South Africans Hit Hard by Soaring Cancer and Heart Disease Rates: Sanlam Pays R6.62 Billion in 2024 Claims

Cancer, heart disease, and mental health issues are no longer future concerns—they’re knocking at the doors of homes across South Africa right now.

One of the country’s largest insurers, Sanlam Risk and Savings, has revealed a startling R6.62 billion paid out in claims for 2024. That’s nearly 10% more than last year—and it’s not just the elderly who are impacted. Increasingly, the claims are being made by younger South Africans, some under 35, who are facing life-changing diagnoses.

Lifestyle Illnesses Driving the Numbers Up

Sanlam’s latest figures are not just numbers—they tell a deeply personal story of a country battling modern health threats.

Cancer alone made up 54% of all severe illness claims, with prostate cancer claims in men doubling, and breast cancer claims in women rising by 33%. According to Sanlam Chief Medical Officer Dr Marion Morkel, part of this spike comes from delayed cancer screenings during the Covid-19 pandemic.

“We urge South Africans to make annual health checks part of their lives from their 30s. The earlier you screen, the better your odds,” said Dr Morkel.

But it’s not just cancer. Heart disease accounted for 20% of all death claims and 17% of disability payouts, underscoring how dangerous lifestyle choices have become in a nation where access to preventative healthcare remains unequal.

More Women, More Youth, More Trouble

Perhaps even more troubling: the rise in stroke and musculoskeletal disorders among women, especially those under 50.

This reflects shifting patterns in the country’s workforce and social fabric. More South African women are primary breadwinners, working long hours, juggling childcare and family responsibilities, and often neglecting their own health.

Sanlam Risk and Savings CEO Rhoderic Nel highlighted another sobering fact: nearly a quarter of all living benefit claims now come from clients under 35. That’s a steep increase from just 15% in 2022.

“Life-altering illness doesn’t wait until you’re older,” Nel said. “More young people are claiming income protection—this is a serious financial wake-up call.”

What This Says About South Africa’s Health Landscape

While the headline figure—R6.62 billion paid out—grabs attention, it’s the deeper story that needs more reflection.

• R5.47 billion of that was death and funeral claims.

• R650.3 million went toward severe illness and injury.

• R501.6 million was claimed for disability, loss of income, and impairments.

Only the pandemic year of 2021, at the height of Covid-19, saw a higher annual payout.

This data reflects the growing impact of non-communicable diseases, the delayed effect of missed healthcare during lockdown years, and the rising stress on both public and private healthcare systems.

Public Reactions and Social Media Concern

Online, the public’s response has been a mix of concern and self-reflection. Twitter (X) users have been posting personal stories of battling cancer and heart conditions in their 30s, urging others to get screened early.

One user wrote, “My breast cancer was caught at 34. If I hadn’t pushed for a scan, I wouldn’t be here today.”

Another added, “We need national awareness. People think they’re too young. They’re not.”

A New Era of Insurance and Personal Responsibility

As more South Africans face the realities of serious illness earlier in life, the message from the data is clear: financial and health preparedness must start young.

The rise in income protection claims also points to a shift in how the younger generation views insurance—not as an afterthought, but as a necessary safeguard in a country where health can change in an instant.

Dr Morkel and Nel both stress the same point: don’t delay. Start your screenings. Understand your family history. And make sure your finances are ready for the unexpected.

South Africa is facing a modern health crisis, one claim at a time. With cancer and heart disease quietly climbing, and younger people increasingly impacted, the R6.62 billion payout from Sanlam is more than just a corporate update—it’s a mirror to our nation’s wellbeing.

If nothing else, let it serve as a wake-up call: good health is not guaranteed, and neither is time.

{Source: IOL}

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