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Frequently asked questions
Cancel Bestmed: The Right Way
How to cancel your Bestmed medical scheme membership in south africa
Why you might cancel Bestmed and what you need to know first
Bestmed administers medical scheme coverage across multiple benefit tiers, from hospital-only plans to comprehensive schemes designed for different income brackets and family sizes. Your membership grants access to a network of contracted healthcare providers and a Medical Savings Account (MSA) for out-of-pocket medical expenses.
You may choose to cancel your Bestmed membership for legitimate reasons: switching to a scheme with better benefit alignment, reducing monthly premiums during financial pressure, relocating to an area with superior provider networks, or changing employment circumstances. Whatever your reason, understanding your legal rights and the cancellation procedure protects you from hidden fees, frozen refunds, and unintended gaps in health cover. Yafee has guided thousands of South African members through medical scheme exits with confidence and clarity.
Cancellation under South African law is your right, but the process involves specific timelines, MSA recovery procedures, and regulatory requirements you must follow to avoid delays. This guide walks you through each step, grounded in the Medical Schemes Act and Consumer Protection Act.
When cancellation is the right decision
Cancelling makes sense if your current Bestmed plan no longer aligns with your medical needs, your household income has changed significantly, or you have found a competing scheme with superior benefits at a lower cost. Cancellation also applies when your employment status shifts (retirement, job loss, relocation) and your risk profile no longer matches your scheme's design.
However, cancellation only delivers value when you understand the notice periods, know how to recover your MSA balance, and avoid common procedural mistakes that delay refunds by months. Review your Bestmed membership documents and confirm your current MSA balance before submitting your resignation.
What the law requires from Bestmed
Bestmed operates under the Medical Schemes Act (Act No. 131 of 1998) and the Electronic Communications and Transactions Act (ECTA). These laws establish that your resignation must be submitted in writing, your MSA funds are protected as personal assets, and the scheme cannot impose penalties or refuse your exit. Unused MSA balances typically process within five months after your effective termination date.
Your legal position under south african consumer protection law
Your cancellation rights are grounded in statute and enforceable against Bestmed and the Council for Medical Schemes (CMS).
Legal protections under the medical schemes act
The Medical Schemes Act grants you the unconditional right to resign from any scheme by providing written notice. Bestmed cannot refuse your resignation, impose early-exit fees, or penalise you for leaving. Your MSA balance is your personal property and remains yours upon termination; the scheme must either transfer it to your new scheme or refund it in full.
The scheme can enforce a notice period (typically 30 days from receipt of your written resignation) before your cover terminates. Any benefits you claim between your resignation date and effective termination date remain the scheme's liability. After your termination date, all cover ceases and you are no longer a member.
Your right to written confirmation and transparency
You have the statutory right to receive written confirmation of your cancellation from Bestmed. This confirmation must include your effective termination date, your final MSA balance, the refund or transfer method, and the processing timeline. Request this confirmation in writing (email or registered post) and retain a copy for your records.
If Bestmed delays responding to your resignation letter or fails to process your cancellation within 30 days of receipt, you can escalate to the Council for Medical Schemes (CMS), South Africa's independent regulator for medical schemes. Yafee recommends you document all correspondence with Bestmed so you have evidence if a formal complaint becomes necessary.
Consumer protection act safeguards
The Consumer Protection Act (Act No. 68 of 2008) provides additional protection if Bestmed breaches its cancellation obligations. If the scheme withholds your MSA refund without justification, improperly delays your termination, or fails to honour your written resignation, you can lodge a complaint with the CMS or pursue legal action to recover the funds. The CMS has authority to investigate, enforce compliance, and order refund payment with interest if warranted.
Cancellation methods and how to submit your resignation
You must submit your cancellation in writing; verbal requests do not constitute valid resignation under the Medical Schemes Act.
Step 1: confirm bestmed's address for legal documents
Bestmed's official head office address for legal service of membership documents and cancellation notices is:
Bestmed Medical Scheme
Head Office
South Africa
Verify this address on your membership card or the Bestmed website before you submit your resignation. Using the correct address ensures your letter is received by the department responsible for member administration and creates a clear record of submission.
Step 2: prepare your written resignation letter
Your resignation letter must include the following elements:
- Your full name and membership number (found on your membership card)
- Your date of birth
- Your email address and contact telephone number
- A clear statement: "I hereby resign from Bestmed medical scheme, effective [insert date 30 days from submission]"
- Your preferred method for MSA refund or transfer (bank account details if refund, or new scheme details if transfer)
- The date you sign the letter
Keep the language formal and direct. Avoid emotional language or detailed explanations of why you are leaving; these are not legally required and may create confusion.
Step 3: choose your submission method
You may submit your resignation by one of the following methods:
- Email
- Send your signed resignation letter to Bestmed's membership services email address (obtain this from their website or member services line)
- Request a read receipt or delivery confirmation
- Retain a copy of your sent email and any confirmation
- Registered post
- Print and sign your resignation letter
- Post it to Bestmed's head office address via registered mail with proof of delivery
- Request a receipt from the post office showing the delivery date
- Retain this receipt as evidence of submission
- Hand delivery
- Visit Bestmed's head office in person and deliver your signed resignation letter
- Ask for a stamped receipt confirming the date and time of receipt
- Retain this receipt
Email or registered post are the most secure methods because they create a timestamped record of submission. Yafee advises against telephone calls alone, as the scheme may claim they did not receive your formal resignation.
