme namely Bestmed is refusing to pay for my hospital expenses. They are looking for every excuse in the book not to pay my medical expenses while I have been a loyal customer paying each month. I regret switching from Discovery to Bestmed. I never experienced such problems with Discovery. Not only am I traumatised by the accident, but now I also have to worry about my hefty medical expenses. I will be leaving this medical aid scheme. When a person calls them, they are difficult to reach and only want to use e-mail correspondence using big jargon to confuse me.
1 reviews | Active since Dec 2025
Horrible medical aid: Bestmed
I was in a motor vehicle accident and my current medical aid scheme namely Bestmed is refusing to pay for my hospital expenses. They are looking for every excuse in the book not to pay my medical expenses while I have been a loyal customer paying each month. I regret switching from Discovery to Bestmed. I never experienced such problems with Discovery. Not only am I traumatised by the accident, but now I also have to worry about my hefty medical expenses. I will be leaving this medical aid scheme. When a person calls them, they are difficult to reach and only want to use e-mail correspondence using big jargon to confuse me.