Understanding Health Trends Through Insurance Claims 

In a recent conversation with Dr. Marion Morkel, Chief Medical Officer at Sanlam, we delved into the fascinating data drawn from insurance claims and what it reveals about health trends in South Africa. Our discussion reveals an evolving landscape of health challenges and the corresponding insurance claims that offer a barometer for these shifts. 

Cardiovascular claims still a growing concern – One of the most striking insights from our discussion was the persistent rise in cardiovascular claims. Dr. Morkel noted that cardiovascular diseases have increasingly become the leading cause of claims, surpassing other conditions such as cancer and trauma-related incidents. This trend has been steadily rising over the past decade, with a notable spike during the COVID-19 pandemic, which exacerbated underlying health issues. 

The significant rise in cardiovascular claims is indicative of the increasing prevalence of lifestyle-related diseases. Dr. Morkel highlighted that the growing rates of obesity in South Africa are a major contributing factor. The link between lifestyle diseases and cardiovascular conditions is clear, and the data from Sanlam’s claims underscore the urgent need for public health initiatives focused on lifestyle modification and disease prevention. 

The Impact of COVID-19 – COVID-19 has had a multifaceted impact on health trends. During the pandemic, there was an increase in cardiovascular claims, attributed to the virus’s stress on the immune system and its exacerbation of pre-existing conditions. Post-pandemic, while some expected a decline in these claims, the numbers have continued to rise, indicating that the health impacts of the pandemic are long-lasting. 

Additionally, the pandemic caused delays in routine medical procedures and cancer diagnostics. As a result, there was a temporary dip in cancer-related claims during the pandemic years. However, post-pandemic data shows a rebound, with cancer claims increasing once again, underscoring the critical need for timely medical care and screening. 

Shifts in leading causes of disability claims – When it comes to disability claims, there has been a noticeable shift. Historically, musculoskeletal issues, often compounded by psychiatric disorders, were the leading causes. However, cardiovascular diseases have now become the predominant cause of lump sum disability claims. This shift reflects the broader trend of rising cardiovascular health issues and their significant impact on individuals’ ability to work. 

Youth health is a concerning trend – A particularly concerning trend is the rise in claims among younger individuals. Dr. Morkel pointed out that there is a growing incidence of cardiovascular diseases and early-onset cancers in younger populations. This trend is largely driven by lifestyle factors, including poor diet and lack of physical activity, which are contributing to the early development of chronic diseases. 

The data also reveals a worrying trend of increased trauma-related incidents among younger women, which is unusual compared to previous years. While the reasons for this rise are still being investigated, it highlights the need for targeted interventions to address the specific health risks faced by young people. 

Gender-Specific Trends – There is an increase in claims related to Caesarean sections among women of reproductive age. This rise is linked to lifestyle diseases such as hypertension and diabetes, which complicate pregnancies and lead to higher rates of surgical interventions. 

Furthermore, Dr. Morkel emphasised the importance of younger women being more proactive about their health, as there is a notable increase in early cancer diagnoses in this demographic. This proactive approach is encouraging, but it also highlights the need for ongoing education and support to help women manage their health risks effectively.