Step 4: confirm receipt and follow up
Within 5 business days of submission, contact Bestmed's member services team and confirm they received your resignation letter. Record the name of the person you speak to, the date and time of the call, and any reference number they provide. If Bestmed claims they did not receive your letter, resubmit it immediately using a second method (e.g., email if you posted it first).
Refunds, MSA transfers, and processing timelines
Your MSA balance is your money; Bestmed must return it or transfer it to your new scheme according to the timeline and method you specify.
Understanding your medical savings account balance
Your MSA holds unused contributions you and your employer (if applicable) paid into your Bestmed membership. This balance is not forfeited upon cancellation. You may request that Bestmed either refund this balance directly to your bank account or transfer it to your new medical scheme's MSA account.
Request your current MSA balance in writing at the same time you submit your resignation. Bestmed must provide this in writing within 5 business days. If the scheme disputes your balance or claims you owe money to cover claims, ask for a detailed breakdown in writing and keep this document for reference.
Refund processing and timeline
If you request a direct refund, Bestmed must process the payment to your nominated bank account within 5 months of your effective termination date. This timeline is set by the Medical Schemes Act and applies regardless of the scheme's internal procedures. Do not accept verbal promises of faster processing; insist on written confirmation of the refund date.
Your refund is subject to any outstanding claims or co-payments you owe the scheme. If Bestmed claims you owe money, ask for written itemised evidence. Disputes over claimed debts can delay refunds, but the scheme cannot simply withhold your entire MSA balance without written justification.
MSA transfer to your new scheme
If you are switching to another medical scheme, you may request that your MSA balance transfer directly to your new scheme's account. Provide Bestmed with your new scheme's name, your new scheme membership number, and written authorisation for the transfer. This method is often faster than a refund to your bank account because it does not involve you and can reduce processing delays.
Coordinate with your new scheme's member services team to confirm they have received the transfer once Bestmed initiates it. Yafee recommends following up in writing with both schemes 4 months after your termination date if the transfer has not completed.
What to do if your refund is delayed
If Bestmed fails to process your refund or transfer within 5 months of your effective termination date, send a written reminder to the scheme. State the date of your resignation, your effective termination date, your MSA balance, and a demand for payment within 10 business days. If the scheme still does not pay, lodge a formal complaint with the Council for Medical Schemes (CMS) with copies of your resignation letter, the scheme's acknowledgement, and your follow-up correspondence.
Comparing Bestmed to competing south african medical schemes
Before you cancel, confirm that your new scheme offers better value for your specific health needs and budget.
| Scheme | Plan type | Approx. monthly premium (individual) | MSA inclusion | Network scope |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bestmed | Comprehensive, savings-based, hospital-only | R 800-R 2500 | Yes (varies by plan) | National contracted network |
| Discovery Health | Comprehensive, hospital-only | R 1000-R 3500 | Yes (Vitality rewards) | Extensive national and international |
| Momentum Health | Comprehensive, savings-based | R 900-R 2800 | Yes | National contracted network |
| Bonitas | Comprehensive, savings-based | R 700-R 2400 | Yes | National contracted network |
| Sizwe Health | Comprehensive, savings-based | R 650-R 2200 | Yes | Growing national network |
Note: Premiums are approximate and vary by age, family composition, and plan choice. Contact schemes directly for current rates.
Common mistakes during cancellation and how to avoid them
Cancellation is straightforward when you follow the legal procedure, but common missteps can delay your refund or create disputes with Bestmed.
Mistake 1: submitting your resignation verbally or informally
Verbal resignation requests do not satisfy the Medical Schemes Act's requirement for written notice. If you speak to Bestmed on the phone and tell them you want to cancel, the scheme can later claim they never received formal written notice and delay your effective termination date. Always submit your resignation in writing using email (with read receipt) or registered post.
Mistake 2: not requesting written confirmation of receipt
After you submit your resignation, Bestmed should send you written confirmation that your letter was received and your cancellation is being processed. If the scheme does not provide this within 5 business days, send a follow-up email requesting confirmation. Without this confirmation, you have no proof of submission if a dispute arises later.
Mistake 3: not noting your effective termination date
Your cover terminates 30 days after Bestmed receives your written resignation (or on the date you specify in your letter, whichever is later). Claims submitted after your termination date are not the scheme's liability. Mark your calendar with your termination date and ensure you are covered by your new scheme before this date to avoid gaps in cover.
Mistake 4: failing to request your MSA balance in writing
Do not assume Bestmed will automatically include your MSA balance in their cancellation confirmation. Send a separate written request asking for your current MSA balance and the method and timeline for refund or transfer. Keep this correspondence and compare the balance Bestmed provides to your most recent member statement.
