Dread disease cover protects your family home if you're diagnosed with a serious illness like cancer, heart attack, or stroke. Settle your bond without medical exam required.
Dread disease cover (also called critical illness cover) is an optional add-on that pays a lump sum equal to your sum assured into your bond if you are diagnosed with one of the listed serious illnesses, after which the policy ceases. Unlike disability cover, which requires you to be unable to work, dread disease pays out immediately after diagnosis of qualifying conditions - even if you continue working.
This type of cover is especially important because serious illnesses can:
The optional SettleMyBond dread disease add-on covers:
The condition must be formally diagnosed by a medical doctor. A confirmed diagnosis letter from your treating physician is required to lodge a claim. Once diagnosed and the 90-day survival period passes, a lump sum equal to your sum assured is paid into your bond.
Most dread disease policies require a 90-day survival period from the date of diagnosis. This means you must survive for 90 days after the official diagnosis before the benefit is paid.
| Cover Type | Triggers Payout | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Death Cover | Death from any cause | Family protection if you pass away |
| Disability Cover | Permanent inability to work | If accident/illness stops you working |
| Dread Disease | Diagnosis of serious illness | Illness hits before disability occurs |
| Retrenchment | Loss of employment | Job loss protection |
Claiming dread disease cover is straightforward:
Get formal diagnosis from your treating medical doctor
Contact us with your diagnosis. We'll guide you through the claim process
Once you've survived 90 days from diagnosis, you're eligible for payout
On acceptance of a valid claim, a lump sum equal to your sum assured is paid to your bond
Dread disease cover is often more affordable than you might expect. Your premium depends on:
Get an instant estimate: Use our free bond calculator to see exactly how much dread disease cover would cost for your situation. Most customers see they can save 30-40% compared to bank-provided cover.
Unlike bank policies, we don't require blood tests or doctor visits. Answer a simple health questionnaire online.
Underwritten by a leading AA+-rated South African insurer. Your benefits are guaranteed, regardless of market conditions.
Save significantly versus bank cover. Dread disease is an optional add-on, and your premium depends on your age, sum assured and rating class.
Once a valid claim is accepted, the lump sum is paid to your bond and the policy ceases. The 48-hour payout applies to death claims only.
Dread disease cover works best when combined with other protection types. Consider adding:
Takes just 2 minutes. No medical exam required.