GEMS Emerald 2026: price and benefits
GEMS Emerald costs R4,425 a month for a member on the lowest salary band in 2026 (R3,371 per adult dependant and R1,643 per child), before the employer subsidy. It is a comprehensive plan from the Government Employees Medical Scheme, open only to public service employees and their dependants.
Source: Government Employees Medical Scheme 2026 published contributions (GEMS website)Last reviewed
Contributions
Total monthly contribution by salary band, before the employer subsidy. 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. What you pay yourself is therefore usually well below these figures.
| Monthly salary | Member | Adult | Child |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under R17,261 | R4,425 | R3,371 | R1,643 |
| R17,261 to under R29,810 | R4,897 | R3,786 | R1,840 |
| R29,810 and above | R5,491 | R4,210 | R2,053 |
Child dependants: up to 3 are charged, and a child must be under 21. Adult dependants are charged the adult rate.
In-hospital
- Strong cover: Comprehensive in-hospital — any GEMS-registered hospital
- Strong cover: Not restricted to GEMS network (more hospital choice)
- Strong cover: In Lieu of Hospitalisation benefits available
- Strong cover: No annual hospital limit
Day-to-day
- Strong cover: Block Benefit for standard out-of-hospital services
- Strong cover: Primary Care Extender: extends cover to non-network providers
- Strong cover: More flexible than Emerald Value — wider provider access
- Strong cover: REO network GP nomination recommended but not penalised
Chronic conditions
- Strong cover: All 27 PMB conditions
- Strong cover: 30+ additional chronic conditions
- Strong cover: Full CDBP access: diabetes, cancer, hypertension, HIV/AIDS
Dental
- Strong cover: Comprehensive dental — all major procedures
- Strong cover: Orthodontics: under-21, once-in-lifetime benefit
- Strong cover: Broader provider access than Emerald Value
Optical
- Strong cover: Good optical benefit: frames, lenses, contact lenses
Maternity
- Strong cover: Comprehensive GEMS Maternity Programme
- Strong cover: Enhanced antenatal, postnatal + newborn screening
Wellness & extras
- Strong cover: Full G-Health wellness + chronic risk profiling
- Strong cover: Disease management programmes + nurse helpline
- Strong cover: 24/7 emergency support + GEMS member app
FAIS Disclaimer
This tool is for educational and informational purposes only. It does not constitute financial advice. Consult a registered financial adviser (FSP) before making any medical aid decision. Contributions shown are current-year (2026) figures from official scheme sources.
Compare GEMS Emerald with
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Frequently Asked Questions
Before the employer subsidy, GEMS Emerald costs R4,425 for a member on salaries under R17,261; R4,897 for a member on salaries from R17,261 to under R29,810; R5,491 for a member on salaries of R29,810 and above. Adult dependants and children are charged at the rates on the plan page for the same band.
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. Use the GEMS calculator to see your own figure for your salary level and family size.
Any GEMS-registered hospital. Comprehensive in-hospital — any GEMS-registered hospital. Not restricted to GEMS network (more hospital choice). In Lieu of Hospitalisation benefits available. No annual hospital limit.