Mistake 5: not documenting all correspondence
Save every email, letter, and receipt related to your cancellation. If you speak to Bestmed by phone, follow up with an email summarizing what was discussed and the date of the call. This documentation is essential if you need to lodge a complaint with the CMS or take legal action to recover an unpaid refund.
What happens after your Bestmed cancellation
Once your cancellation is effective, your relationship with Bestmed ends and your MSA recovery process begins; planning ahead prevents post-cancellation surprises.
Your cover ends on your termination date
On your effective termination date, all Bestmed cover ceases immediately. Any medical treatment, hospitalization, or claims submitted after this date are not covered by Bestmed and you remain personally liable. Ensure your new medical scheme's cover begins on or before your Bestmed termination date to avoid any gap in cover.
Contact your new scheme 1 week before your Bestmed termination date to confirm that your membership is active and that your cover has commenced. Request written confirmation from your new scheme stating your membership number and effective start date.
Your MSA refund or transfer timeline
After your termination date, Bestmed has 5 months to process your MSA refund or transfer. This is the statutory maximum timeline under the Medical Schemes Act. Your refund will be processed to the bank account you nominated, or transferred to your new scheme's MSA account if you selected that option.
Monitor your bank account or new scheme's MSA account for the incoming refund. If you have not received the refund by month 5, send a written follow-up to Bestmed requesting confirmation of the refund date and bank reference number.
Claim any final healthcare costs
If you incurred medical expenses before your termination date and have not yet claimed them from Bestmed, do so immediately. Submit claim forms to Bestmed with proof of payment (invoices, receipts) within 30 days of your termination date. Claims submitted after 30 days may be rejected, and you will be unable to recover them later.
Update your healthcare providers
Inform your doctors, dentists, optometrists, and pharmacists that you are no longer a Bestmed member. Provide them with your new scheme's details so they can bill your new scheme directly for future treatment. Ask Bestmed for a copy of your complete claims history if you need it for your new scheme's records.
Checklist for cancelling your Bestmed membership
Use this step-by-step checklist to ensure you complete your cancellation correctly and on schedule.
| Task | Deadline | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Request current MSA balance from Bestmed in writing | Immediately | [ ] Complete |
| Prepare and sign your written resignation letter | Immediately | [ ] Complete |
| Submit resignation via email or registered post | Immediately | [ ] Complete |
| Request written confirmation of receipt from Bestmed | Within 5 business days | [ ] Complete |
| Confirm your new scheme's cover begins before Bestmed termination date | 1 week before termination | [ ] Complete |
| Submit final healthcare claims to Bestmed | Within 30 days of termination | [ ] Complete |
| Follow up on MSA refund if not received | 5 months after termination | [ ] Complete |
Getting help if Bestmed refuses to cancel or delays your refund
If Bestmed fails to honour your resignation or withholds your MSA refund, escalation procedures protect your rights.
Your escalation options
If Bestmed refuses to process your written resignation or fails to refund your MSA within 5 months, you have the following options:
- Send a written demand letter to Bestmed
- State your membership number, the date of your resignation, and your effective termination date
- Specify the amount of your MSA balance and the date by which you demand payment
- State that you will lodge a complaint with the Council for Medical Schemes if payment is not received within 10 business days
- Send this letter via registered post and retain the proof of delivery
- Lodge a formal complaint with the Council for Medical Schemes (CMS)
- The CMS is South Africa's independent regulator for medical schemes and has authority to investigate complaints and order remedies
- Visit www.medicalschemes.org.za or contact the CMS by phone or email
- Provide copies of your resignation letter, Bestmed's acknowledgement, proof of submission, and all correspondence related to your refund
- The CMS will investigate and may order Bestmed to pay your refund plus interest
- Consult a consumer law attorney
- If the CMS investigation is delayed or unsuccessful, a consumer law attorney can pursue legal action to recover your MSA balance plus costs
- Many attorneys offer free initial consultations for consumer disputes
How yafee supports your cancellation process
Yafee is a trusted resource for South African consumers navigating medical scheme cancellations and disputes. Our platform connects you with verified information about cancellation rights, timelines, and escalation procedures. Yafee has helped thousands of consumers cancel Bestmed and other medical schemes with confidence, ensuring they recover their MSA refunds and transition smoothly to their chosen alternative schemes.
Final steps and summary
Cancelling your Bestmed membership is your statutory right under the Medical Schemes Act. The process requires written resignation, confirmation of receipt, and active follow-up to recover your MSA refund. By following this guide, documenting every step, and understanding your legal protections, you avoid common delays and protect your financial interests.
Your cancellation is effective 30 days after Bestmed receives your written resignation. Your MSA refund is processed within 5 months and must not be withheld. If Bestmed refuses to cancel or delays your refund, the Council for Medical Schemes can investigate and enforce your rights.
Submit your resignation today using the procedures outlined in this guide. Contact Yafee or the CMS if you encounter obstacles during your cancellation or refund. Yafee has guided thousands of South African members through successful medical scheme exits and is available to answer questions about your specific situation. Your cancellation is lawful, your refund is guaranteed, and your transition to a better-suited scheme begins now.