Life is unpredictable, but one aspect remains certain – the need to protect our loved ones even when we are no longer around. In South Africa, where family and legacy hold significant value, Life Cover emerges as a vital tool in securing the financial future of those we hold dear. With options like the AllLife Standard Life Cover, offering up to R10 million in insurance from less than *R5 per day, the path to a secure future is more accessible than ever.

Why Invest in Life Cover?

Life Cover is not just an insurance policy; it’s a cornerstone of financial planning. It ensures that in the event of your untimely passing, your loved ones are not left with financial burdens, but rather a secure foundation to continue building their lives. From education fees to daily living expenses, Life Cover offers a safety net that keeps your family’s dreams and aspirations alive.

Accessible and Affordable

Recognising the diverse economic backgrounds in South Africa, AllLife Standard Life Cover is designed to be both accessible and affordable. Starting from as little as R5* a day for individuals aged 18-70, it democratizes the access to life insurance, ensuring that more South Africans can protect their families’ future.

Simplicity and Ease

Gone are the days of complex medical exams and endless paperwork. With AllLife, the application process for Life Cover is paperless and straightforward, removing barriers and making the process hassle-free. This simplicity ensures that you can secure coverage quickly and with minimal stress.

What Does Life Cover Entail?

Life Cover with AllLife isn’t just about a lump sum payout upon death. It’s about comprehensive protection that can also include optional Disability Cover, offering a broader safety net. The flexibility to choose a policy that best suits your needs and requirements means that you’re not just getting life insurance; you’re getting a policy tailored to your life.

Act Now for Future Savings

The cost of life insurance increases with age. By securing Life Cover now, you lock in a lower premium that will not be as affordable in the future. It’s an investment in the present that reaps benefits for a lifetime.

Conclusion: A Step Towards Lasting Peace of Mind

Investing in Life Cover is a step towards lasting peace of mind. It’s a commitment to your family’s well-being and a testament to the legacy you wish to leave behind. With AllLife Standard Life Cover, you’re not just planning for the future; you’re securing it. Get a quote and see how you can start protecting yourself and your family today: https://www.isibayadeals.co.za/life-insurance-v3/

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE BLACKLISTED?

While there is no literal “blacklist”, this term refers to a creditor denying further credit to a debtor, who has failed to repay past loans (aka has poor credit record). At the end of the day, it always comes back to your credit score. Banks and finance companies’ decision to give you that loan is mainly decided by what the credit bureaus have to say about you.

GETTING CREDIT WHEN BLACKLISTED

Some credit providers are willing to overlook a low credit score, but these are few and far between. If you do find a lender offering loans for blacklisted individuals, it’s always safer to take those offers with a pinch of salt. There are plenty of microlenders, who are happy to offer loans to desperate people… at a staggering interest rate of course. Don’t fall victim to unscrupulous lenders; it can only make an already desperate situation worse.

Things get even trickier if you’re undergoing the debt review process. Once a debt counsellor notifies your creditors that you’re under debt review, you are not allowed to apply for further credit until said debt counsellor has reached an agreement with your creditors about a new repayment schedule.

SHOULD YOU TAKE THE LOAN?

The best response to being in too much debt is to repay your creditors as soon as possible. It looks even better, if you can settle all your accounts at the same time. A consolidation loan allows you to pay off your various creditors in one fell swoop, leaving you to make only one debt repayment each month. This method is easier to keep track of, allowing you to focus your energy on other priorities in your life. Consolidation loans are the best loans for blacklisted people.

However, if your financial situation is such that your cannot even attain a loan for bad credit, consider looking into debt counselling. A debt counsellor can step in to negotiate with your creditors on your behalf and draw up a repayment plan that keeps everyone happy. They may even be able to save you some money in the process.

Of course, the best way to avoid being blacklisted is to know who you owe and repay any outstanding loans completely before taking out further credit. If you do find yourself in a desperate financial situation and fear creditors are closing in, why not get a debt councellor on your side and start your journey back to financial wellness today!

This article looks at what your life cover policy should cover to properly protect you, your spouse or any children you might have in the coming years.

WHY SHOULD YOU INVEST IN LIFE INSURANCE FOR YOUR SPOUSE?

