Does Lupus Qualify as a Critical Illness for Bond Insurance?

How Dread Disease Cover Works for Lupus

Dread disease cover (also called critical illness cover) is an optional add-on to SettleMyBond bond protection. It pays a lump sum equal to your sum assured into your bond if you are diagnosed with a listed condition, and the policy then ceases. Lupus itself is an autoimmune condition, but what triggers a dread disease claim is the severity of its impact on your body.

Under most South African credit life policies, including those underwritten by A leading AA+-rated South African insurer, dread disease claims are assessed based on the functional outcome rather than the diagnosis alone. This means that if lupus leads to kidney failure requiring dialysis, heart failure, stroke, or permanent neurological damage, these outcomes would typically fall within the dread disease benefit definitions.

What Conditions Does Dread Disease Cover Include?

The standard dread disease benefit under bond protection insurance covers a defined list of critical illnesses. While lupus is not always listed by name, the conditions it can cause are typically covered. These include:

• Renal failure - lupus nephritis is one of the most common serious complications of SLE
• Stroke - lupus increases the risk of cerebrovascular events
• Heart attack - cardiovascular involvement is well documented in SLE
• Major organ transplant - if lupus necessitates a transplant
• Permanent disability - if lupus renders you unable to perform your occupation

The Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) requires that all credit life insurers provide clear benefit definitions in their policy documents. Always review the specific policy wording to understand exactly which conditions and severity thresholds apply to your cover.

Applying With a Pre-Existing Condition

Because SettleMyBond's bond protection insurance requires no medical exam, having lupus does not prevent you from obtaining cover. There are no blood tests, GP visits, or medical questionnaires. However, waiting periods can apply to some benefits. Refer to your policy schedule for the terms that apply to your cover.

It is important to note that pre-existing conditions diagnosed before the policy start date may be subject to exclusions during the waiting period. After the waiting period has elapsed, claims are assessed on their merits based on the policy's benefit definitions. The National Credit Regulator (NCR) oversees credit life insurance practices to ensure fair treatment of consumers under the National Credit Act.

What About Disability Cover?

If lupus affects your ability to work - either temporarily or permanently - you may also qualify under the disability component of your bond protection insurance. Temporary disability cover pays your monthly bond instalments for up to 24 months if you are booked off work for more than 90 consecutive days. Permanent disability cover pays your instalments for the first 24 months, then a lump sum equal to your sum assured.

For many lupus patients, flare-ups can cause periods of temporary disability, while severe cases may lead to permanent disability. Both scenarios are covered under comprehensive bond protection insurance from SettleMyBond, backed by Our underwriting partner (a leading AA+-rated South African insurer).

Living with lupus does not mean you cannot protect your home. Get your free quote in under 2 minutes - no medical exam required.