GEMS – Government Medical Health Scheme was developed in order to provide medical assistance to public service employees by government. Their aim is to show public service employees that the government understands their individual needs and realised that many of them could not afford private health cover. This is mainly due to the fact that the government realised that they needed to develop a medical system that showed that they really care about their public service employees and that they can provide them with the medical safety that we all want. Their vision is “to provide all public service employees with equitable access to affordable and comprehensive healthcare benefits.”
If you are a public service employee and have never heard of GEMS – Government Medical Health Scheme then I definitely think that you should take a look at their website. Not only does this website provide you with a history of the organisation, but also displays their vision, mission and core values so that you can be reminded that you are in good hands with them. For all prospective members, if you visit www.gems.gov.za, you will able to view or print out a copy of their latest marketing brochure in any language you like. This will help you find the right medical aid solution for you and your family’s needs. If you still find yourself wondering why you should join, why would you not want to join a medical scheme that understands the exact needs of someone in your industry and who will provide cost effective and comprehensive cover? In addition to this, GEMS has stated that every fortnight they pay out any money owing to any of their members which means that you do not have to wait for months for your repayment should you have over paid, unlike other medical aid providers.
If you are wondering exactly who may join GEMS, then take a read of the list below:
- A National Department listed in Schedule 1 of the Public Service Act;
- A Provincial Department listed in Schedule 2 of the Public Service Act;
- A Provincial Administration listed in Schedule 2 of the Public Service Act;
- Organisational components listed in Schedule 3 of the Public Service Act or
- You belong to any employer group approved by the Scheme.
For those of you who used to work in the public service and are now a pensioner, then there is also an opportunity for you here as they pay for the medical expenses of pensioners. If you are now intrigued, then why not visit www.gems.gov.za and take a look at the quick and easy application process on offer to you. Firstly you can visit one of the GEMS offices and get the forms yourself. But why would you do that when (second point) you can download all of the application forms online and just fax them through their head office. For those of you who are looking to contact them for any reason, you can do so via fax on 0861 000 4367, or email them at enquiries@gems.gov.za. If you prefer to do things the old fashion way or just prefer face to face contact, then why not visit the GEMS Regional Office and drop your application forms off there directly.
There are also a number of options available to public service employees and depending on your needs you can choose from the following options:
- Sapphire
- Beryl
- Ruby
- Emerald
- Onyx
Each membership fee is based on the cover that you choose as well as the salary bracket that you fall in to. This means that you will never be charged at a rate that GEMS know you cannot afford. This therefore is one of the better medical aid schemes that are available to public service employees.