The Government Employees Medical Scheme (GEMS), one of SA’s biggest restricted medical schemes, (890,000 principal members and around 2.4m beneficiaries), announced a cut in 2026 tariffs lowering it to 7.5% effective 1 July. – Times Live (7 May 2026).
GEMS previously announced an average increase of 9.8% from 1 January 2026, then reduced this to 9.5% from 1 February 2026.
GEMS said the decision followed a structured review by its Board of Trustees and engagement with Government and organised labour.