Returning Illness Benefit can ease survivors’ anxiety.
According to the Cancer Association of South Africa, cancer impacts one in four South Africans, whether through personal diagnosis or that of family, friends, or colleagues.1
Breast cancer is a significant concern for South African women. According to the 2022 National Cancer Registry, 1 in 26 South African women are at risk of developing breast cancer, while 1 in 8 South African women have a lifetime risk of being diagnosed with cancer.2
With risks like these, it’s hardly surprising that those who have lived through the trauma of a diagnosis – and the gruelling, often expensive treatments that follow – fear the possible recurrence of their illness so keenly, says Dr Kerissa Naidoo, Chief Medical Officer at Old Mutual.
“Fighting a life-threatening condition is a very tough experience and it takes an enormous emotional, financial and physical toll on survivors, as well as their families.”
Given these risks, it’s understandable that those who have endured the trauma of a diagnosis—and the arduous, often costly treatments that follow—might fear the potential return of their illness.
Recovery is unfortunately not always the end of the story, and lifelong medical tests and the threat of a recurring diagnosis can weigh heavily on survivors. That anxiety can have a further negative impact on their health.
Closely linked to the emotional strain of the prospect of relapse are the very real financial consequences too.
“Some life insurers do not cover related or returning illnesses,” explains John Kotze, Head of Protection Solutions at Old Mutual.
“This means that on top of having the ordeal of diagnosis and treatment fresh in their memories as a lived experience, survivors also face the question of how they will be able to afford fighting off the illness if it were to recur. The mere thought can trigger panic and be overwhelming.”
An additional benefit that can be added to your Illness cover is Old Mutual’s Returning Illness Benefit that addresses this concern directly.
It pays up to 50% of the cover amount for returning severe illnesses such as, but not limited to, cancer, heart attack or stroke – and that’s after the full cover amount of the Old Mutual Protect Severe Illness benefit, of up to R6 million,3 has already been paid.
You can use this money for rehabilitation costs, travel to treatment centres and any modifications you might need to make to your car or home.
“Ensuring you’re financially prepared in the case of a relapse can be a huge battle,” Kotze says. “Medical science continues to make great strides in treating severe illnesses and improving life expectancy, but treatment doesn’t come cheap, especially if you’re unable to work at the same time.
With the Returning Illness Benefit, you can focus fully on your recovery knowing that should you need cover again in the future, you’ve got it. Although we never know exactly what the future will bring, we can prepare to some degree for possible setbacks and reduce the fear of being unable to cope. And the less vulnerable and anxious you feel, the better it is for your overall health and wellbeing.”
Given these risks, it’s understandable that those who have endured the trauma of a diagnosis—and the arduous, often costly treatments that follow—might fear the potential return of their illness.
Recovery is unfortunately not always the end of the story, and lifelong medical tests and the threat of a recurring diagnosis can weigh heavily on survivors. That anxiety can have a further negative impact on their health.
Closely linked to the emotional strain of the prospect of relapse are the very real financial consequences too.
“Some life insurers do not cover related or returning illnesses,” explains John Kotze, Head of Protection Solutions at Old Mutual.
“This means that on top of having the ordeal of diagnosis and treatment fresh in their memories as a lived experience, survivors also face the question of how they will be able to afford fighting off the illness if it were to recur. The mere thought can trigger panic and be overwhelming.”
An additional benefit that can be added to your Illness cover is Old Mutual’s Returning Illness Benefit that addresses this concern directly.
It pays up to 50% of the cover amount for returning severe illnesses such as, but not limited to, cancer, heart attack or stroke – and that’s after the full cover amount of the Old Mutual Protect Severe Illness benefit, of up to R6 million,3 has already been paid.
You can use this money for rehabilitation costs, travel to treatment centres and any modifications you might need to make to your car or home.
“Ensuring you’re financially prepared in the case of a relapse can be a huge battle,” Kotze says. “Medical science continues to make great strides in treating severe illnesses and improving life expectancy, but treatment doesn’t come cheap, especially if you’re unable to work at the same time.
With the Returning Illness Benefit, you can focus fully on your recovery knowing that should you need cover again in the future, you’ve got it. Although we never know exactly what the future will bring, we can prepare to some degree for possible setbacks and reduce the fear of being unable to cope. And the less vulnerable and anxious you feel, the better it is for your overall health and wellbeing.”
For more information visit www.oldmutual.co.za/illness or speak to your financial adviser.
Old Mutual Life Assurance Company (SA) Limited is a licensed FSP and Life Insurer.
Sources:
1 https://cansa.org.za/south-african-cancer-statistics/
2 https://cansa.org.za/files/2024/04/Cancer-Registry-2022.pdf
3 Ts and Cs apply.
For more information visit www.oldmutual.co.za/illness or speak to your financial adviser.
Old Mutual Life Assurance Company (SA) Limited is a licensed FSP and Life Insurer.
Sources:
1 https://cansa.org.za/south-african-cancer-statistics/
2 https://cansa.org.za/files/2024/04/Cancer-Registry-2022.pdf
3 Ts and Cs apply.
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