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12 June 2023
A slight increase in disability claims by younger people is a stark reminder that sooner really is better when it comes to putting cover in place.
Petrie Marx, Product Actuary at Sanlam Risk and Savings, says, “Our 2022 claim statistics data reveals interesting patterns which highlight the importance of cover for younger South Africans. For example, more than 70% of sickness income claims were from people younger than 45 years and there was a 6% increase in disability income claims for those between 26 and 35 years. With many working years ahead of them, the greatest financial risk facing younger South Africans is the possibility of losing their ability to earn an income.”
“Our results are consistent with the global trend of COVID-19 cases becoming less frequent and severe as vaccination efforts and past infection result in some ‘herd immunity’ worldwide. Our data reveals interesting pandemic patterns; between March 2020 and December 2022, most COVID-19 death claims came from men, but sickness- and disability income claims for clients booked off from work for COVID-19 were more or less the same for men and women. In terms of sickness- and disability income claims, the age group hardest hit was individuals aged 30 to 39 years (39%). Most death claims came from people aged 50 to 59 years (30%). The majority (74%) of our sickness- and disability income claims came from clients in the medical field.”
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.”
Disability claims
Cardiovascular disease was also the primary cause (23%) of disability claims; followed by bones, back, joints and connective tissue (19%); mental disorders (11%); diseases of the nervous system and sensory organs (11%); cancer (9%); and accidents and injury at 7%.
Most claims came from individuals older than 55 (44%), and 40% were from women. For both sexes, most claims were for cardiovascular disease (25% for women and 21% for men).
Marx says South Africans need to focus on their heart health, “The increase in disability claims for cardiovascular disease is something that we will watch closely in the coming years. The leading causes of heart disease are high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, obesity, an unhealthy diet, and sedentary lifestyle. We urge people to have regular check-ups and make positive lifestyle choices.”
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.
Disability Income claims
Bones, back, joints and connective tissue made up 29% of all disability income claims, followed by accidents and injury at 21%. Once again, men made the most claims (53%), 33% of which were for accidents. Interestingly, most claims came from individuals aged 36 to 45 years and the 26- to 35-year age group saw a 6% increase in claims.
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.”
Marx concludes that Sanlam is committed to paying on its promise. “This is our north star. We have promised to protect our clients and their families. That is always our priority. Giving people peace of mind through cover they can trust is one way we help them to live with confidence. Our claim statistics give deep insights into what is jeopardising the health of our nation. During COVID-19, many people missed their routine check-ups. We urge individuals to resume these. Having your heart health checked, along with annual cancer screenings may well save your life.”