Understanding Serious Illness

Cover

Know the facts before opting for a specific kind of cover

Life is unpredictable…

Life comes with its twists and turns.

You really don’t know what’s

around the corner! If you are the

primary source of financial

support for your family then it is

your duty to prepare for the time

when you will no longer be

around to continue that support.

It’s not pleasant to think about it

but it is of the utmost importance

to secure your loved ones’

futures.

www.familymediationcenter.gr

Life insurance is one thing, but then there are more specialised

kinds of insurance offered by most life insurance companies and

Serious Illness Cover is one such kind. This cover ensures that in

the event of you, the insured, being diagnosed with a certain

illness by a registered doctor, a pre-determined lump sum will be

paid out to your family. This is particularly helpful as you may not

be able to work during this time, putting your loved ones’ well-

being at risk. The following illnesses are those usually covered by

serious illness cover:

1. Stroke

What is it?:

A stroke is suffered when tissue in the brain dies as a result of insufficient blood supply to that area. Bleeding within the skull can also cause a stroke.

Qualifying for serious illness cover:

A CAT scan or MRI is required as well as a qualified neurologist’s confirmation that the patient (or insured) has the relevant symptoms of a stroke (brain damage resulting in problems with cognition and vision, for example).

Strokes are the third most common cause of death in South Africa. helivac.co.za

2. Heart Attack

What is it?:

Inadequate blood supply to the heart (and therefore a lack of oxygen in that area) results in heart muscle dying.

Qualifying for serious illness cover:

A cardiologist must confirm the attack and provide evidence to back up the claim (raised biochemical markers, acute ECG results etc).

Heart attacks are the leading cause of serious illness cover payouts in South

Africa.

ufhealth.org

3. Cancer

What is it?:

Cancer comes in a range of forms and is a result of unregulated cell growth.

Qualifying for serious illness cover:

Life insurance for cancer can be rather pricey so make sure you understand all the fine details of the cover you choose. In South Africa one in seven women and one is six men are expected to suffer from cancer in their lifetime making it even more important to have the right cover in place. In most cases you are only covered if you meet certain criteria as a cancer sufferer.

www.gcarlson.com

Prepare for the future

today…

Secure your family’s future today by applying for life insurance of some kind. Chat to a reputable life insurance company and discuss your options. Your monthly premiums are determined by your personal information, such as medical history and current health status. Be sure to read the fine print and make sure you have a firm understanding of your cover before making any decisions.