Business Brief

Cancer. Is there any other word that can instantly turn one’s world upside down more devastatingly and irreversibly? This disease has become part of our lives. We all have a friend or family member who received this life-altering diagnosis, or we might have received the news ourselves. While researchers have been studying the causes of cancer for many years, the exact cause and prevention of cancer have not been established. More than 19 million people globally were diagnosed with cancer in 2020.

Now in October – Breast Cancer Awareness Month – there is a special focus on the prevalence of breast cancer and its impact on women. This also opens the door to discussing what could be seen as an “uncomfortable topic” with your members.

Treatment for cancer – including breast cancer – has evolved over the last decade. However, any person who received chemotherapy or radiation will tell you that the fight against this disease will take every last ounce of energy, courage and positivity. Conversations with warriors fighting the cancer battle lead to one realisation: the rat race blurs into the background, priorities change and every possible moment needs to be filled with love and encouragement. Unfortunately, a cancer diagnosis does not come cheap. Medical bills may pile up, forcing the patient’s (or their family’s) attention on the financial implications such a diagnosis has on their life, rather than on their recovery.

Risk insurance should ease the burden placed on a patient and their family during these difficult times, allowing them to focus on what is most important, their health.

To understand risk insurance and explain it to your member, you must understand the different cancer stages and how they are covered.

Cancer stages

• Stage 1: Cancer is localised to a small area and has not spread to lymph nodes or any other tissues.
• Stage 2: Cancer has grown but has not spread.
• Stage 3: Cancer has grown larger and has possibly spread to lymph nodes or other tissues.
• Stage 4: Cancer has spread to other organs or areas of the body.

What PPS covers

Our Critical Illness Cover has very rich claim definitions, including physical impairment and trauma events as well. Click here for the full list of conditions covered.

Even within PPS, the need for more comprehensive cancer coverage was recognised and on 4 February 2021, we introduced the reinstatement of cover for two claims categories: cancer and cardiology. These enhancements were implemented for all existing Critical Illness Cover holders, with no increase in premium and no need to apply or be underwritten for these enhancements.

We also offer rider benefits that would increase a valid claim from a pre-determined percentage to a 100% payment. In February 2021, we launched our EXACT Rider benefit which is added to Critical Illness Cover and provides cover if a member is a candidate for registered targeted/immunotherapy when diagnosed with cancer and the cancer is susceptible to such a treatment regime.

Putting things into perspective:

Meet Dimpho*. Dimpho applied for PPS Critical Illness Cover and Sickness and Permanent Incapacity benefit in 2008. In November 2019, at age 36, she was diagnosed with stage 1 left breast cancer. She underwent a mastectomy. PPS paid Dimpho 100% on her Critical Illness Cover (R604 642).

In March 2022, Dimpho received the news that the cancer had spread to her spine and mammary glands. This was now stage 4 cancer. Dimpho qualified for another claim through reinstatement of cover. With annual benefit increases included, she received R705 098.

She was booked off during and after treatments and also received more than R300 000 on her Sickness benefit.

Meet Kate*. Kate applied for PPS Critical Illness Cover and Sickness and Permanent Incapacity benefit in 2008. In September 2021, at age 35, a malignant neoplasm was found in her breast. All risk factors considered (family history of cancer, fibrocystic tissue change in her breast), her doctor recommended she has a total bilateral mastectomy. PPS paid Kate 100% on her Critical Illness Cover (R2 915 362). She was also booked off to recuperate after her surgery and her Sickness benefit paid an amount of R174 628 for that period.

So, use this Breast Cancer Awareness Month to create awareness of the importance of dread-disease cover and what PPS has to offer. Contact your broker consultant if you need more support or information regarding these products.

Click here to read the PPS breast cancer information sheet.

By Driensie Coetzee, Technical Marketing Specialist

*The names used are fictitious; however, they reflect real-life claims received by PPS. All valid claims are assessed individually and paid in line with the product rules.

PPS is a licensed insurer conducting life insurance business, a licensed controlling company and an authorised FSP.