Life cover · 3 min read
Cover that actually pays out when it counts
The small print that lets insurers say no — and how to make sure your family won't hear it at the worst possible moment.
Group life cover through your employer is one of the most under-appreciated benefits in South Africa. It's often a multiple of your annual salary, paid tax-free to your loved ones if the worst happens.
But every year, claims get rejected — not because the insurer is greedy, but because of small, avoidable mistakes.
The four things that quietly sink claims
Non-disclosure. If you didn't mention a medical condition when you joined, the insurer can refuse to pay. Honesty up front is everything.
Lapsed cover. If you leave your job and don't convert to an individual policy within 60 days, your cover usually ends. Many people only realise this years later.
Outdated beneficiary forms. The cover pays, but it pays the wrong person.
Underinsurance. The lump sum sounds big, but once a bond, school fees and a few years of living costs are subtracted, it runs out faster than families expect.
What 'enough' actually looks like
A reasonable rule of thumb: 10 to 15 times your annual salary if you have dependants and debt, less if you don't. Add a separate disability cover — losing your income is statistically more likely than dying young.
Our job
We review the cover your employer provides, flag the gaps, and help you top up where it matters. And if a claim ever happens, we drive it from our side — not your family's.