Some GEMS health cover options for South African government workers
Belonging to a medical scheme is like a ticket to peace of mind. It can ensure that you have access to good medical care in a private hospital.
It is always important to do research on the scheme and its plans so that you can choose the cover that is most suited to what you and your family needs.
GEMS Medical Scheme is a restricted scheme for South African government workers The scheme was registered in 2005 and they offer their members a number of healthcare benefit options. These are –
Tanzanite One
Sapphire
Beryl
Ruby
Emerald Value
Onyx
With these plans, GEMS wants to ensure their employees and families have access to the best healthcare possible, and at affordable rates. GEMS has invested more than a billion Rand in 
benefit enhancements for its members to ensure that they keep up to date with the best healthcare there is.
The Government Employees Medical Scheme which is known as GEMS offers their several plans, each with their unique benefits. The Medical Scheme is always trying to improve on its benefits while at the same time trying to keep premiums low for its members.
Tanzanite One – More than you Expect!
Members choose to go with the affordable entry-level plan, Tanzanite One option.
At a time when people are counting every penny they have, it is Tanzanite that is one of the more affordable offerings of GEMS. It is particularly suited to low-income earners. Even though it is so affordable, members on the Tanzanite One option have access to private and public facilities.
Members also benefit from comprehensive cover for in- and out-of-hospital benefits. Add to that access to a network of hospitals in the private and public sector as well as a dedicated GP with unlimited consultations. Members who fall into a certain income bracket can also qualify for an up to 100% employer subsidy.
Other Plans also have you Covered
The GEMS Emerald Value Option is another worthwhile plan to look at as it minimises members’ exposure to out-of-pocket payments. Members on both options are required to make use of hospitals on the GEMS Hospital Network.
The GEMS Beryl Option is an entry-level plan but it still offers comprehensive in- and out-of-hospital benefits. You make use of network hospitals and healthcare providers. Funding is 80% of the scheme rate. There will be a co-payment.
The GEMS Ruby Option is a mid-level benefit much the same, offering members comprehensive in- and out-of-hospital benefits by means of a Personal Medical Savings Account, hospital plan and a Block Benefit.
GEMS Onyx is the top high-level plan offering extensive cover. The plan offers comprehensive in-hospital benefits for healthcare services in private and public hospitals.
GEMS Emerald also provides comprehensive cover and you can take your pick from the provider of your choice as opposed to using doctors and hospitals within the network.
GEMS – Looking after the health of Public Service employees
The GEMS Medical Scheme also wants to support all its members against the Covid-19 pandemic, and the scheme has set aside millions of Rands for treatment for members affected by Covid-19.
You can tell that the GEMS Medical Scheme understands the medical needs of South African Public Service employees, giving them peace of mind when it comes to their health.
Your medical aid quote will include options to suit your pocket. Please ensure that the cover you select is exactly what you need and that you understand exactly what insurance you are buying. Do not hesitate to ask questions about the medical aid or hospital cover you choose.