Death and funeral claims

In 2021, diseases of the respiratory system were the leading cause of death claims due to COVID-19. This year, cardiovascular disease (21%) was responsible for most claims; followed by respiratory diseases (17%); accidents, poisoning and violence (12%); and cancer (12%). Most death claims were from men (67%) and individuals older than 55 (74%).

In terms of accidental death claims, motor vehicle accidents were behind 33% of claims, followed by assault (24%) and suicide (21%). While the number of claims for accidental deaths has increased slightly from 2021, it is still significantly lower than pre-COVID levels as a percentage of all other causes.

Marx adds, “Prior to the pandemic, cardiovascular disease was the main cause of death claims and we expected to see it return to this position. Non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular disease did not disappear during the COVID-19 pandemic and it is a reminder of the importance of annual health checks and screenings to detect these at an early stage.”

“In 2022, we paid 16% fewer death and funeral claims than in 2021. Our biggest death claim was R57.8 million and the oldest deceased was 104 years old. For both men and women, most claims for death were the result of heart disease.”

Severe illness claims

58% of severe illness claims were by people under the age of 55, also emphasising the need for severe illness cover for younger South Africans. Cancers and tumours remain the leading cause of claims by some margin, at 52%. Heart attacks followed at just 8%. Interestingly, last year saw an increase in claims for angioplasty which may point to earlier diagnosis of heart conditions.

Of the 47% of severe illness claims from women, 63% were for cancer, 48% of which were for breast cancer. Dr Marion Morkel, Chief Medical Officer at Sanlam, encourages all women to perform regular self-checks of their breasts, follow the recommended guidelines for mammogram screenings and to consult a health practitioner if there are any concerns.

Of the 53% of claims from men, 42% were for cancer, with 36% of these for prostate cancer. This is a marked increase, up 11% from 2021. “Prostate cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer for males in 112 countries and the continued increasing incidence has been reflected in clinical research globally. Certainly, our significant increase in prostate cancer claims highlights the ongoing need for regular screenings for all men,” says Dr Morkel.

Sickness Income claims

COVID-19 still accounted for most sickness income claims (41%) in 2022. Marx says, “While COVID-19 remained the leading cause of these claims, we paid out R31.1 million for people being booked off work – that's 46% less than in 2021.” More than 70% of sickness income claims were from those under 45. Women accounted for 55% of claims, 12% of which were linked to pregnancy, childbirth and puerperium-related conditions.

Marx adds, “There needs to be more openness and generosity toward women who are going through complications linked to pregnancy and childbirth. From infertility journeys and stillbirth to emergency caesareans for first pregnancies and the early and overwhelming days of new motherhood. We need to support women with the time off, resources and care they need.”