The FIA recently hosted an exclusive members-only webinar to unpack the latest developments in South Africa’s healthcare policy landscape. With rising media attention on the Health Funders Association’s (HFA) court challenge to the National Health Insurance (NHI) Act, the session provided timely insights into the future of healthcare funding, regulatory reform, and what these changes mean for intermediaries and clients. Key speakers explored the financial and constitutional challenges surrounding the NHI, updates on Low-Cost Benefit Options (LCBOs), and other pressing industry issues.

As we look to 2025, non-life insurers must navigate a landscape shaped by technological advancements, climate change, and shifting customer needs and preferences. To remain relevant, the industry must adapt swiftly and strategically, says Tarina Vlok, MD of Elite Risk Acceptances, a subsidiary of Old Mutual Insure.

Income protection is a more complex benefit compared to other life insurance benefits – whether someone meets the definition of a claim event, how related claims are treated, and the exclusions applied can result in complicated situations at claim stage. Often, the most important factor that impacts a claim outcome is the waiting period selected. Nic Smit, Life Product and Pricing Executive at Bidvest, explains.

Do your clients operate a fleet? Koogan Naicker, Senior Manager of Quality Assurance, and Lebogang George, Head of Corporate and Commercial at Netstar explore how telematics revolutionises fleet management while navigating the complexities of data collection and privacy under South Africa’s regulatory landscape. “Any data being collected needs consent around storage, sharing, or any other purpose.”

Discovery Insure, in partnership with bp Southern Africa (bpSA), has launched a bold new nationwide campaign: #DriveNowTextLater. This high-impact initiative tackles one of South Africa’s deadliest driving behaviours – texting while driving – by calling on all motorists to make a visible and public pledge to put their phones away and keep their eyes on the road.

Bestmed Medical Scheme has deepened its impact on South Africa’s underserved communities through its ongoing partnership with non-profit organisation Unjani Clinic, donating critical healthcare infrastructure – including an ultrasound machine and solar power unit – to clinics in the Eastern Cape and Free State.

“My attack in Durban was a defining moment for me, but it also reinforced the importance of key moments in insurance.” Wimpie van der Merwe, CEO of Global Choices, shares how a personal experience of violent crime became a defining moment for providing genuine, empathetic customer service.

With tech advancements exacerbating the rising incidence of identity theft, fraud awareness is more important than ever, writes Dr Jerry Chetty, Head of Business Integrity at Santam. Read on for some of the latest fraud trends and how to guard against them.

The rapid adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) and other technologies is seeing non-life insurers reimagine every part of the insurance value chain, from claims management to compliance, distribution, product design, and underwriting. And no, says Fidelis Masheka, Head of Finance and Profitability, Old Mutual Insure, it will not put brokers out of jobs.

To support our members in meeting the new Joint Standard, the FIA has launched MemberShield – an exclusive, enterprise-grade cybersecurity solution tailored for Financial Services Providers.

As we reflect on 2024, South African investors have navigated another year of complexity and uncertainty in financial markets. However, amid these challenges, opportunities emerged in sectors benefiting from strong demand for commodities, as global supply chains continued to adapt to geopolitical risks and post-pandemic economic shifts, writes Yuvern Dokie, Institutional Investment Product Owner, Alexforbes.

A home is more than just a structure; it’s a sanctuary where lives are built, families are raised, and cherished memories are created. That’s why building and home contents insurance is not just a necessity, but a crucial way to provide cover and minimise financial risk for the things your clients love.

Life is full of unexpected “what if” scenarios that can affect an individual’s ability to work. This is especially concerning for graduate professionals, who typically rely on their ability to earn an income as their primary asset. If an unexpected setback were to affect an individual’s ability to work, would they be ready to face the financial implications? Wimpie Mouton, CEO at PPS Life Solutions, explains how, by tailoring solutions for these young clients, insurers can give them the peace of mind to focus on building their careers.

Bestmed Medical Scheme, the fourth largest open medical scheme and the largest self-administered medical scheme in South Africa, was once again honoured at the 10th Annual Titanium Awards. The Scheme secured its second win in the Service to Membership: Category A award, having claimed their first accolade in 2022.

South Africans are known for loving outdoor adventures – whether towing a caravan into the bush, launching a boat into open waters, or embarking on a cross-border 4×4 expedition. With specialist insurance for outdoor adventures in place and proper education around how to keep equipment and leisure vehicles in good nick, intrepid South Africans can enjoy safe travels and smooth waters over the long weekends to come.

With South Africa facing rising obesity levels, education, awareness, and incentives are needed to encourage the average South African to make healthier choices. A carefully structured rewards programme can influence client behaviour to the benefit of all, says Dinesh Govender, CEO of Discovery Vitality.