In short, no—you cannot stay on GEMS if you resign from your public service job. Membership in GEMS is exclusive to active public service employees and participating employers, which means that when you resign, your membership is terminated immediately. Once your resignation is processed, you’re no longer eligible for GEMS benefits. Here’s what this means in practical terms:
- Membership Cancellation: Your GEMS membership ends as soon as your resignation is confirmed by your employer. You will lose access to GEMS benefits right away, and any medical claims after your last day of work will not be covered by the scheme.
- Avoiding Unauthorized Use: Using your GEMS membership card after resignation is strictly prohibited. If you or your healthcare provider attempts to claim for medical services after your resignation date, it could be considered fraud. Such actions could have legal consequences, so it’s essential to stop using your GEMS membership once you leave public service.
- Responsibility for Medical Costs: After your resignation, you’re responsible for all medical costs incurred. GEMS will no longer cover any healthcare services or prescriptions from the day your employment ends, so it’s essential to have a plan for medical coverage post-resignation.
What to Do About Outstanding GEMS Debt After Resignation
If you have any outstanding debts with GEMS upon resigning, these must be addressed. Outstanding medical scheme debt doesn’t disappear when your membership ends. Here’s what you need to know about managing any unpaid balances:
- Settling Debts Before Rejoining: If you leave GEMS with outstanding debt, you’ll need to settle the balance or agree on a payment plan with GEMS. Only after addressing this debt will you be able to apply for re-enrollment if you return to a public service position in the future.
- Payment Arrangement Options: For those who may find it difficult to clear their outstanding balance all at once, GEMS may offer payment arrangement options. Contacting GEMS customer service as soon as you resign can help clarify your options for paying off any debt and prevent issues if you want to rejoin in the future.
Tips for Transitioning from GEMS to Private Health Insurance
Since GEMS coverage is exclusively available to public service employees, resigning means you’ll need to look for other healthcare coverage options. Here are some tips to ensure a smooth transition:
- Evaluate Private Health Insurance Options: There are various private health insurance providers in South Africa. Compare coverage options, premiums, and benefits to find a plan that suits your needs and budget.
- Consider a Gap Period Solution: In some cases, there might be a waiting period before new health insurance becomes active. Some private insurers offer short-term solutions for individuals who are transitioning between healthcare plans. Exploring these options can help you avoid gaps in coverage.
- Budget for Medical Costs During the Transition: It’s possible that your new healthcare plan may have different benefits or require a waiting period for certain types of coverage. Budgeting for out-of-pocket medical expenses during this time is a wise move.
Overview of Public Universities in South Africa
Here's an overview of some public universities in South Africa, including general admissions requirements and estimated application periods. Keep in mind, specific program requirements and dates can vary significantly, so it's important to check each university's official website for the most current information.
University of Pretoria
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with minimum scores in specific subjects related to the chosen program; for international students, equivalent qualifications.
- Application Period: Usually opens in March and closes at the end of July for most programs.
University of Cape Town
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with pass levels required for degree study; subject-specific requirements depending on the program.
- Application Period: Application opens in April and closes at the end of July.
Stellenbosch University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required marks; some programs have additional testing.
- Application Period: Opens in March and typically closes at the end of June.
University of the Witwatersrand
- Admissions Requirements: Matriculation certificate with university exemption; required scores vary by faculty.
- Application Period: Begins in March and ends on the 30th of September.
University of Johannesburg
- Admissions Requirements: Matric exemption with a minimum APS score; specific subject requirements based on the faculty.
- Application Period: Opens in April and generally closes by the 30th of September.
University of the Free State
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific marks for the program applied to; additional requirements for certain courses.
- Application Period: Typically opens in April and closes at the end of August.
University of Venda
- Admissions Requirements: Completion of the National Senior Certificate with an endorsement for diploma or degree studies; specific APS scores needed.
- Application Period: Usually from May to September.
University of Fort Hare
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with university exemption; certain programs may have specific requirements.
- Application Period: Opens around May and closes at the end of September.
University of the Western Cape
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific performance levels; additional requirements for certain programs.
- Application Period: Generally from May to September.
North-West University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with university exemption; program-specific requirements may apply.
- Application Period: Opens in March and usually closes by the end of August.
Rhodes University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate or equivalent; minimum academic performance in certain subjects.
- Application Period: Applications open in April and close at the end of September.
Nelson Mandela University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required scores for chosen programs; portfolio or additional tests for some faculties.
- Application Period: Opens in April, with a deadline at the end of August for most programs.
Cape Peninsula University of Technology
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific scores; additional requirements for certain courses.
- Application Period: Opens in May and typically closes by the end of September.
University of Limpopo
- Admissions Requirements: Senior Certificate with endorsement for diploma or degree courses; specific APS scores for different programs.
- Application Period: From April to September.
University of Zululand
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with an endorsement for bachelor’s degree studies; specific score requirements for various programs.
- Application Period: Usually between April and November.
Central University of Technology
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific scores for the chosen field of study; additional criteria for certain programs.
- Application Period: Application period generally starts in May and ends in October.
Vaal University of Technology
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with a pass that qualifies for admission to bachelor’s degree, diploma, or higher certificate programs.
- Application Period: Typically from May to September.
Walter Sisulu University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required scores for chosen programs; additional criteria for certain faculties.
- Application Period: From April to September.
This list provides a starting point for understanding the admissions landscape across South Africa's diverse higher education institutions. Given the variability in programs and requirements, it's crucial to consult each university's website for the most accurate and up-to-date information.