Bestmed announces medical aid price hikes and changes for 2024
The Bestmed Medical Scheme has announced a series of changes to its plans for 2024, including a new plan – Beat3 Plus.
The group announced a weighted average increase across its packages of 9.6% for 2024, effective from 1 January.
It said that the higher price jump follows lower contribution increases in the last few years due to the Covid-19 pandemic and economic difficulties experienced by households.
Changes to its product ranges include:
- The insertion of a Mirena or other intrauterine device (IUD) will now also be paid for from preventative care benefits on the Rhythm options, as well as the majority of the Beat plans.
- The scheme will pay pap smear consultation fees in addition to the pathology cost for selected options, as well as glaucoma screenings for beneficiaries 50 years and older as a preventative care benefit, at a contracted optometrist, once per year.
- The scheme’s out-of-hospital radiology benefits will include one lumbar and cervical spine region scan to the specialised diagnostic imaging (MRI scans, CT scans, isotope studies and PET scans) benefit across all options, except the Rhythm range.
- The scheme’s comprehensive maternity benefits are accessible to members across all Bestmed’s product ranges, providing quality prenatal, delivery and postnatal care, while reducing risks to both mothers and babies. Maternity benefits include check-ups, screenings, antenatal supplements and necessary medical interventions. Paediatric immunisations (not included on Beat1), and three baby growth and development assessments for beneficiaries up to two years of age are included as preventative care benefits.
- Bestmed has introduced a range of interactive online tools as part of its Tempo wellness offering. Members now have access to their Tempo Get Active (Fitness), Nutritional Health, and Emotional Wellbeing Journeys via the Tempo portal on the Bestmed App and Member portal on the Bestmed website.
The group said it will also launch Beat3 Plus in 2024, offering a 25% annual savings account.
“This option was developed for members who want comprehensive in-hospital cover along with rich preventative care benefits and more savings to cover their day-to-day healthcare needs,” said Leo Dlamini, CEO and PO of Bestmed.
“The option is easy to understand and members can carry their savings over to the next year.”
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