For more information about Sanlam Health\u2019s Corporate Solutions, click here.<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\nWe need to work together to integrate interventions across the care continuum. Initiatives we know will move the needle and accelerate a better working South Africa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The challenge: living longer, but not healthier<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Our 2025 Sanlam Benchmark Report outlined that 13% of people under 50 already live with chronic diseases, with prevalence rising sharply with age. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
For South Africans over 60, the odds of developing a chronic disease are five times higher, and treatment costs are more than triple those of peers without illness. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
In 2025, the average medical scheme premium rose by 11%, ranging from R1 400 to R10 000 per month \u2013 unaffordable for many, with cover often lost just when it is needed most.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sanlam Group Risk\u2019s 2024 claims data reinforces this reality: tumours and circulatory diseases now account for over half of all claims, with cancer-related claims continuing to rise steeply across product lines. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Our Benchmark data shows employers are responding \u2013 a third of employer funds and nearly half of umbrella funds now offer critical illness benefits \u2013 yet complexity and cost still erode member confidence. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Only 68% of members feel sure they understand their medical aid benefits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
South Africa faces a quadruple burden of disease: HIV and TB, rising non-communicable conditions such as cancer and diabetes, maternal and child health challenges, and trauma from violence and injury. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
These pressures do not exist in isolation \u2013 they amplify one another, and the costs compound with age.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Relying on a reactive, hospital-centric system is not enough. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
To cope, we need to pivot to primary healthcare and value-based care that emphasise prevention, integration, and outcomes that matter most to people. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
This is not just about reducing strain on the health system. It is about enabling healthier ageing, building stronger households, and driving more productive businesses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The reality is that South Africa\u2019s real retirement age is now 80. Too many people are working far beyond traditional retirement just to survive \u2013 and often in poor health. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Chronic illness undermines dignity in later life, while also eroding financial security and limiting the potential of our workforce.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Our solve: prevention, protection, and accessible healthcare<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
This cycle is not inevitable. We believe there are three key interventions that can move the needle:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1. Primary healthcare<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nToo often, people only seek help once illness is advanced, driving up costs and reducing outcomes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
By giving employees access to basic primary care \u2013 check-ups, screenings, nurse-led clinics, and preventative services \u2013 we can catch conditions early and help manage them effectively. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
This reduces absenteeism and presenteeism and enables longer, healthier working lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
2. Critical illness cover<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nFew households are ready for the shock of a cancer diagnosis, stroke, or heart attack. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
With these conditions now making up more than half of all claims, we know families are increasingly vulnerable. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Critical illness cover provides a lump-sum payout when serious illness strikes, creating a financial safety net so employees can focus on recovery instead of survival.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
3. Income replacement<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nFor most households, the real crisis is not the medical bill \u2013 it is the sudden loss of earnings when breadwinners cannot work. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Income replacement ensures a portion of salary continues, keeping households afloat and protecting dignity. For employers, it also preserves workforce stability and loyalty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Together, these measures form a protective framework of prevention, protection, and stability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This is why Sanlam has expanded our healthcare solutions. In February 2025, we announced a partnership with Fedhealth as our exclusive open medical scheme provider. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Since then, we have worked to develop a next-generation medical aid solution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This is:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- Simpler and more transparent \u2013 so members can easily understand their benefits.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Affordable and flexible \u2013 to help more South Africans stay covered.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Digitally enabled \u2013 with virtual nurse and doctor consultations that make primary care accessible anywhere.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Combined with financial advisers who extend support into financial wellness, this creates a comprehensive support system. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
By integrating prevention, protection, and accessible healthcare, we aim to accelerate a better working South Africa \u2013 one where employees remain healthier, more productive, and more confident throughout their lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Confidence for all<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Our role is clear: to humanise the numbers, to offer tools not miracles, and to make confidence possible for all \u2013 not only the privileged few.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
By investing in primary healthcare, protecting employees with critical illness and income benefits, and enabling simpler, more accessible medical aid, we are working to bend the curve. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Our vision is a South Africa where people live healthier, longer, and more confident lives \u2013 and where businesses and society thrive as a result.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For more information about Sanlam Health\u2019s Corporate Solutions, click here.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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