Annually Sanlam Group Risk analyses the disability and critical / severe illness insurance claims received during the previous year according to the causes of disability/claim events.
The results for the 2022 year confirmed the trends observed from the previous year in that cancer and cardiovascular diseases are still the most prevalent reasons for critical/severe illness claims.
The World Health Organization in 2016 estimated that more than 1.9 billion adults aged 18 years and older were overweight and 650 million were obese. Of sub-Saharan African countries, South Africa has the highest rate of obesity with almost 70% of women and 39% of men being overweight. It is estimated that approximately 15% of South Africans who are older than 25 years have T2DM (Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus). With this already alarming stat, it was observed that the increase in Nervous System and Cardiovascular related disorders continued and can likely be attributed by lifestyle factors such as weight gain, increased smoking and less exercise, therefore a main contributing factor to the claim and long term claims.
Disability Claims’ leading causes were muscoskeletal, nervous system diseases and cancers.
Despite the more common reported claims, the inseparable link between physical and mental wellbeing cannot be ignored. According to the South African Federation for Mental Health, it was reported that South Africa has the third highest suicide rate on the African continent at 23.5 per 100 000 people.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle by getting enough sleep, regular exercise and incorporating healthy foods is important. and can assist with preventing many illnesses that threaten our quality of life. To view the results of our analysis, click here