
SA’s R50 Trillion Life and Disability Insurance Gap and What It Means for You.
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GUEST: Besa Ruele – Member of the ASISA Life and Risk Board Committee
South Africa’s insurance gap has widened to a staggering R50.4 trillion, with most families only covered for 39% of what they’d need if a breadwinner died or became disabled. That means millions could face drastic lifestyle cuts or financial hardship after losing an income earner.
In this conversation, Besa Ruele from ASISA breaks down what’s driving the shortfall, how rising incomes and living costs outpace insurance cover, and what it will take to close the gap.
How can families protect themselves? What role do employers, financial advisers, and insurers play? And is there a smarter way to make life and disability cover more affordable?
South Africa’s insurance gap has widened to a staggering R50.4 trillion, with most families only covered for 39% of what they’d need if a breadwinner died or became disabled. That means millions could face drastic lifestyle cuts or financial hardship after losing an income earner.
In this conversation, Besa Ruele from ASISA breaks down what’s driving the shortfall, how rising incomes and living costs outpace insurance cover, and what it will take to close the gap.
How can families protect themselves? What role do employers, financial advisers, and insurers play? And is there a smarter way to make life and disability cover more affordable?

