Types of cover to consider

● Death cover usually provides your family with a cash lump sum, although some assurers allow you to select an ongoing monthly income. They can use this to settle debts and receive an income. ● Temporary disability cover provides an income to replace as closely as possible the income you will lose if you become very ill or disabled, typically from after your sick leave is exhausted until you recover or until your insurer is satisfied that you qualify for permanent disability benefits. This usually covers a period of up to two years.

● Permanent disability income replacement benefits provide a monthly income that begins when your temporary disability income benefit ceases and pays until your retirement age (usually 65). ● Permanent disability lump-sum cover provides a lump-sum payment on permanent disability, ideally for one-off expenses such as settling debt or making changes to your lifestyle or home to cater for your disability. This benefit is usually paid six months after your disability once your insurer has determined that your disability is permanent.

● Critical illness cover provides the funds you may require if you contract a critical illness, to cover, for example, treatment not covered by your medical scheme or enable you to reduce your workload after the illness. Critical illness cover is not a substitute for disability cover, which covers a far broader range of events, and is typically paid as a lump sum, but a few assurers offer it as an income benefit.