There is a misconception that the only purpose behind life insurance is only to cover the costs of a funeral, which is why few know the difference between life cover and funeral insurance. But there’s a bit more too it.

As you link your life with that of your new spouse, you also begin to share the responsibilities you bore prior to your marriage. These can be assets like an apartment or a car as well as the debts that may come with them. This is why both you and your spouse need a life cover policy: to protect each other from any debts accrued and maintain any assets that are left behind in the event that one spouse passes on.

Life insurance policies also helps to cover the basic necessities of your beneficiaries, which includes your spouse and any children you may have. A life insurance pay-out can cover residual medical bills, unpaid debts, and if nothing else, it may support your family’s day-to-day life for a brief time, especially after the loss of the main breadwinner.

Ideally, your spouse shouldn’t be your sole beneficiary, in case both of you should pass away around the same time. So, make sure you define more than one beneficiary in your policy.

WHAT MORE CAN A LIFE INSURANCE POLICY COVER?

Apart from the cash pay-out upon death, the insured can make use of the following options:

• Dread disease / Critical illness cover: This cover, which is sometimes an add-on benefit or offered as a separate policy, covers the costs associated with the insured suffering a serious illness like cancer. This benefit can foot the bill for at-home care by a nurse or cover a treatment that your medical aid won’t.
• Disability cover: You can claim from your life insurance policy yourself, if you suffer an accident that leaves you unable to maintain an income.
• Accidental death: This benefit allows your beneficiaries to claim should you pass away due to an accident before the required waiting period is up.

Life insurance is a critical necessity for any couple starting a life together and it will only become more vital as your assets or your family increase. You may own property together in the near future or want to provide for your children. You can’t put a price on life, but you can bet there is a life cover policy you can afford!

As a beneficiary, you need access to cash within 24 hours from the time of death to assist you in making the necessary arrangements. This makes a quick payout from your insurance an absolute necessity. But making a death claim is a process very few know much about until they must do it. In this article, we walk you through the claims process and policy documents you’ll need before making a claim.

FUNERAL CLAIMS

When you first took out your insurance, all the details of the policy should have been explained to you. This would have included the cover amount, benefits, as well as the claim process. Most insurers would also provide you with all the relevant contact details for the claim process at this stage.

These would include a call center number you can call to have an agent take you through the process. You also have the option of sending an SMS with your policy number (standard rates apply) and a consultant will call you back. Alternatively, you can send an email to the claims department. Here’s how you can avoid delays in the funeral pay-out claims process.

SUBMITTING THE CORRECT DOCUMENTATION ON TIME

One of the main reasons why many claims get delayed is because policyholders often fail to submit certified documents.

The necessary documents for a funeral cover claim include:

• a certified death claim form
• death certificates
• notice of death form
• a copy of the deceased’s ID documents.
• Remember, the sooner your insurer receives all the relevant documents, the quicker the payout time. This will also give you access to all your funeral benefits.

CHECK THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF YOUR INSURER

Always read the fine print; you need to know what you and any dependents are covered for. If there are details you need clarity on, contact your provider and have them explain these to you.

Make sure that the insurer discloses what company underwrites them, so you to know what to expect in the long run. When taking out cover with an insurer, you must disclose full details of your family’s medical history, pre-existing illnesses, and medication currently being taken. This information is vital in the claims process.

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS AS A CONSUMER

If your insurer rejects your claim, you have the right to object in writing. If the complaint is still unresolved and you are not satisfied with the outcome, you can approach the Insurance Ombudsman for help.

When it comes to funeral cover, make it a priority to read and understand the terms and conditions of your policy. You need to know if there are any violations and exclusions that may prevent your claims from being paid out.

Make sure to consistently pay your premiums when they are due. Another reason why claims get rejected is that the policy has been cancelled due to unpaid premiums. Always keep your policy and premiums up to date and make sure you review your funeral cover policy regularly.

This is why funeral insurance for extended family members is a must for any family that cares. Don’t put off taking out funeral cover for your loved ones. Get a funeral cover policy before it’s too late.

