Sanlam Group Risk annually reviews disability insurance claims to identify key trends. The 2024 analysis confirms ongoing patterns, with tumours (cancer) and blood circulatory system diseases (heart attacks and strokes) continuing as the leading causes of critical/severe illness claims—together accounting for over half of all such claims.
Significantly, cancer-related claims have increased across all disability product lines, raising concern. The year-on-year changes are as follows:
- Income Disability: up from 12.41% in 2023 to 16.87% in 2024
- Critical Illness: up from 52.23% to 56.28%
- Lump Sum Disability: up from 8.15% to 13%
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 1 in 5 people globally will develop cancer in their lifetime. In South Africa, cancer is now the fifth leading cause of death, driven by factors such as poor diet, physical inactivity, smoking, and alcohol use—lifestyle choices that also impact disability claim volumes.
Encouragingly, many cancers are treatable if detected early. Promoting a healthy lifestyle—including balanced nutrition, regular exercise, and sufficient sleep—remains vital in reducing health risks and improving long-term well-being.
Income Disability Claims
The 2024 results reinforce a longstanding trend, with claims related to the musculoskeletal system, tumours, nervous system and sense organs, and blood circulatory system continuing to make up the majority of income disability claims.
Critical/Severe Illness Claims
The 2024 results highlight a continuing trend, with tumours and blood circulatory system claims representing the majority of critical/severe illness claims.
Lump Sum Disability Claims
The 2024 results reaffirm a consistent trend, with musculoskeletal system, blood circulatory system, nervous system and sense organ and tumour claims making up the majority of lump sum disability claims.
Author: Mikashnie Gounden