GEMS Plans & Subsidy Calculator
Compare all six Government Employees Medical Scheme plans for 2026. Set your salary level and family size to see your real out-of-pocket cost after the employer subsidy.
What does GEMS cost in 2026? The state subsidises your contribution. The state pays 75% of it, and all of it on Tanzanite One for salary levels 1 to 5, up to a monthly cap that depends on how many dependants you have. A single member on salary levels 1 to 5 pays R0 a month on Tanzanite One, whose total contribution is R1,698.
Comparing GEMS with open schemes on price alone? See the cheapest medical aid options for 2026.
GEMS is available only to South African public service employees and their dependants.
Salary level
Gross monthly salary
Family size
Adults includes you, the main member. Add adult and child dependants.
Entry level
You pay
You 0% · employer 100%
Entry level
You pay
You 25% · employer 75%
Mid level
You pay
You 49% · employer 51%
High level
You pay
You 46% · employer 54%
High level
You pay
You 54% · employer 46%
High level
You pay
You 74% · employer 26%
Subsidy estimates: Amounts shown are based on the 2026 DPSA Appendix 1 limits and assume in-service employment. Your actual deduction depends on your salary level, department, and employment terms. Confirm with your department HR office.
Benefits: Summarised from GEMS 2026 member guides. Confirm full terms, limits, and exclusions with GEMS (0860 00 4367) before making any decision.
Educational comparison only — not financial advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
GEMS is available only to South African public service employees and their dependants.
All six GEMS plans for 2026: Tanzanite One, Beryl, Ruby, Emerald Value, Emerald and Onyx.
The state pays 75% of the contribution on all plans, and all of it on Tanzanite One for salary levels 1 to 5, up to a monthly cap that depends on how many dependants you have. The calculator shows what you pay yourself after the subsidy.
Up to 3 child dependants are charged, and a child must be under 21. Adult dependants are charged the adult rate.
The amounts are estimates based on the 2026 DPSA Appendix 1 limits and assume in-service employment. Your actual deduction depends on your salary level, department and employment terms, so confirm it with your department HR office. This is an educational comparison, not financial advice.