Planning a funeral for a family member isn’t an easy task. After the initial shock, you have to come together as a family and start making the arrangements. The real question then becomes: who is going to pay for it? If you’ve only insured yourself, your spouse and children, there might not be much left for your extended family. With all the cultural and religious practices that need to be honoured, many people are forced to dip into savings or spend more than they can meet these expectations. However, all of this can be avoided. We discuss the funeral cover you should get for your extended family members.

WHAT IS EXTENDED FAMILY FUNERAL COVER?

Extended family funeral policy benefits cover the costs of a funeral should a member of your extended family pass away. “Extended” typically refers to anyone outside of your immediate family. Not only will this cover offer you peace of mind, but this optional policy benefit is also affordable. With this, you only pay one premium for all your chosen family members. Depending on your chosen insurer/insurance provider, some plans are flexible. This means you can personalise your chosen plan and only pay for what you can afford. With a little research and the right insurer, it is possible to find the cheapest funeral cover for extended family.

HOW MANY PEOPLE CAN I COVER?

Many South Africans have large families. This, unfortunately, means we often have to face the possibility of saying a final farewell to many loved ones. This sad reality involves all sorts of unexpected funeral expenses. Many insurance providers give you the option of covering more than 10 people on one plan. This eliminates the daunting task of having to choose, who can be under the cover and who can’t.

ARE YOUR CURRENTLY COVERED ENOUGH?

Most insurers have a standard amount in which they cover your loved ones. Depending on the insurer, you can get funeral cover for extended family members that offers additional benefits outside of the cover amount. This will also be dependent on your family’s needs and the type of benefits you’re interested in. Also, think about how much cover each member is insured for. It’s important to check the terms and conditions of your policy.

SHOULD YOU GET FAMILY FUNERAL COVER?

The answer is yes. You must have funeral insurance for your family. Financial planning will ensure that your loved ones are protected financially. Many people don’t consider the post-funeral expenses. A tombstone unveiling is sometimes held a year after the burial, and some unveilings are more expensive than the funeral itself.

If your family isn’t financially prepared, you may have to resort to a loan or paying for it out of your pocket. With cover for extended family members, it’s possible to afford these costs.

If your family is not limited to your spouse and children, consider looking into cheap funeral cover for extended family. You don’t want to be robbed of giving your loved one a proper funeral. Make the change today and cover your extended family. Get a quote today!

A funeral starts with a call. Funeral cover can go a long way in offering a helping hand during this difficult time in your life.

TRADITIONS & CUSTOMS

When it comes to a Jewish funeral, traditions are more or less the same all around the world. Variations are dependent on your heritage and denomination. The basic principles remain the same as these are based on the Torah. Over the years, some traditional customs have been modified under the Reform Judaism. We discuss the details involved in planning a Jewish funeral.

DRESS ATTIRE ETIQUETTE

When it comes to dressing etiquette, these tend to vary according to each gender. Women wear a head covering, black or dark colours accompanied by a respectable dress. Men are required to wear a skullcap, for attire, they must wear suits or formal business attire – all of which must be in black or a dark colour. Immediate family members wear a black button-looking pin with a ribbon hanging from it. As a symbol of grief and anger experienced during the mourning of their loved one, the ribbon will be cut. The tradition is called ‘kriah’ which means tearing. The torn garment is then worn for ‘shiva’ for seven days following the funeral.

NO VIEWING OF THE DECEASED

Jewish funeral protocol states that there will be no viewing of the deceased’s body. Throughout the proceedings, you may notice that the casket remains closed. Only family and friends may see their departed loved ones.

FUNERAL SERVICE

Jewish funeral service traditions take place at a standard funeral home, synagogue or a gravesite. The typical service can run between 15 to 60 minutes. The service starts with a eulogy read by the rabbi, followed by prayers, psalms, and hymns. Once the service is complete, the family follows the hearse to the grave plot.

GRAVESIDE CUSTOM

Once at the cemetery, the rabbi or cantor will recite a hymn. The coffin is lowered into the ground, the family or friends of the deceased will pour a handful of soil onto the coffin. When it comes to flowers: according to Jewish funeral traditions, these are not allowed during the burial proceedings. Instead, mourners place stones on the headstone, according to the belief that stones will keep the soul down.

