Cancellation Bestmed: Step-by-Step Guide

What is Bestmed

Overview

Bestmed is a South African medical scheme and health-wellness provider that offers a range of medical aid plans for individuals and families. Plans include hospital-only, network-restricted, savings and comprehensive benefit options.

Scope of services

Bestmed manages membership, claims and medical savings accounts (MSAs) under the Medical Schemes Act. Members access benefits through scheme rules and approved providers.

How to cancel Bestmed

General cancellation routes

• Resign from the scheme by notifying Bestmed in writing or via the channels provided by the scheme (employer or broker where applicable).
• If cancelling because you join another medical scheme, provide the new scheme details so savings can be transferred where applicable.

Step-by-step cancellation process

• 1. Notify Bestmed in writing of your resignation or termination of membership.
• 2. Provide a signed resignation form or letter, your membership details and proof of identity.
• 3. If transferring savings, supply your new scheme and savings-account details.
• 4. Confirm bank details for any refund of unused medical savings if you are not joining another scheme.
• 5. Keep a dated copy of all correspondence for your records.

What happens when you cancel

Access and cover

Once your membership ends, medical-scheme benefits cease according to the scheme's termination date and rules. Cover for future claims will not apply after termination unless otherwise agreed.

App and data

Deleting Bestmed’s mobile app from a device terminates the app licence but does not automatically cancel your medical-scheme membership.

Check your membership status separately with Bestmed to confirm termination and data handling after cancellation.

Will I get a refund?

Medical Savings Account (MSA) refunds

If you resign from the scheme, any unused savings in your MSA will either be transferred to your new scheme’s savings account or refunded to you if you do not join another scheme.

Refunds or transfers of unused savings are processed following the scheme’s rules and typically take about five months to complete.

Other refunds and cooling-off

There is no general 14-day cooling-off refund period stated in Bestmed’s member materials for contributions beyond the MSA framework.

Regular monthly contributions and benefit entitlements are governed by scheme rules; exceptions may apply only where expressly set out in those rules.

Bestmed plans and pricing

Pricing overview

The table below shows main/principal member monthly contributions for the 2025 benefit year as published for each plan. Dependant rates and income-based variations may differ.

Plans table

Note: Figures are for principal members for the 2025 benefit year. Verify current rates with Bestmed before making decisions.

Your consumer rights in South Africa

Regulatory framework

Bestmed is regulated under the Medical Schemes Act. Scheme rules govern membership, contributions, benefits and refunds.

Dispute escalation

• First use Bestmed’s internal dispute resolution processes (disputes committees; scheme rule procedures).
• If unresolved, escalate to the Council for Medical Schemes (CMS) under South African law.

Keep records of all communications and decisions when pursuing a dispute.

Customer experiences

Positive feedback

Long-term members report accurate records and efficient service for claims and routine administration.

Many members appreciate predictable processing of savings transfers and refunds when the process follows scheme rules.

Negative feedback

Some complaints describe administrative errors, such as incorrect personal details or missing documentation, which can delay cancellations or refunds.

There are isolated reports of members feeling signed up without consent; always verify how membership was set up and keep copies of sign-up forms.

Documentation checklist

Required documents

• Signed resignation letter or completed resignation form with membership number.
• Copy of your South African ID or passport.
• Bank details for refund (if applicable) - bank name, account number, branch code and account holder name.
• If transferring savings: new scheme name and savings-account details.

Recommended supporting items

• Proof of new scheme membership (acceptance or membership confirmation).
• Copies of any relevant correspondence with Bestmed, employer or broker.
• Signed authority to transfer savings if required by Bestmed.

Common mistakes

Assuming app deletion cancels membership

Deleting the Bestmed mobile app only terminates the app licence; it does not cancel your medical-scheme membership. Always confirm cancellation with the scheme directly.

Missing or incorrect paperwork

Providing wrong bank details or incomplete resignation documentation causes delays in refunds or transfers. Double-check all information and keep copies.

Failing to notify your employer or broker (if contributions are employer-managed) may result in continued deductions until termination is processed.

Comparative recap

Choosing a plan

Pick hospital-only or network plans for lower contributions; choose savings or comprehensive plans for day-to-day benefits and higher cover.

Quick comparison table

After cancelling

Follow-up actions

Retain written confirmation of cancellation and any timelines Bestmed provides for refunds or transfers.

Monitor your bank account and correspondence for the refund of unused MSA funds or confirmation of a savings transfer.

Where to get more information

Refer to the Bestmed Member Guide for details on refunds, transfers and scheme rules:

Bestmed Member Guide (scribd)

If a dispute remains unresolved after internal processes, you may escalate to the regulator, the Council for Medical Schemes (CMS).

Address

Postal and legal service address

Block A, Glenfield Office Park, 361 Oberon Avenue, Faerie Glen, Pretoria, 0081, South Africa.

Contact reminders

When sending resignation notices or legal documents, use the official address above and keep proof of delivery.