When you meet a child like Nicus van Zyl, you don’t forget him. At five, he lit up his nursery school mornings, sitting by the gate, greeting everyone with a smile. He didn’t wait to be seen—he made others feel seen.
But behind that bright smile was a diagnosis no parent expects. At just six weeks old, Nicus was found to have a heart murmur. Tests revealed Williams syndrome, a rare condition affecting the heart and other organs. Suddenly, life for Nicus and his family became filled with surgeries, therapies, and specialist visits.
No parent is ever emotionally prepared for such news. But being financially prepared can be the difference between surviving and falling apart.
A Lifeline at the Right Time
Nicus’s dad, Willie, had taken out severe illness cover with Old Mutual. So, when the diagnosis came, that cover became a lifeline.
Medical aid helped, but not everything was covered. Nicus needed care from paediatric cardiologists, occupational, physio and speech therapy, children’s kinetics, and rehabilitation and more. These were critical, and over time, the costs added up. Luckily, Nicus’s dad realised how important having holistic financial cover that included medical aid, gap cover and severe illness cover was.
Old Mutual Severe Illness Cover provided Nicus’s parents with a lump sum payment, which allowed them to focus on what Nicus needed, not just what they could afford. In their words, it gave them ‘five precious, love-filled years’ they may not have otherwise had.
“It Won’t Happen to Me”—Until It Does
Most of us think a serious illness won’t touch our families. What our claim stats show is that a severe illness can happen to anyone. *In 2024, Old Mutual paid over R888 million in severe illness cover claims. And 73% of those severe illness claims were for the “Big 4” which are conditions like cancer, heart attacks, and strokes.
*Click here to see what people like you have claimed for.
The importance of severe illness cover
Severe illness cover isn’t medical aid or gap cover. It pays a single, tax-free amount if you are diagnosed with a severe illness. The amount paid depends on the severity of the diagnosis and is calculated as a percentage of your cover amount. Severe Illness Cover gives you the breathing space to focus on recovery, not money worries.
- Recover with less stress: A lump sum payout helps you cover living costs while you heal.
- Support beyond treatment: From time off work to home or lifestyle changes, the cover supports your ongoing recovery.
- Protect your family: It helps your loved ones stay financially stable during a difficult time.
- Handle unexpected costs: Travel to treatment centres, daily expenses, and other recovery-related bills are taken care of.
Why Child Severe Illness Cover Matters
Parents often go to great lengths, both emotionally and financially, to ensure their child receives the best care possible, which can lead to mental, emotional and financial strain. This cover helps families to have the finances they need to:
- Access the best care, regardless of cost
- Afford therapies critical to development
- Stay present without worrying about bills
- Avoid debt or fundraising in a crisis
This can help ease the pressure, so families can focus on being together.
The Best Time Is Now
Severe Illness Cover is more than a policy. It’s a quiet act of care, giving your family the peace of mind when you need it most.
Speak to an Old Mutual adviser today.
Speak to an accredited Old Mutual adviser today or visit www.oldmutual.co.za/illness to learn more. Get personalised cover that fits your lifestyle changes as and when it changes.
Old Mutual Life Assurance Company (SA) Limited is a licensed FSP and Life Insurer. T’s & C’s Apply.