Focus on Recovery.
Not on the Bills.
A critical illness like cancer, a heart attack, or a stroke can be emotionally and financially devastating. Severe Illness cover provides a tax-free lump sum to help you manage the massive hidden costs of getting better.
The Hidden Costs
Why Do You Need Severe Illness Cover?
Medical aid covers your hospital bills, but it doesn't cover the massive lifestyle and out-of-pocket expenses associated with surviving a critical illness.
Medical Shortfalls
Pay for cutting-edge treatments, experimental drugs, or specialized therapies not covered by your medical aid.
Lifestyle Adjustments
Fund necessary modifications to your home or vehicle, or pay for private nursing and rehabilitation.
Income Supplement
Cover your living expenses if you or your spouse need to take extended unpaid leave from work during treatment.
Alternative Care
Travel overseas for specialized medical procedures or access alternative holistic treatments.
Understanding Your Cover
How Does It Work?
Severe Illness (or Dread Disease) cover pays out a tax-free lump sum upon the diagnosis of a specified critical illness. The payout can be used entirely at your discretion.
Tiered Payouts
Modern policies pay out a percentage of your total cover based on the severity of the illness. A stage 1 cancer might pay 25%, while a stage 4 cancer pays 100%.
Comprehensive Illness Lists
Top insurers cover over 300 different conditions, but the 'Big Four' (Cancer, Heart Attack, Stroke, and Coronary Artery Bypass Graft) account for 70-90% of all claims.
Standalone vs. Accelerated
Standalone cover pays out independently of your life cover. Accelerated cover reduces your life cover payout by the amount claimed for the severe illness.
Multiple Claims
Many modern policies allow you to claim multiple times for unrelated illnesses, or if a previous illness returns or worsens.
Why Choose EBC?
Not all Severe Illness policies are created equal. We help you navigate the fine print.
Definition Comparison
Insurers use different medical definitions for what constitutes a 'severe illness'. We compare these definitions to ensure you get the broadest possible cover.
Catch-All Benefits
We look for policies that include 'catch-all' benefits, which pay out based on your inability to perform daily activities, even if the specific disease isn't listed.
Child Cover Included
Many policies automatically include a percentage of cover for your children at no extra cost. We help you find the policies with the best family benefits.
Ready to protect your financial health?
Contact our expert advisors today. We'll assess your needs and provide a free, no-obligation quote to ensure you are covered when it matters most.
Expert, independent advice. 100% free service.