South African financial education | Facts checked 10 November 2026
Read the full three-part series
- Disability and Illness Cover, Part 1: What Does Each Benefit Test?
- Disability Claims, Part 2: Medical Reports and Proof of Income
- Disability Claims, Part 3: The First 24 Months and Later Reviews
A strong preparation file is organised around the benefit definition. Insurers may need medical, occupational and financial evidence, but the exact list and period vary. Start with the insurer's current forms and your own policy version.
Medical evidence: more than the diagnosis
Commonly relevant information includes diagnosis and onset, specialist findings and tests, treatment and response, restrictions, prognosis and expected duration. Ask what the insurer needs the treating team to address. A report that says only "unfit for work" may not explain the specific duties or functions being assessed.
Describe the work you actually did
Record the essential duties, hours, physical and cognitive demands and how the condition affects them. Employer statements, leave records, rehabilitation or occupational assessments may be requested. The treating professional provides clinical evidence; the insurer applies the policy definition.
Proof of earnings before disablement
Salaried people may be asked for payslips, tax certificates, employer confirmation and bank evidence. Self-employed claimants may need financial statements, tax records, management accounts, accountant confirmation and an explanation of their role and remuneration. Turnover, business profit, drawings and personal insurable earnings are not the same measure.
Ask which period and income definition apply. For example, one insurer's checklist may ask for the preceding 12 months; that does not make it a universal rule. Evidence can establish an earnings cap even where actual continuing income loss is not the benefit trigger.
Keep the submission secure and traceable
- Use the insurer's verified channel, signed forms and required consents.
- Keep copies and a dated submission log.
- Explain inconsistent dates and missing documents accurately.
- Ask for receipt, outstanding items and the next action date.
Never publish medical reports, ID details or financial statements in a public comment or message thread. The paid preparation guide includes checklists and space to track the evidence; it is not a replacement insurer form.
Read the full three-part series
- Disability and Illness Cover, Part 1: What Does Each Benefit Test?
- Disability Claims, Part 2: Medical Reports and Proof of Income
- Disability Claims, Part 3: The First 24 Months and Later Reviews
Disability and Illness Claims Preparation Guide - R49,99
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General education only, not personalised financial, investment, insurance, tax, medical or legal advice. Confirm current rules, policy terms and suitability with an appropriately qualified professional. No return, tax saving, claim payment or legal outcome is guaranteed.
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