Momentum Life Insurance paid R6,88 billion in claims in 2025, as critical illness, disability and income protection claims continue to rise among working-age South Africans.

To date, Momentum Life Insurance has paid more than R84,8 billion in claims. This includes a 2025 payout of R6,88 billion.

Behind these numbers are thousands of families, businesses, and individuals who relied on financial protection during some of life’s most difficult moments.

“Behind every claim is a promise honoured,” says Joretha Bothma, Head of Product Development, Underwriting and Claims at Momentum Life Insurance. “And behind every policy is a financial adviser who helped a client put the appropriate protection in place before it was needed.”

The insurer’s latest claims experience highlights a shift in the South African risk landscape. While life insurance is still often associated with death, the data increasingly reflects the financial impact of surviving serious illness, disability, or long-term impairment.

Serious illness continues to reshape financial risk

Critical illness claims increased by more than 15% year-on-year in 2025, exceeding
R1 billion for the first time.

Cancer remained the leading cause of critical illness claims at 43%, followed by cardiovascular and nervous system conditions.

Importantly, 87% of Momentum Life Insurance clients who died from cancer or cardiovascular conditions in 2025 did not have critical illness cover in place with the insurer, underscoring a significant protection gap.

“These outcomes show that many South Africans may be financially prepared for death, but not necessarily for the financial consequences of surviving a serious illness,” says Bothma.

Disability and income protection remain essential safeguards

Momentum Life Insurance paid R602 million in lump sum disability claims and approximately R310 million in income protection claims during 2025.

Musculoskeletal conditions – including back, joint, and mobility-related issues – remained the leading cause of income protection claims, accounting for around one-third of all claims.

“Many of these conditions do not end careers permanently, but they can prevent people from earning an income for extended periods,” says Nafeesa Gaida, Head of Claims at Momentum Life Insurance. “Income protection plays a critical role in maintaining financial stability during recovery.”

The claims experience also highlights the unpredictability of disability and impairment across age groups.

“These cases reinforce that life-changing events can happen at any stage of life,” says Gaida.

Younger lives remain exposed to sudden risk

Among claimants under the age of 30, 62% of death claims resulted from unnatural causes, primarily motor vehicle accidents – a rate five times higher than for clients aged 30 and older.

“Many younger people delay life cover because they believe serious events happen later in life,” says Bothma. “But a significant proportion of claims arise from sudden, unexpected events unrelated to health.”

Longevity and the need for holistic financial planning

As medical advances improve survival rates, longevity is becoming a growing financial reality for South Africans.

Claims linked to long-term care and ongoing support increased significantly in 2025, particularly for clients living with cancer, cognitive impairment, and permanent disability.

“We are seeing more clients living with serious conditions for many years,” says Bothma. “While medicine is improving outcomes, it is also extending the period over which financial support is needed.”

The insurer says these trends reinforce the importance of comprehensive financial planning that includes not only life cover, but also critical illness, disability, and income protection benefits.

“A truly holistic financial plan is essential to maintaining financial resilience in an increasingly uncertain world,” says Bothma.