GEMS Ruby 2026: price and benefits
GEMS Ruby costs R3,960 a month for a member on the lowest salary band in 2026 (R2,970 per adult dependant and R1,530 per child), before the employer subsidy. It is a savings-account (saver) 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 | R3,960 | R2,970 | R1,530 |
| R17,261 to under R28,581 | R4,410 | R3,310 | R1,720 |
| R28,581 and above | R4,880 | R3,680 | R1,895 |
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 cover (no PMB restriction)
- Partial cover: REO network hospitals preferred; public hospitals included
- Restriction: 2026: R1,000 co-payment for GI scopes introduced
- Partial cover: In Lieu of Hospitalisation (ILOH): IV therapy & home care
Day-to-day
- Strong cover: Personal Medical Savings Account (PMSA) = 20% of contributions
- Partial cover: Block Benefit: risk pool for specific day-to-day services
- Partial cover: REO GP network: nominated GP coordinates all care
- Partial cover: Specialist visits: REO network specialists preferred
Chronic conditions
- Strong cover: All 27 PMB conditions
- Strong cover: 8 additional chronic conditions (incl. diabetes, hypertension, asthma)
- Partial cover: HIV/AIDS management programme included
Dental
- Partial cover: Comprehensive dental: extractions, fillings, root canals
- Partial cover: Orthodontics: under-21, once-in-lifetime benefit
- Partial cover: Subject to dental financial limit per beneficiary
Optical
- Partial cover: Moderate optical benefit: frames, lenses, contact lenses
Maternity
- Strong cover: Enhanced GEMS Maternity Programme + additional antenatal visits
- Partial cover: Postnatal support and newborn screening
Wellness & extras
- Strong cover: G-Health enhanced screening + chronic risk profiling
- Partial cover: Wellness programme + flu vaccination
- Partial cover: 24/7 emergency line + nurse helpline
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 Ruby with
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Frequently Asked Questions
Before the employer subsidy, GEMS Ruby costs R3,960 for a member on salaries under R17,261; R4,410 for a member on salaries from R17,261 to under R28,581; R4,880 for a member on salaries of R28,581 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.
REO network (preferred). Comprehensive in-hospital cover (no PMB restriction). REO network hospitals preferred; public hospitals included. 2026: R1,000 co-payment for GI scopes introduced. In Lieu of Hospitalisation (ILOH): IV therapy & home care.