As we celebrate Women’s Month, it is a time not only to honour the incredible strength, resilience, and achievements of the women in our lives, but also to reflect on our shared responsibility to safeguard their futures. Beyond celebrating their contributions, we must also confront the realities women face when it comes to health risks—particularly severe illnesses such as cancer.
The latest Discovery Life Claims Experience 2025 report highlights a sobering truth: cancer continues to be one of the most significant health threats. The statistics are striking:
- Cancer remains the leading cause of death among women, accounting for 35% of life cover claims.
- It is also the most common severe illness for both men and women, representing 51% of severe illness claims for women and 37% for men.
- In 2024 alone, the Severe Illness Benefit paid out R1.5 billion, with Discovery’s LifeTime options providing up to 365% of the insured amount for progressive and relapsed cancer cases.
- The Early Cancer Benefit offers crucial protection by covering 17 in situ cancers, ensuring earlier intervention and significantly improving treatment outcomes.
These figures serve as a powerful reminder of why adequate severe illness cover is not a luxury—it’s a necessity.
Too often, insurance is viewed as something we can postpone or reduce in order to save costs in the short term. But the reality is that the financial consequences of a serious illness can far outweigh any savings made by underinsuring. Medical costs are rising each year, specialised cancer treatments can run into hundreds of thousands of rands, and the indirect costs—like time off work, travel to treatment centres, or bringing in additional care at home—can place immense strain on family finances. Without proper cover in place, families may be forced to dip into savings, sell assets, or rely on debt, all while trying to manage the emotional and physical toll of illness.
For women who shoulder both financial and caregiving responsibilities, the impact of a severe illness diagnosis can be devastating. Women often find themselves in the dual role of income provider and caregiver. The consequences of an illness can ripple across multiple levels: financial stability, family well-being, and even children’s education. Comprehensive cover acts as a safeguard against these ripple effects. It ensures that while you take the time you need to focus on recovery, your family’s financial commitments—whether school fees, bond repayments, or everyday expenses—can continue uninterrupted.
Beyond finances, there is also the emotional security that comes with knowing you are prepared. A diagnosis of cancer or another severe illness is overwhelming enough without the added fear of how the family will cope financially. Adequate cover provides reassurance that the practical side of life is taken care of, freeing women and their families to focus on treatment, recovery, and maintaining quality of life. In many ways, comprehensive cover is not just about money—it’s about preserving dignity, independence, and peace of mind during life’s most difficult challenges.
Steps to take to ensure you are covered:
- Review your current cover: Many clients assume life cover is enough—but life cover only pays out on death. Severe illness cover provides funds when you need them most.
- Understand the payout structure: Ensure your plan includes progressive benefits for recurring or relapsed illnesses, giving you extra protection if needed.
- Include early-stage coverage: Early detection matters—make sure your cover protects you against early-stage and in-situ cancers, not just advanced cases.
- Tailor your protection: Work with a trusted financial planner to match your cover to your family history, financial responsibilities, and lifestyle.
- Keep your cover up to date: Life circumstances and health risks change—regularly review your plan to stay fully protected.
- Take action now: Do not wait until it’s too late. Call us or email us today to review your cover and ensure you and your loved ones are fully protected.
This Women’s Month, let us go beyond celebration and reflection. Let us commit to meaningful action. Encourage conversations about severe illness protection. Educate each other on the very real risks we face. Empower them with the tools to protect their independence, their families, and their future financial stability. Because true empowerment is not just about opportunity—it is about security. Ensuring that women are adequately covered against life’s greatest risks is one of the most powerful ways we can honour them, not just this month, but every day.
Written by Sigrid
