Quick answer: Yes. Bestmed covers treatment for chemical and substance abuse as a Prescribed Minimum Benefit: up to 21 days of in-hospital treatment per person per year, paid at 100% of the scheme tariff. You must get pre-authorisation and use one of Bestmed’s designated service providers.
Last reviewed: October 2026, based on Bestmed’s published benefit information.
What does Bestmed pay for rehab?
| Rule | How it works on Bestmed |
|---|---|
| Days covered | Up to 21 days of in-hospital treatment per beneficiary per year |
| Rate | 100% of the scheme tariff |
| What is covered | Treatment of Prescribed Minimum Benefit conditions only |
| Where | Bestmed’s designated service providers |
| Pre-authorisation | Required |
Which Bestmed plans cover rehab?
The substance abuse benefit is a Prescribed Minimum Benefit, so every option must provide it. Bestmed lists it on its Beat and Pace options with the same conditions: pre-authorisation, designated service providers and a 21-day stay per person per year. Check the benefit guide for your own option.
Why is pre-authorisation so important on Bestmed?
Bestmed’s rules make all hospital benefits subject to pre-authorisation, and say that benefits in a private hospital are not granted if an authorisation number was not obtained. In practice, get the authorisation number before the admission date and keep it in writing.
How do I get Bestmed to approve rehab?
- Phone Bestmed on the number on your membership card before the admission.
- Ask for pre-authorisation for substance abuse treatment.
- Ask which designated service providers you may use near you.
- Ask how many of your 21 days are left for the year.
- Write down the authorisation number and give it to the rehab centre.
See our guide to getting medical aid to approve rehab.
Does Bestmed cover mental health treatment as well?
Yes. Bestmed’s mental health benefit is limited to 21 days in hospital per person per year, or 15 outpatient psychotherapy sessions instead. Ask Bestmed how this benefit and the substance abuse benefit work together in your case, especially if the person has both an addiction and a mental health condition.
What happens after the 21 days?
The benefit is per person per year. For a longer stay, or a second admission in the same year, expect to pay privately. Read what to do when your rehab days are used up and what happens in a 21-day rehab.
Frequently asked questions
How many days of rehab does Bestmed cover?
Up to 21 days of in-hospital treatment per person per year, subject to pre-authorisation and the use of a designated service provider.
Does Bestmed Beat 1 cover rehab?
Yes. Beat 1 lists chemical and substance abuse treatment for Prescribed Minimum Benefit conditions, limited to a 21-day in-hospital stay per year.
Can I choose any rehab centre on Bestmed?
For full cover you must use one of Bestmed’s designated service providers. Ask Bestmed what you would pay at a centre outside its network before you decide.
What does Bestmed not cover?
The benefit is limited to Prescribed Minimum Benefit conditions, so treatment that falls outside them, and stays beyond 21 days, are for your own account.
How Rehab Bridge can help
Rehab Bridge is not a rehab centre and is not affiliated with any medical scheme. We listen to your situation, explain your options and connect you to rehab centres in Gauteng and Cape Town that work with your medical aid. Contact us, send us a WhatsApp or email info@rehabbridge.co.za.
Benefits and scheme rules change every year. This article is general information, not advice. Confirm your cover with Bestmed before admission.