Discovery Life reported it paid out R11.8 billion in claims in 2021. This included individual retail Life claims of R9.1 billion, with Covid-19 deaths dominating the claim pay-outs. The insurer paid R3.8 billion in total towards Covid-19 related claims, including death claims, severe illness benefits and income lost. Discovery said Covid-19-related claims has taken the spotlight away from other trends. These include an increase in deaths caused by car accidents, as lockdown restrictions were eased and an 18% year-on-year increase in suicides. Discovery said mental health is a big concern to the company and insurers globally.
