Bestmed and Discovery Health are two of South Africa's largest open medical schemes. Bestmed is a self-administered, not-for-profit scheme known for simple options; Discovery Health is the biggest open scheme, with a wider plan range and the Vitality rewards programme. Here's how their 2026 entry-level hospital plans and savings plans compare.
At hospital-plan level, often yes: Bestmed Beat1 Network is R2,269 a month for a principal member in 2026, versus R2,681–R3,905 on Discovery's Core plans. Discovery's Smart plans can be cheaper, but have a narrower network.
Yes. Both follow the Medical Schemes Act: up to three months general and up to 12 months condition-specific, depending on your previous cover.
Bestmed runs Tempo, its own wellness programme. Discovery Vitality is a separate, paid rewards programme with a broader set of partner benefits.
It depends on your medicines. Both cover the 27 CDL conditions as PMBs; compare each plan's formulary and co-payments for non-formulary medicine before joining.