Discovery has always been the “overachiever” of the South African insurance world. If they were a person at a braai, they’d be the one explaining exactly how many calories are in your boerewors roll while checking their heart rate on a smartwatch. But honestly? In 2026, that level of data-driven detail is saving people a … Read more
It’s funny how we define “underdog” in South Africa. Capitec isn’t exactly small anymore—they’ve got more than 22 million customers. That’s nearly half the adult population. But in the world of life insurance and complex funeral policies, they were always the “new kids.” I was chatting with a former colleague at a coffee shop in … Read more
Absa and Nedbank have both realized that if they can keep your home, your car, and your life cover under one roof, they can offer you perks that make a standard “cashback” program look like pocket change. But they go about it in completely different ways. Absa is all about the “Score,” while Nedbank wants … Read more
Most people treat rewards points like a “fun money” bucket. It’s the stuff we use for treats. But in the economy of 2026, where the price of a loaf of bread feels like a down payment on a house, we need to stop thinking about UCount as a way to get a free toaster. Think … Read more
If the government rolls out a system that promises free healthcare for everyone, does your Discovery Health premium become a redundant relic of the past? Or is it going to be the only thing standing between you and a three-year waiting list for a hip replacement? It’s a heavy question, but we need to talk … Read more
I’ll never forget the rainy Tuesday morning in February back in 2022 when I opened an email that felt like a bucket of ice water to the face. I’d spent six years faithfully paying my premiums to Old Mutual—never missed a debit order, never complained when the rates crept up annually. Then, I needed them. … Read more
Let’s get into the nitty-gritty of the numbers because this is where the confusion usually starts. Most medical schemes in South Africa pay out at what they call the “Scheme Tariff.” This is a set rate they’ve decided is fair for a specific procedure. Some plans pay 100% of that rate, others pay 200%. Sounds … Read more
A few years back, a buddy of mine tried to claim for a bike that got mangled during a stage race. The insurance company—let’s call them “Old School & Associates”—denied the claim faster than a pro sprinter kicks for the line. Why? Because the accident happened during a “competitive event.” That’s the dirty little secret … Read more
If you’re an exporter in South Africa today, you aren’t just fighting for market share in Europe or China. You’re fighting against “volatile” becoming the new “normal.” This is where Santam Marine enters the chat. As the biggest player on the continent, they’ve recently leveled up with their new Lloyd’s of London partnership, and everyone … Read more
I was grabbing a coffee in Rosebank last month—one of those places where the espresso costs more than a liter of petrol—and I got into a chat with my Uber driver, Sipho. He was driving a spotless Toyota Corolla, the kind of car that clearly gets vacuumed twice a day. We started talking shop because, … Read more