Dishonest. ************. No transparency.

I would like to KINDLY advised people not to use GEMS as their medical aid scheme. If you do, please make sure you thoroughly read the information that they give you.

I have found through unfortunate experience that GEMS is dishonest and ************. They lack transparency and fail to adequately communicate with their customers/beneficiaries. I have come to the upsetting conclusion that they don't actually care about people. They only care about the bottom line and making money.

I am a government employee and I have been with GEMS for close to 5 years. I have two dependants.

My one dependant was a student for four of those five years. During year 5, he was no longer and student and I was informed by GEMS that he has been suspended.

I foolishly believed that because he is suspended it meant that I was no longer contributing towards his medical aid.

It was a foolish thought indeed. GEMS continued to take money from me for a full 10 months. Even though my dependant was suspended and couldn't even use the medical aid.

When I tried to reinstate him as an adult dependent, they told me that I actually owe them money as they have been taking child rates and now he is an adult.

I asked them why were they taking rates in the first place for someone who is suspended?

I was told that suspension doesn't mean termination therefore they will continue to take money.

I was bewildered. How do you take money, when that person can't even use the medical aid?

So you see, GEMS plays semantics. They trick you with wording. Nobody ever makes it clear that suspension means they will still take money from you, but you just can't use your medical aid.

It is ugly, dishonest practices.

Perhaps if you are able to, rather save your money in a special account for emergencies. Rather than trusting institutions like GEMS.

Thank you and God bless.