
SASRIA can absorb a catastrophe claim of up to R20bn
The state-owned insurer says it is on track to reach R30bn in reserves by 2029 – but emerging risks could still put its resilience to the test.

The state-owned insurer says it is on track to reach R30bn in reserves by 2029 – but emerging risks could still put its resilience to the test.

Requiring SARS to provide written reasons when it rejects the OTO’s recommendations has resulted in an increase in the resolution of complaints.

The Council for Medical Schemes’ latest annual report shows a decline in registered complaints – continuing a three-year downward trajectory.

Two new CMS studies highlight the growing strain of chronic diseases and soaring out-of-pocket healthcare costs.

Outgoing Adjudicator Muvhango Lukhaimane says the system has laid bare long-standing non-compliance with section 13A of the Pension Funds Act.

Expanding the Office’s mandate to include disputes involving advice will enhance member protection, but there are concerns over jurisdictional overlaps and operational costs.

The decline in KeyCare Plus membership reflects a reduction in employer subsidies and fewer mandates for medical scheme membership, DHMS says.

From hidden VAS fees that quietly inflated balances to wrongful fraud listings, the NFO Credit Division’s interventions have secured millions in write-offs.

Despite economic headwinds and high claims ratios, Bestmed grew net membership by 4.4% in 2024, bolstered by strong solvency and a R164.4m surplus.

Lead Ombud Edite Teixeira-Mckinon warns against drawing hasty conclusions about complaints stats without factoring in claims volumes and policy counts.

Complaints about life-benefit payouts climbed to 36% of the Division’s cases, from 34% in 2023.

From misrepresented investment products to overlooked policy details, the cases show how advisers can better serve clients by providing clear, timely, and relevant information.

More than R39m awarded to consumers as complaints settled in their favour increased from 29% to 35% in 2023/24.

Key proposed amendments include imposing fines for non-compliance, enhancing the Information Regulator’s authority to issue directives, and introducing search-and-seizure powers.

Key achievements include the creation of the National Financial Ombud Scheme and the new FAIS Ombud Rules.

Schemes and healthcare professionals are at odds over whether these recoveries are justified, says the Council for Medical Schemes.

The FIC’s latest annual report shows that out of 558 inspections conducted during the year, 269 specifically targeted the non-submission of risk and compliance returns.