By: Natasha Archary
Discovery Life has paid over R11.7 billion in claims in 2021, with a total of R9.1 billion paid through over 10,000 Individual Life claims.
The information was released on Tuesday morning, 07 June in the annual claims review.
Covid-19 claims on both Group and Individual Life policies over 2020 and 2021 total R6.5 billion, with R3.8 billion having been paid in 2021 alone on Individual life policies.
Of the claims processed in 2021, 60% were for Covid-19 related death claims, making it the single highest cause of death in any given year since 2012.
According to Discovery Life, R64 million was paid under the Income Continue Benefit as a result of Covid-19.
In addition, over R4.5 million was paid for the cost of education for children whose parents had died or been severely ill from Covid-19.
“Our 2021 claims data shows how we continue to live out our core purpose of making people healthier and enhancing and protecting their lives.”
Riaan van Reenen, CEO of Discovery Life
Riaan van Reenen added that the tangible positive impact of Discovery Life’s comprehensive insurance offering on clients is further demonstrated through the comprehensive support for children who have tragically lost parents.
2021 saw R56 million paid to cover the education costs of children due to a parent or guardian suffering an adverse life event. Currently over 36,000 children are covered on Individual life policies through this benefit.
The unique University Funder Benefit, which channels surplus created through healthy behaviour of parents to fund up to 100% of their children’s university education costs, is projected to provide R3.4bn in funding for tertiary education of these children over time.
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