BURIAL CUSTOM

Jewish funeral traditions – known as K’vod Hamet state that the deceased must be buried as soon as possible. This can be delayed if appropriate arrangements are made with the family. However, things are different where cremation is concerned. Conservative Judaism opposes cremation. A conservative rabbi may perform a funeral for a person who has already been cremated. However, for Reform Jews cremation has become a common practice. A Reform rabbi will perform a funeral for someone cremated.

MOURNING

SHIVA

Often referred to as “sitting Shiva”, this form of bereavement takes place for seven days after the funeral. The grieving family will stay at home during this time to mourn and pray. The family may not work or participate in their everyday activities. Extended family and friends may visit the family during specified visiting hours. Practices observed during Shiva include sitting on a low stool, remaining indoors, wearing of non-leather shoes, abstention from marital relations, and the prohibition of work and studying Torah.

CONDOLENCES

When it comes to sending condolences to the family or friends, a Shiva basket is a customary condolence gift. The basket is made up of food items that are sent to the home of those sitting Shiva following the funeral. A Shiva basket will include fruit, nuts, assorted chocolates, desserts & baked goods. Other food arrangements include Shiva trays or platters that may be sent to a Shiva following the burial.

SHLOSHIM/SHELOSHIM

The second mourning period lasts for 30 days and includes seven days of Shiva. There are still prohibitions that mourners observe during shloshim/sheloshim which include: not cutting the hair, beard or nails. Mourners are not allowed to wear new clothes or newly washed clothes. No parties or marriage can take place. Mourners are not allowed to receive gifts of any kind.

MEMORIAL EVENTS

Jewish families hold annual memorials, which occur on the anniversary of the loved one’s death. This is called ‘yahrzeit’ and it is held the night before the anniversary of the death. A yahrzeit candle is burnt for 24 hours. Hymns and prayers are also recited.

Another memorial is called ‘Yizkor’ and takes place on Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement and on the holiday of Shemini Atzeret. The last days of the holidays Passover and Shavuot are also dedicated to remembering those who have passed on. During the memorial prayer service, ‘Yizkor, mourners attend their synagogue in remembrance of their loved ones.

As with any religion, funeral customs and traditions are always adhered to. With so many costs to consider, a funeral insurance policy can take the financial pressure off by helping to cover a lot of the expenses associated with funerals. Get a funeral cover quote today!

It is wise to consider your changing needs while renewing your health policy. Health insurance is important as it assists in covering the costs of your hospital bills. With the right policy, you have access to better medical facilities and enjoy tax benefits. Reviewing your health insurance portfolio is crucial for various reasons. Here’s what you need to consider when reviewing your health insurance policy.

WHEN SHOULD YOU REVIEW YOUR HEALTH COVER?

Health insurance in South Africa is not set in stone, meaning you should change it according to changes in your lifestyle. Your healthcare costs are influenced by your lifestyle changes. Things like age, stress levels, work environments, diet and level of exercise are factors that play a role in shaping your health.

You should also consider swapping to a different policy if you’re not happy with your current policy. If you had a tough time making a claim or had a horrible customer experience, you should consider getting a policy with a different health insurance company. Here are some instances where you might change up your health insurance policy:

GETTING A PROMOTION AT WORK

When you get a promotion, you may receive extra benefits or be given the option to upgrade your health policy with your company. Here, you can opt for health policies that come with better benefits for you and your family.

BECOMING A PARENT

Speaking of family – upgrading your health cover becomes even more important if you are about to become a parent. Expenses usually pile up from the beginning and they’ll only get higher as your child grows. You will also need to budget for their many visits to the paediatrician.

LOOKING TO RETIRE

If retirement is looming, this would be the right time to review your health plan and move to a senior citizen option. At this stage, it’s important to choose a plan that takes care of your specific needs in your golden years.

AFFORDING THE CO-PAYMENTS

When it comes to a health policy in South Africa, co-payments are quite the norm.

WHAT SHOULD YOUR HEALTH COVER INCLUDE?

Most companies’ policies cover employees, their spouses, and (depending on the insurance provider) up to two children. Some do cover parents of the insured, but these will be additional charges. It’s important to make sure that your cover size is adequate for your health needs for the entire year.

It’s vital to plan an annual review of your insurance policies as it can save you time and money in the long run. Speaking to us about your next health insurance policy and get quotes from top health insurance companies today!

