Discovery sounds the alarm on growing health crisis in South Africa
New data from Discovery Life shows that suicide rates are skyrocketing in South Africa, accounting for more deaths than motor vehicle accident deaths among its clientele.
This was revealed in Discovery Life’s 2024 claims experience report. The group paid R11.5 billion to clients over the year.
The group said that over 99% of claims were paid out in 2024, while non-disclosure, misrepresentation and fraud caused less than 1% of claims to be denied.
This comprised R6.85 billion in individual life insurance claims, R2.4 billion in Shared-value payments and R2.3 billion in Group Risk claims.
Discovery Life also pays more through living benefits, R3.1 billion, and Shared-value rewards, R2.4 billion, than for mortality claims R3.4 billion.
“By comparison, the industry pays about 20-30% in living benefits, while Discovery Life is paying out over 60% to clients who are still alive,” said Discovery Life Deputy CEO Gareth Friedlander.
Nevertheless, Discovery Life did see some concerning trends amongst death statistics in South Africa, particularly those linked to unnatural causes.
One in five deaths were due to unnatural causes, with the largest component being suicide at a staggering 35% of unnatural deaths.
This is more than the 23% due to motor vehicle accidents, the 17% for crime, 10% for trauma and 15% for other accidents
Discovery noted that the total claims due to suicide for individuals older than 50 increased by 62% in 2024 compared to the five-year average.
45% of unnatural claims for those between 41 and 60 years old were from suicides.
63% of suicide claimants who were members of DHMS were registered as having been diagnosed with depression, anxiety or bipolar mood disorder conditions.
Dr Maritha van der Walt, Chief Medical Officer for Discovery Life, said that the trend of suicide deaths is concerning as they are preventable via medical care.
Discovery Life said that the high proportion of unnatural deaths highlights the need for comprehensive life cover for everyone, no matter their health status or age.
“The data also emphasises the importance of taking mental health concerns seriously, as well as fostering a culture of better driving on South African roads,” said Van der Walt.
Main causes of death
The 2024 claims data shows that cancer was the main cause of death for women (35%). It was also the most common severe illness for both women and men (51% and 37%, respectively)
It is also the most common cause of disability among both women and men, at 34%
And 30% respectively.
However, the 2024 data shows a significant increase in screening for common cancers, with mammograms up 14%.
Colorectal cancer screening is up 29%, and prostate exams are also up 19%, all of which are hitting all-time highs.
Due to the increase in screening rates, there has also been a 62% increase in early-stage cancer claims compared to 2020’s claims on illness cover.
“As a proportion of all cancer claims, lower severity claims continue to have an upward trajectory, showing that these cancers continue to be detected earlier,” said Van der Walt.
“While Stage 3 and 4 cancers have remained relatively stable over that time, it’s in the disability claims for Stage 4 cancers where we’re seeing incredible benefits of screening, with those claims dropping 16% since last year.”
Cancer and heart, and artery conditions were prominent in life cover claims for older age groups, with the latter accounting for 34% of deaths for those over 60.
Motor Vehicle Accidents were the leading cause of death for those aged between 18 and 30.
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