Bestmed announces 7.35 percent average contribution increase for 2027 - IOL

Bestmed has announced its 2027 benefit changes, including a 7.35% average weighted contribution increase and expanded preventative healthcare cover for members

Bestmed has announced a 7.35% average weighted increase in medical scheme contributions for 2027, while promising members more benefits and greater access to preventative healthcare.

The medical scheme said the changes were driven by member feedback and rising healthcare and living costs.

“South African households continue to face pressure from the rising cost of living as global and local economic developments falter, which impact household finances,” Leo Dlamini, CEO and Principal Officer of Bestmed Medical Scheme, said.

“Healthcare is a key part of this financial equation. Hence, our approach for 2027 has been to understand stakeholder feedback and make changes that provide greater choice, strengthen preventative care and deliver more value, while protecting the Scheme’s long-term sustainability.”

A new benefit, called Best Bucks, will provide qualifying members with R1,000 per family after they complete their Tempo Lifestyle Screenings.The amount can be used for eligible consultations, radiology and pathology before claims are paid from medical savings or other day-to-day benefits.

Bestmed said the benefit is intended to encourage members to complete health screenings while providing additional funding for certain healthcare costs.

The scheme is also introducing several changes to preventative care in 2027.

These include cover for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) antibodies for babies on all options, paediatric immunisations on Beat1 and a R151 monthly maternity supplement on Beat2.

Members on the Beat and Pace ranges, as well as Rhythm2, will have access to two postnatal consultations. Female members aged 45 and older on Pace 1 will also qualify for bone-density screening every 24 months.

Bestmed said HPV vaccination will be extended to males. Eligible babies born between January and May will also have access to RSV protection during the infection season.

The scheme said these preventative-care benefits will be funded from its risk pool, subject to the rules of the relevant benefit option, rather than from members’ savings or day-to-day allocations.

“The 2027 offering builds from a position of strength as we have continued to grow as a Scheme, while maintaining a stable risk profile and a strong solvency ratio of 37.3%, comfortably above the statutory minimum of 25%.”