Sanlam will honour claims arising from the illness provided it meets the standard claims criteria, as set out in the fund specific or scheme specific policy contract.
In terms of a severe illness or critical illness insurance policy contract, the illness itself will not be covered as such due to its absolute uncertainty – in the same way that Ebola and other infectious diseases are not covered. However, some of the complications of the disease might lead to a claim, for example end stage lung disease, renal failure, loss of vision, etc. In these instances a claim may be valid depending on the specific policy contract and the nature of the benefits selected and, in particular, whether the policy contract provides for a Core or Comprehensive option.
With regards to disability insurance policy contracts, contracting the virus may also not automatically constitute a claim, but some complications may result in temporary or permanent disability. The nature of the potential disability will be assessed against the disability definition in the client-specific policy contract, which in turn will depend on the type of disability product, waiting period, etc.