Scheme reviews
GEMS: plans, benefits and who it suits
By Naledi Mokoena · 6 min read · Updated 24 June 2026
- Administrator
- GEMS (restricted scheme for public service employees)
- Plan types
- Income-based network, savings, comprehensive
- Known for
- Largest restricted scheme, employer subsidy for members
- Day-to-day
- Network or savings depending on option
- Network option
- Yes - lower options use networks
- How to join
- gems.gov.za, employer HR or a broker
GEMS, the Government Employees Medical Scheme, is a restricted scheme for South African public service employees and their dependants, and one of the largest schemes in the country, offering options from the income-based Tanzanite One up to the comprehensive Onyx for qualifying employees who often receive an employer subsidy toward the contribution.
Options include Tanzanite One, Beryl, Ruby, Emerald Value, Emerald and Onyx, spanning network, savings and comprehensive cover. Because GEMS is restricted, you generally must be a government employee to join.
Even with an employer subsidy, compare the option benefits against your needs, and note the network rules on the lower options and the standard waiting periods.
Options and who each suits
- Tanzanite One (income-based): lowest cost, network-based, contribution scales with salary. Suits lower-graded employees.
- Beryl: a network option with day-to-day in network. Suits members who want simple, lower-cost cover.
- Ruby and Emerald Value: savings or value-network options for families.
- Emerald: a popular middle option balancing cover and cost.
- Onyx: the comprehensive top option for members with higher medical needs.
Indicative contribution bands
Contributions below are indicative bands to show where a plan type usually sits. They are not quotes. Always confirm the current year's rates on the scheme's own site before you decide. GEMS members often receive a government employer subsidy, which reduces what you pay out of pocket.
| Option type | Entry contribution (indicative, per principal) | Hospital cover | Day-to-day | Network restriction |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Income-based (Tanzanite One) | scales with salary, often from R1,000 | Network hospitals | Network GP and basics | Yes |
| Network (Beryl) | from roughly R1,400 to R2,000 | Network hospitals | Network day-to-day | Yes |
| Savings (Ruby/Emerald) | from roughly R2,800 to R4,500 | Private hospitals | Savings or value benefits | Partly |
| Comprehensive (Onyx) | from roughly R6,000 upward | Private hospitals | Extended benefits | No |
Benefits and chronic cover
GEMS covers the 26 PMB chronic conditions and adds extended chronic cover and maternity programmes on higher options. As a restricted scheme it is designed around public service employment, and the benefit design and contribution tables are published each year. Check the option you qualify for against the current benefit guide.
Eligibility, waiting periods and applying
You generally need to be a South African government employee to join GEMS. Standard waiting periods can apply to new members, namely up to 3 months general and 12 months condition-specific, subject to the Medical Schemes Act. Late-joiner penalties can also apply. Apply through gems.gov.za, your department's HR office or a broker, and have your employee details ready.
If a scheme does not resolve a complaint, you can escalate to the Council for Medical Schemes (CMS) at medicalschemes.co.za, the statutory regulator for all registered medical schemes in South Africa.
Frequently asked questions
Who qualifies for GEMS?
GEMS is a restricted scheme for South African public service employees and their registered dependants. You generally need to be a government employee to join. Eligibility is confirmed through your department and gems.gov.za.
What is the cheapest GEMS option?
Tanzanite One is the income-based network option and is usually the lowest cost for lower-salary members, since the contribution scales with salary. Beryl is another low-cost network option. Confirm current rates on gems.gov.za.
Does GEMS have a contribution calculator?
GEMS publishes contribution tables and tools each year on gems.gov.za, including income bands for income-based options. Use the official site so you see the current year's figures rather than outdated numbers.
How do I apply for GEMS?
Apply through gems.gov.za, your department's HR office or a registered broker. Have your employee number, ID and dependant details ready. Check which options you qualify for under your salary band.
Does GEMS cover maternity?
Yes. GEMS runs a maternity programme and covers antenatal and birth benefits, with the detail depending on your option. Register on the maternity programme early to access the full benefit. See the current benefit guide.
Are there waiting periods on GEMS?
Yes. A 3-month general and up to a 12-month condition-specific waiting period can apply to new members under the Medical Schemes Act, and a late-joiner penalty may apply after age 35 without prior cover.
Is GEMS a government department?
GEMS is a restricted medical scheme for government employees, not a department itself. It is regulated by the Council for Medical Schemes like other registered schemes, and complaints can be escalated to the CMS.
