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GEMS (Government Employees Medical Scheme)

GEMS

85Score

★★★★☆4.0

Customer satisfaction · 2.4M members

Ask Afrika Orange Index: 2nd Place 2025(2025)

GEMS is South Africa's largest restricted medical scheme, serving approximately 890,000 principal members and 2.4 million beneficiaries among government employees. It offers highly affordable coverage thanks to employer subsidies and rose to 2nd place in the Ask Afrika Orange Index 2025.

Overall Score

85/100

Founded

2005

Headquarters

Pretoria

Type

private

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Key Metrics

Scheme Type

Restricted (government employees)

Contribution Increase2026

9.8%

Orange Index2025

2nd place (up from 5th)

Employer Subsidy

Yes

Editorial Ratings

Ask Afrika Orange Index: 2nd Place 2025(2025)

Rating: 2nd Place (up from 5th) (max: 1st Place)

85Ask

Coverage Highlights

✓Contributions up to 23% lower than comparable open schemes before subsidy
✓Government employer subsidy makes coverage highly affordable
✓Comprehensive PMB coverage for 270+ conditions
✓Wide provider network across South Africa

Pros

✓Highly affordable due to government subsidy
✓Comprehensive PMB coverage
✓Improving customer experience scores
✓Wide provider network

Cons

✗Restricted to government employees only (not open to public)
✗9.8% contribution increase for 2026
✗Less innovation compared to open-scheme competitors

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can join GEMS?

GEMS is a restricted medical scheme available only to South African government employees and their dependents. Members of the public cannot join.

Why is GEMS so affordable?

GEMS contributions are up to 23% lower than comparable open schemes, and members benefit from an employer (government) subsidy that further reduces out-of-pocket costs.

How did GEMS perform in the Ask Afrika Orange Index?

GEMS moved from 5th to 2nd place in the Ask Afrika Orange Index 2025, reflecting significant improvement in customer experience and service quality.

Quick Summary

InsurerGEMS (Government Employees Medical Scheme)

Country🇿🇦 South Africa

Overall Score85/100

Satisfaction4.0/5

Members2.4M

Typeprivate

Founded2005

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Visit GEMS (Government Employees Medical Scheme) to learn more about their plans.

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