GEMS Emerald Value 2026: price and benefits
GEMS Emerald Value costs R3,705 a month for a member on the lowest salary band in 2026 (R2,831 per adult dependant and R1,377 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 | R3,705 | R2,831 | R1,377 |
| R17,261 to under R29,810 | R4,100 | R3,178 | R1,545 |
| R29,810 and above | R4,593 | R3,531 | R1,721 |
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 (GEMS network — public & private)
- Partial cover: Specialist referral rules apply for in-hospital specialists
- Partial cover: In Lieu of Hospitalisation benefits available
- Strong cover: No annual hospital limit (unlike Beryl)
Day-to-day
- Strong cover: Comprehensive network-based day-to-day benefits
- Strong cover: Block Benefit for out-of-hospital services
- Strong cover: Subject to GEMS network specialist referral rules
- Partial cover: Network GP nomination encouraged (REO network)
Chronic conditions
- Strong cover: All 27 PMB conditions
- Strong cover: 30+ additional chronic conditions covered
- Strong cover: Comprehensive CDBP including diabetes, cancer, HIV/AIDS
Dental
- Strong cover: Comprehensive dental: all major procedures
- Strong cover: Orthodontics: under-21, once-in-lifetime
- Partial cover: Network dentists preferred for full benefit
Optical
- Strong cover: Good optical benefit: frames, lenses, contact lenses
Maternity
- Strong cover: Comprehensive GEMS Maternity Programme
- Strong cover: Enhanced antenatal + postnatal + newborn care
Wellness & extras
- Strong cover: Full G-Health wellness screening programme
- Strong cover: Chronic disease management + nurse helpline
- Partial cover: 24/7 emergency support
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 Value with
Similar 2026 plans in the same category, closest in price first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Before the employer subsidy, GEMS Emerald Value costs R3,705 for a member on salaries under R17,261; R4,100 for a member on salaries from R17,261 to under R29,810; R4,593 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.
GEMS network (public & private). Comprehensive in-hospital (GEMS network — public & private). Specialist referral rules apply for in-hospital specialists. In Lieu of Hospitalisation benefits available. No annual hospital limit (unlike Beryl).