Fraud alert: Dual membership

Dual membership is when you belong to more than one medical scheme at the same time. The thought of having two medical schemes might seem very tempting - after all, when your funds run out at one medical scheme you'll still have the other to cover you. But beware: it is an act of fraud. According to Section 28 of the Medical Schemes Act, no member or dependant can belong to more than one medical scheme.

By law you have to tell your medical scheme if you belong to another one. If you don't:

• The scheme might cancel or suspend your membership because you did not inform them.
• You could be found guilty of fraud and face imprisonment (for up to five years) or both.
• Your name could be circulated on a fraud database of the medical schemes and you might not be able to join another medical scheme in future.

If you are currently a member or dependant of two medical schemes, you need to obtain your membership certificates from both medical schemes and contact the GEMS fraud hotline on 0800 21 22 02 or email us at [email protected]. One of our agents will help to resolve the dual membership. Remember that your sincere and honest declaration is always appreciated.