
Not every medical non-disclosure justifies claim rejection
The Appeal Tribunal found that an undisclosed diagnostic test was not material to the insurer’s assessment of the risk and ordered the claim to be paid.

The Appeal Tribunal found that an undisclosed diagnostic test was not material to the insurer’s assessment of the risk and ordered the claim to be paid.

The Appeal Tribunal found that voluntary pre-claim benefit increases were distinct from post-claim escalation and could not be used to support a fixed 10% increase.

The division recorded more formal investigations in 2025, but improved turnaround times and secured almost R300 million for complainants.

The life insurer could not rely on the date of the pathology report to deny cover after premiums had already lapsed.

A complaint reviewed by the National Financial Ombud Scheme highlights how exclusions linked to unlawful conduct are assessed.

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

The NFO decided that failing to follow customary mourning rituals did not prevent the recognition of a customary marriage, awarding the claim based on fairness.