What is a dread disease?

A dread disease, also called a critical illness, is severe. Your critical illness cover covers you for illnesses such as cancer, cardiovascular and heart disease, stroke and organ failure as well as a range of neurological and gastroenterological conditions. These are set out in the 1Life policy book. Dread diseases can affect your ability to earn a living, and can be costly to treat, which is why critical illness insurance is so important. Learn more about dread disease insurance.

Why do I need dread disease cover?

A dread disease, or critical illness, can be financially devastating. The cost of the medical treatment and ongoing rehabilitation might not be covered in full by your medical aid. In addition, you might be unable to work during or after treatment. That’s why cover for critical diseases is essential. The pay-out from your dread disease insurance can be used to replace lost income, and to cover medical expenses, so that you and your family don’t need to worry about your money and you can focus on your recovery. Give yourself and your family the financial protection you need against serious illness and get a dread disease cover quote today.

When does critical illness cover pay-out?

Your dread disease cover policy will pay a percentage of your cover amount if you are diagnosed with a dread disease as listed in the 1Life policy book. Depending on the severity of your illness, 25% - 100% of your sum assured will be paid out. For example, if you are diagnosed with Stage 1 cancer, 25% of your sum assured could be paid out. However, if you are diagnosed with Stage 4 then 100% could be paid out.

How is my dread disease premium calculated?

Your premium is based on your specific risk profile, including: Age – younger people pay a lower premium because they are less likely to be diagnosed with a dread disease. Health – we take into account any current health conditions or a history of illness, that might mean you are more at risk of a critical illness. Lifestyle – if you smoke, for example, your risk of developing a smoking-related illness is higher, which means that your premiums might be higher too.

How long does it take to pay a claim?

Once 1Life has received all of the documentation needed to assess the claim, it may be paid out within 10 working days. In some cases, additional specific documents are needed for a particular claim, and this will be communicated during the assessment process. We understand that you rely on your dread disease cover for your family’s financial security, and we try to pay out your claim as promptly as possible.

Are there age limits to dread disease insurance?

Yes, there is an age limit for this cover. You can qualify for dread disease cover and critical illness cover at any time from 18 to 59 and you will be covered for the rest of your life so long as your premiums and policy are up to date.

Are there any waiting periods that apply to dread disease cover?

No, there is no waiting period that applies to dread disease cover and critical illness cover. There is however a “survival period”. This means that the lump sum will only be paid if the life assured survives for at least 28 days from the date of diagnosis.

Dread Disease Cover

Get up to R4 million cover if you are diagnosed with a critical illness

Lump sum pay-outs cover medical, rehabilitation and living expenses.

No medical exams just an HIV swab
Premiums fixed for the first 12 months
No waiting periods, you are covered immediately

Speak to a consultant Get a quote

What is dread disease cover

A dread disease, or critical illness, can be financially devastating. The cost of the medical treatment and ongoing rehabilitation might not be covered in full by your medical aid. In addition, you might be unable to work during or after treatment.

The pay-out from your dread disease cover policy can be used to replace lost income, and to cover medical expenses, so that you and your family can focus on your recovery. Give yourself and your loved ones the financial protection they need against serious illness and get a dread disease cover quote today.

Find out what it costs monthly FAQs

What makes dread disease cover the right choice for you and your family

You’re covered in minutes

You know your family will be taken care of with up to R4 million cover. You can get cover online or with just 1 simple call, immediate underwriting and no paperwork!

No medical exams

Get hassle free and convenient cover with no medical exams required just a simple HIV saliva swab that you can take at a Clicks or Dischem pharmacy near you.

No waiting periods

You are covered from day 1. Your policy has no waiting periods and you are covered immediately.

Fixed premiums

Isn’t it good to know that with 1Life Insurance dread disease cover policies, you can bank on no premium increases, guaranteed, for the first 12 months of your policy.

Take a minute to get a quick quote

You know that your family needs the financial protection of dread disease cover, but how much will it cost you? Get a quick quote and in minutes you will know what your monthly premium will be.

Get a quote

We're all about changing our dread disease cover policyholder's lives

We work every day to change our policyholder's lives.
We look after our policyholders with affordable and convenient cover packed with great benefits.

9358 Total Reviews

4.3 Avg Rating

7.5 TrustIndex

Manage your policy 24/7

Manage your policy conveniently and quickly using our online policyholder portal and WhatsApp service centre.

Help managing your finances

Take charge of your financial future with free short courses and services from Truth About Money.

Guaranteed Assurability

Increase your sum assured on every third policy anniversary without any medical underwriting, except for an HIV test. (T&Cs apply)

Hassle-free claim pay-outs

Once 1Life has received all of the documentation needed to assess the claim, it may be paid out within 10 working days.

Testimonials

Leah

1Life took literally a second to respond to my call back request. The person I was speaking to was very helpful and efficient. I'm very happy with the service I got.🙂

Princess

I can brag about 1Life from dawn until dusk. What excellent service they give. You who is not a member of 1Life yet, you are missing out. I recommend 1Life for all your life & funeral needs. 🤩

Thandazile M

I am so glad I joined 1Life, their premiums are affordable and it has a lot to offer that can help make life easier, I recommend it to anyone. 😍

Motaung Peter Kheola

I was helped by Mr Mangaliso. He was patient and professional. He really gave excellent service. 💯

Inathi

Lilonke assisted me perfectly with my queries about my funeral cover and was very kind with regards to such a sensitive topic around death. 🙏

Dread Disease Cover FAQs

What is dread disease cover?

Dread disease cover pays out a tax-free lump sum to you if you are diagnosed with a dread disease such as cancer, Alzheimer’s, heart disease, multiple sclerosis etc. as detailed in the 1Life Policy book.

Whether or not you are eligible for dread disease cover will depend on your family’s health, your medical history, lifestyle and type of employment. If you do qualify, your monthly premium will be based on factors such as your age, gender, health and occupation.

How is my dread disease insurance premium calculated?

Your premium is based on your specific risk profile. The factors that will affect your risk profile are:

Age – younger individuals will pay a lower premium, due to the decreased likelihood of being diagnosed with a dread disease.
Health – if you have a current health condition or a history of illness, the likelihood of being diagnosed with a dread disease is much higher compared to someone who is healthy.
Lifestyle – if for example you smoke, your risk of smoking related illnesses is that much higher and influences your premiums.

Will I have to complete an HIV test for dread disease cover?

Depending on the type of product that you purchase, you may have to either complete an HIV test, or disclose your HIV status in order to determine your risk.

How is the HIV test done?

In order to buy cover with us you might be asked to do an HIV test. Simply visit a Clicks or Dis-Chem pharmacy nearest to you to complete your test.

What is DebiCheck?

DebiCheck is a way you control how certain debit orders are taken out of your bank account. You confirm this once, at the start of the contract. This is done to inform your bank that you give permission for the money to be taken from your account. Find out more here.

See more FAQ's

Ts & Cs apply

1Life’s achievements

Swiss Re Reports 2010 - 2021

2023/2024 Ask Afrika Icon Brands
Benchmark Survey

2024 Sunday Times GenNext Awards

2023 PWC SA Insurance Index Report

2023 Ask Afrika Orange Index Awards

Get life and funeral cover today