Furthermore, this process makes sure that debt counsellors follow specified rules and regulations when assisting consumers with their monthly debt payments. The debt counselling process is quite a lengthy one and getting rid of debt doesn’t happen overnight. As much as you might think it’s impossible to get out of debt, the truth is it’s very possible! We delve deeper into what debt counselling entails, why you might need it and how you can be debt-free in the long run.

WHAT IS DEBT COUNSELLING?

First, the debt counsellor assesses your outstanding debt and comes up with a debt repayment solution. Your debt counsellor renegotiates your credit providers’ interest rates with the goal of reducing them to realistic repayment amounts. By doing so, paying off your outstanding debts becomes easier on these new terms.

Your debt counsellor will structure an affordable repayment plan, which is a strict budget you must adhere to in order to meet your renegotiated monthly payments. Consumers, who are under debt review, are protected from being blacklisted during this time by the National Credit Act (NCA).

This also means that it’s illegal for creditors to demand higher interest rates from those who are receiving debt counselling. It’s also important to note that creditors may not contact the consumer directly but must communicate through the debt counsellor, who handles all legal matters on behalf of the consumer. It’s important for consumers to work with debt counsellors, who are registered with the National Credit Regulator to avoid being scammed.

DO YOU NEED A DEBT REVIEW?

South Africa has over 1,500 registered debt counsellors listed on the NCE’s website. Before applying for debt review, shop around for the right counsellor for you, since debt review removal companies can be pretty costly. It’s also important to know whether you might need debt counselling before it’s too late. Here are some questions you should ask yourself to determine if you need assistance:

• Have you maxed out your credit cards/overdraft?
• Have you fallen behind on one or more payments?
• Are you living within your means?
• Are you failing to save money?
• Are your living expenses preventing you from setting up an emergency fund?
• Are you avoiding debt collectors’ calls?
• Are you taking out payday loans to cover your expenses?
• Are you stressed about money?
• Are you borrowing money and selling assets to keep afloat?

You don’t have to be a slave to debt. If you’re struggling, there are debt relief agencies that can assist you in getting rid of debt for good. For some, the process might be longer in terms of years as opposed to months. However, you can achieve financial freedom! It doesn’t matter how much outstanding debt you have; you can always apply for debt review to assist you and your family.

HOW TO STAY ALIVE OVER THE HOLIDAYS

Reckless driving and speeding are some of the reasons behind the staggering numbers of accidents on the road. According to the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) annual festive season reports, the 2016/2017 festive road fatalities were the highest in the past five years with 2, 006 recorded fatalities during that festive season. Blade Nzimande, Minister of transport, issued the preliminary Festive Season Road Safety report, which documented 1,612 road fatalities from December 1^st till January 8^th of 2018/2019.

Accidents on the road are a given, even with the road safety programmes enforced by government departments, the death tolls continue to rise. According to The World Health Organisation’s Global Status Report on Road Safety, which was released in December, 58% of road traffic deaths in South Africa involved alcohol and that the seat-belt wearing rate was 38% for drivers and 31% for front-seated passengers. When an unexpected death occurs in the family, it’s important to be prepared with a funeral cover.

ROAD SAFETY TIPS FOR THE EASTER SEASON

• Make sure you give yourself enough time to reach your destination.
• Make sure you get enough rest before you embark on your journey.
• Always take breaks every 2 hours or 200km. Stretch, walk around a bit and have an energy drink between stops.
• Always carry your driver’s license with you.
• Check that your vehicle is in a roadworthy state before your trips.
• Do not overload your car and avoid driving at night.
• Don’t drink and drive.
• Always wear your seat belt and make sure that everyone in the car is wearing theirs.
• Drive with your lights on and always stay within the appropriate speed limit.
• Exercise safety at all times when overtaking.
• Don’t text and drive as these can distract you from the road.

The JMPD continues to introduce measures to curb festive season road accidents. Motorists can expect to see more blue lights along with their holiday drives. It’s important to make sure that your family remains safe and injury-free throughout the holidays. These safety tips can help you to potentially avoid car accidents over the long weekend thus making sure that you get your destination and back safely. Happy holidays!