Why is it important to manage your membership?

As a member you need to make sure that you follow certain rules and procedures to enjoy the maximum value of your membership. Keep the Scheme informed of any change in your personal details and adhere to the terms and conditions of
your membership.

Maintaining up-to-date member information will ensure a hassle-free experience when you need to make use of your benefits.

Who is eligible to be a GEMS member?

You may join GEMS if you are employed in or are a pensioner of:

• A National Department listed in Schedule 1 of the Public Service Act;
• A Provincial Department listed in Schedule 2 of the Public Service Act;
• A Provincial Administration listed in Schedule 2 of the Public Service Act;
• Organisational components listed in Schedule 3 of the Public Service Act or
• You belong to any employer group approved by the Scheme.

Click here to view Participating Employers on GEMS.

Terms and conditions of GEMS membership

You may not be a member or a registered dependant of more than one medical scheme at the same time.

Adult dependant rates apply to dependants over 21 years of age - except for dependants who are full-time students who pay child rates until their 28th birthday. Mentally or physicaly disabled dependants are also eligible for child rates.

If a dependant's income exceeds the maximum Government Social Pension or if a dependant is permanently employed, he/she is not recognised as being financially dependent on you and he/she will no longer be eligible as a dependant.
For full details on dependants, please read further.

It is important to follow the Scheme rules and not to abuse the privileges of the Scheme; otherwise you could compromise your membership.

Keep GEMS informed

Keep GEMS informed of changes in your personal details in writing as soon as any of the following details change:

Address, telephone number or other contact details;

Banking details;

Marital status;

Monthly income;

If you wish to add or remove dependants;

If you change employers;

If the Principal Member or any of the registered dependants pass away and

If the Principal Member resigns from the Public Service.

Member card and certificate of membership

• A member card is issued to every Principal Member. If the member has registered dependants, two cards will be issued.
• Cards for dependants are available on request.
• Your member card may only be used by yourself and your registered dependants.

It is illegal to give your member card to someone else.

• Neither you nor your dependants should use your member card after resignation from the Scheme. Any claims resulting from healthcare services rendered to you or a dependant after your resignation date will not be paid for by GEMS.
  Once you or a dependant resigns from the Scheme, you are no longer eligible to use your member card.
• If you cancel your membership or deregister a dependant, GEMS will issue a certificate of membership to the member or dependant. Please ensure that you put your member number on all correspondence with the Scheme.
• Present your member card to healthcare service providers at all times.