GEMS Chronic Medicine: Application, Renewal & Contact Details
If you are a member of the Government Employees Medical Scheme (GEMS) and need help with chronic medication approval, renewal, delivery, or contact details — this guide explains everything clearly in one place.
Whether you are applying for chronic medicine for the first time, renewing your authorisation, updating a prescription, or changing your delivery address, this page covers the full GEMS Chronic Medicine Management process.
GEMS Chronic Medicine Contact Details
If you need immediate assistance with chronic authorisations, use the official GEMS contact channels:
GEMS Call Centre: 0800 00 4367
Email (Chronic Authorisations): chronicdsp@gems.gov.za
Website: www.gems.gov.za
When contacting GEMS, have the following ready:
- Your membership number
- Patient details
- ICD-10 diagnosis code (if applicable)
- Treating doctor’s details
Call for urgent queries such as:
- Expired authorisation
- Rejected chronic application
- Delivery delays
- DSP pharmacy issues
How to Apply for GEMS Chronic Medicine
To receive chronic medication benefits under GEMS, you must first register and obtain authorisation.
Step 1: Get a Valid Prescription
Your treating doctor must provide:
- A detailed prescription
- ICD-10 diagnosis code
- Clinical motivation (if required)
Step 2: Complete the Chronic Medicine Application
The application form must be submitted by:
- Your doctor
- Or the dispensing pharmacy
Submission methods typically include:
- Email to chronicdsp@gems.gov.za
- Fax (if applicable)
Step 3: Await Authorisation
Once submitted:
- GEMS reviews the application
- Medication is checked against the formulary
- Approval or alternative options are communicated
Turnaround times may vary depending on complexity.
👉 For a detailed walkthrough, see our full GEMS Chronic Medicine Application Guide.
How to Renew Your GEMS Chronic Medicine Authorisation
Chronic authorisations are not always permanent. Some require renewal.
When Should You Renew?
- When your prescription expires
- When GEMS notifies you
- When medication changes
How to Renew
- Visit your doctor for an updated prescription
- Ensure ICD-10 code remains accurate
- Submit updated documentation via chronicdsp@gems.gov.za
If your authorisation expires, claims may be rejected until renewal is approved.
👉 See our full GEMS Chronic Medicine Renewal Guide for step-by-step instructions.
GEMS Chronic Courier Pharmacy & DSP Information
GEMS uses Designated Service Providers (DSPs) for chronic medication.
What Is a DSP?
A DSP (Designated Service Provider) is a pharmacy or courier partner appointed by GEMS to supply chronic medicine at agreed rates.
Using a DSP helps you:
- Avoid co-payments
- Ensure medicine aligns with the formulary
- Receive medicine through home delivery (where applicable)
Delivery vs Collection Options
Depending on your plan and approval:
- You may collect from a network pharmacy
- Or receive medicine via courier delivery
How to Change Your Delivery Address
To update delivery details:
- Submit the Chronic Medication Delivery Amendment Form
- Contact the GEMS chronic department directly
Failure to update your address may delay delivery.
👉 See full GEMS Courier Pharmacy & Delivery Guide here.
GEMS Chronic Medicine Formulary & Co-Payments
Understanding the formulary is critical to avoiding unexpected costs.
What Is the GEMS Formulary?
The formulary is a list of approved medicines covered under GEMS chronic benefits.
If your medication:
- Is on the formulary → fully covered (subject to scheme rules)
- Is not on the formulary → you may face a co-payment
What Is a Drug Reference Price (DRP)?
GEMS may apply a Drug Reference Price system. If you choose a more expensive medicine than the reference price, you may pay the difference.
What Happens If Your Medicine Is Not Covered?
Options may include:
- Switching to a formulary alternative
- Submitting clinical motivation
- Paying the price difference
👉 See our full GEMS Chronic Medicine Formulary Guide to understand your options.
Chronic Conditions Covered by GEMS
GEMS covers Prescribed Minimum Benefit (PMB) chronic conditions and additional scheme-specific conditions.
Common chronic conditions include:
- Diabetes
- Hypertension
- Asthma
- Epilepsy
- Cardiac conditions
- Thyroid disorders
- Mental health conditions (where applicable)
Coverage depends on:
- Your GEMS plan
- Formulary rules
- Approved clinical criteria
For a complete breakdown, visit our GEMS Chronic Conditions Covered Guide.
Frequently Asked Questions About GEMS Chronic Medicine
How do I apply for GEMS chronic medicine?
Your doctor must submit a prescription and required documentation to the GEMS chronic authorisations department. Approval must be granted before benefits apply.
How long does GEMS chronic approval take?
Turnaround times vary, but incomplete forms or missing ICD-10 codes can delay processing.
How do I renew my chronic prescription?
Submit an updated prescription before expiry through your doctor or pharmacy.
Can I use any pharmacy?
To avoid co-payments, you must generally use a GEMS Designated Service Provider (DSP).
What happens if my medicine is not on the formulary?
You may switch to an approved alternative or pay the difference if choosing a non-formulary option.
How do I change my delivery address?
Submit the official delivery amendment form or contact the chronic department directly.
Important Reminders for GEMS Members
- Always renew prescriptions before expiry
- Ensure your doctor includes the correct ICD-10 code
- Use DSP pharmacies to avoid co-payments
- Keep your contact details updated
- Monitor your authorisation status regularly
Need More Help?
For official assistance, contact GEMS directly:
Call: 0800 00 4367
Email: chronicdsp@gems.gov.za
Website: www.gems.gov.za
For detailed guides on applications, renewals, courier delivery, and formulary rules, explore the related pages linked throughout this article.