One of the most reliable ways to understand how South Africans are really doing health-wise is to examine their insurance claims. Claims data is a real-world record of what South Africans are getting sick from, injured by, and ultimately claiming for. Unlike surveys or self-reported studies which can be theoretical or academic, claims data captures life as it actually unfolds.
These numbers sketch an increasingly detailed picture of the country’s health. They reveal which illnesses are rising, which lifestyle risks are catching up with us, and where preventable conditions are placing unnecessary strain on households. And while that information is essential for insurers as they price risk, it’s equally powerful for clients who are willing to make the necessary changes to improve their well-being.
Used strategically, claims data can help influence clients’ behaviour in a healthier direction. Members become more likely to prioritise screenings, adopt safer habits, and invest in cover that protects their long-term wellbeing. This is especially true as the data reveals non-communicable diseases remain the leading cause of claims.
Importance of cancer screening
In 2024, cancer was one of the leading causes of claims from Liberty members, making up 31.2% of claims. Sanlam reported a 30% increase in claims for cancer year-on-year from 2023 to 2024. It accounted for 54% of all severe illness claims.
Dr Marion Morkel, Chief Medical Officer at Sanlam, said: “Cancer claims under the Severe Illness category rose by 30% year-on-year – prostate claims doubled in men and breast cancer claims rose 33% in women.
These increases, while concerning, are partly the result of the knock-on effect of the Covid-19 pandemic with proactive screenings having been delayed for several years.”
Meanwhile, half of all illness claims at Old Mutual were for cancer. Breast cancer for women and prostate cancer for men were the most prominent cancers claimed for – both of which can often be detected in the early stages through routine screenings.
As Liberty noted: “Cancer is one of the leading causes of claims, highlighting the importance of regular screenings. It’s essential to prioritise these screenings, especially if you have medical aid.
Screenings can identify potential health issues before symptoms arise, and early detection greatly enhances health outcomes.”
Living a healthy lifestyle
While cancer claims were high across the board, other non-communicable diseases also featured prominently.
In 2024, cardiovascular disorders accounted for a quarter of claims from Old Mutual’s members.
At Liberty, cardiovascular diseases made up 22.3% of claims. While at Sanlam, cardiovascular conditions made up 20% of death claims and 17% of disability claims.
Kavir Ramjee, Executive Head: Protection at Old Mutual said, “Most of our severe illness claims are linked to non-communicable diseases like cancer, heart disease, and stroke. Non-communicable diseases typically have prolonged durations and arise from a combination of genetic, physiological, environmental, and behavioural factors. While we can’t change our genetic risk, lifestyle and environmental factors play a huge role, and that’s where early screening and healthier habits can make all the difference.”
Mental health disorders
The Covid-19 pandemic not only affected people’s physical health, it had severe consequences for mental health, too. According to the World Health Organization, rates of anxiety increased by 26% globally in the first year of the pandemic, while global rates of depression increased by 28% in the same period. This was in addition to the nearly one billion people who were already living with a mental health condition.
When lockdowns lifted, the effects lingered – and they continue to linger six years on. Some experts predicted that mental health disorders would become the next global pandemic – a concerning prospect in South Africa, where a third of the population is estimated to be living with some kind of mental health condition, based on research by Wits University.
Discovery Health has observed accelerated claims for mental health conditions since the Covid-19 pandemic. In an analysis of mental health condition trends among Discovery Health Medical Scheme members, released in October 2025, it reported that around 15% of members had either registered or claimed for mental health conditions in 2024, with depression being the most common condition.
However, the analysis – which looked at data dating back to 2012 – found that mental health has been a concern since long before the Covid-19 pandemic. It revealed a 13-year trend that showed the prevalence of mental health conditions rising each year.
Early in 2025, Discovery Life reported that suicide-related insurance claims had increased by 62% in 2024 in comparison with the average of the previous five years. Of the one in five death claims attributed to unnatural causes in 2024, suicide was by far the leading cause at 35%.
Motor vehicle accidents were a distant second at 23%, followed by crime (17%). In the 41-50 age group, 45% of unnatural deaths were caused by suicide. At Liberty, mental disorder claims dropped year-on-year from 2023 to 2024, with claims for serious mental disorders making up 2.8% of all retail claims in 2024. Of this percentage, 51.1% of these claims were for life protection benefits with the remainder for living benefits.
Suicide accounted for the majority of these life protection claims.
Promoting good habits
Conversations around insurance and underwriting offer a natural opportunity for advisers to engage with their clients around safeguarding their futures.
While life claims made up the bulk of payments for Liberty in 2024, the insurer noted that the dramatic increase in claims from Lifestyle Protection benefits indicated people are living longer with critical illnesses. The report suggested people are receiving treatment earlier as a result of earlier detection, highlighting an increased need for living benefits and more regular preventative medical screenings.
“Insights like these point to a need for more comprehensive lifestyle protection cover, as death and unexpected medical diagnoses are not the only risks that can have a significant effect on your family and lifestyle,” said Andrew Methmann, Liberty’s Chief Specialist for Risk Pricing.
“Unexpected life events, such as retrenchment, can also have a serious impact.”