GEMS Onyx 2026: price and benefits
GEMS Onyx costs R7,673 a month for a member on the lowest salary band in 2026 (R5,874 per adult dependant and R2,307 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 | R7,673 | R5,874 | R2,307 |
| R17,261 to under R36,779 | R7,985 | R6,080 | R2,507 |
| R36,779 and above | R8,621 | R6,626 | R2,797 |
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: Most comprehensive in-hospital cover on GEMS
- Strong cover: Any GEMS-registered hospital — full private access
- Strong cover: Highest in-hospital benefit limits across all categories
- Strong cover: In Lieu of Hospitalisation + home-based care
Day-to-day
- Strong cover: Highest-value Block Benefit on GEMS
- Strong cover: Comprehensive out-of-hospital: GP, specialist, allied health
- Strong cover: Broad provider access — network and non-network
- Strong cover: REO GP network preferred but flexible
Chronic conditions
- Strong cover: All 27 PMB conditions — most generous benefit limits
- Strong cover: 30+ additional chronic conditions (most comprehensive)
- Strong cover: Full CDBP including oncology, HIV, rare conditions
Dental
- Strong cover: Most comprehensive dental benefit on GEMS
- Strong cover: Orthodontics: under-21, once-in-lifetime
- Strong cover: Highest dental financial limit per beneficiary
Optical
- Strong cover: Best optical benefit: highest frames + lenses allowance
Maternity
- Strong cover: Most comprehensive GEMS Maternity Programme
- Strong cover: Private antenatal suite + enhanced postnatal + newborn
Wellness & extras
- Strong cover: Full G-Health programme + comprehensive chronic management
- Strong cover: Disease management + specialist nurse support
- Strong cover: 24/7 emergency + enhanced member services
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 Onyx with
Similar 2026 plans in the same category, closest in price first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Before the employer subsidy, GEMS Onyx costs R7,673 for a member on salaries under R17,261; R7,985 for a member on salaries from R17,261 to under R36,779; R8,621 for a member on salaries of R36,779 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 (full private). Most comprehensive in-hospital cover on GEMS. Any GEMS-registered hospital — full private access. Highest in-hospital benefit limits across all categories. In Lieu of Hospitalisation + home-based care.