The new Basic Med rules are effective May 1, 2017. Read the complete Pilots Guide to Basic Med from Sporty’s StudentPilotNews.com. Ed.
If you’ve held a valid medical certificate at any point after July 14, 2006, you may never have to see an Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) again under the new BasicMed rule that becomes effective May 1, 2017.
And for those just getting started, you may be able to complete just one AME medical exam at the beginning of your flying and then use the simplified process as long as your flying can be accomplished with third class privileges.
Source: SportysBasic Med Effective May 1, 2017