Discovery Sounds Alarm as Suicide Surpasses Car Accidents Among Clients

Suicide has now overtaken car accidents as a leading cause of unnatural death among Discovery Life clients — a deeply troubling trend that has prompted the insurer to raise alarm bells about South Africa’s growing mental health crisis.

In its newly released 2024 claims experience report, Discovery Life revealed it paid out a staggering R11.5 billion in claims last year — with suicide now making up 35% of all unnatural death claims, far outpacing motor vehicle accidents (23%), crime (17%), and trauma or accidents (10-15%).

Mental Health Crisis Deepens

According to the report, one in five deaths among clients were due to unnatural causes. The most distressing trend: suicides are rising steeply among older age groups.

• 45% of unnatural deaths among clients aged 41 to 60 were suicides.

• Among individuals over 50, suicide claims rose by 62% compared to the five-year average.

• 63% of suicide claimants were diagnosed with depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder, and were registered with the Discovery Health Medical Scheme (DHMS).

“These deaths are preventable,” said Dr. Maritha van der Walt, Chief Medical Officer at Discovery Life. “This trend is a call to action to prioritise mental healthcare across the country.”

The company emphasised that early intervention, access to mental health services, and destigmatising mental illness must form the cornerstone of national wellness strategies.

Claims Snapshot: What’s Killing South Africans?

Beyond mental health, Discovery Life’s 2024 report also shines a light on broader causes of death and disability in the country:

• Cancer remains the leading cause of death among women (35%), and the most common severe illness for both men (37%) and women (51%).

• Cancer is also the top cause of disability among all genders.

• Motor vehicle accidents were the primary cause of death among 18- to 30-year-olds.

• Heart and artery conditions dominated among individuals over 60, contributing to 34% of deaths in that group.

A Silver Lining: Cancer Screenings on the Rise

Amid the grim statistics, there’s encouraging news: more South Africans are getting screened for cancer than ever before.

• Mammograms are up 14%

• Colorectal cancer screenings jumped 29%

• Prostate exams increased 19%

As a result, early-stage cancer claims have soared by 62% compared to 2020, and Stage 4 cancer-related disability claims dropped 16% in 2024 alone.

“This shows the life-saving power of prevention and early detection,” Van der Walt said.

Discovery’s Changing Payouts: More Focus on the Living

Discovery Life also noted a shift in the nature of claims. In 2024, it paid out R3.1 billion in living benefits and R2.4 billion in Shared-value rewards — exceeding the R3.4 billion in mortality-related payouts.

Compared to the broader industry, which pays 20-30% in living benefits, Discovery’s 60% payout rate to living clients marks a clear push towards rewarding wellness and prevention.

The surge in suicide-related claims at Discovery Life offers a sobering glimpse into a deeper, often hidden public health crisis in South Africa. While strides are being made in physical health through early cancer detection, the growing mental health burden calls for immediate, wide-reaching support and awareness.

As Discovery notes, life cover must not only be about financial protection — but also about holistic health, early intervention, and mental well-being.

{Source BusinessTech}

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