Your health and ability to feel financially secure are interconnected, particularly when it comes to serious illnesses like cancer. Illnesses like cancer take a toll of their own, and having little to no financial protection can add additional strain.
There is no question that a cancer diagnosis is life-altering, especially when you look at how it impacts a patient’s physical and emotional well-being. Medical treatments, ongoing care, and associated expenses can quickly become overwhelming, which is why you should always try to be financially prepared.
The Intersection of Health and Financial Security
Female-specific cancers can include breast cancer, cervical cancer, ovarian cancer, uterine cancer, vaginal cancer, bladder cancer and fallopian tube cancer.
The cost of diagnosis, treatment, and aftercare can run into hundreds of thousands of rands. Without proper financial support, many women can find themselves in a position where they are struggling to afford the care they need while still needing to manage their everyday living expenses.
This is where Female Cancer Cover can offer relief.
The financial protection of this type of cover bridges the gap between Medical Aid limitations and the real cost of cancer treatment. This “real cost” refers to how specialists can charge more than what the Medical Aid states it will cover. Without any extra cover, like TRA’s female cancer cover, patients are left responsible for covering the shortfall amount out of pocket.
Read more on TRA’s comprehensive solution with Female Cancer Cover for South African women.
The “Actual” Cost of Cancer in South Africa
A cancer diagnosis often brings unforeseen financial strain; let’s take a look at all the costs that may occur from the moment of a diagnosis:
- Diagnostic tests, surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation can range anywhere from R1,800 to R250,000, depending on the type and stage of cancer.
- Many medical aids do not provide comprehensive cancer benefits. Additional cover options, like TRA’s cancer cover can help cover the difference between what medical aid pays and the actual cost of treatment.
- Additional expenses may include transport to treatment centres, time off work, special nutrition, wigs, and when needed, post-surgery recovery essentials such as special bras.
- Post-treatment expenses, including at-home medication to prevent recurrence, follow-up consultations, and ongoing health monitoring.
Some “hidden”/associated costs may include:
- Some cancer patients may require home modifications such as wheelchair ramps, stairlifts, or accessible bathrooms.
- Patients undergoing treatment may need extra childcare or domestic support, adding to financial strain.
- Therapy and counselling services to cope with the emotional impact of a cancer diagnosis can add unexpected costs.
- Some patients explore complementary yet nontraditional treatments like acupuncture, massage therapy, or dietary supplements, which are often not covered by medical aid.
Female Cancer Cover by TRA offers a tax-free lump sum payout upon a confirmed cancer diagnosis as well as access to TRA’s Assist mobile app, which is helping policyholders manage their medical bills, and additional costs.
TRA’s Female Cancer Cover As A Comprehensive Solution
This supplementary insurance product is designed to provide financial relief to the “actual” cost of cancer in South Africa, discussed above. Let’s explore how:
Stand-Out Benefits of TRA Female Cancer Cover:
- Lump sum payout upon confirmed diagnosis of certain cancers, including early cancers.
- Additional financial protection beyond your medical aid and gap cover, specifically for Cancer Cover.
- Three flexible policy options to suit different budgets.
- TRA offers a For Him Benefit as an optional add-on to TRA’s Female Cancer Cover, providing financial protection for male dependents. This benefit is available only if a Female Cancer Cover policy is in place, covering one male dependent (the female policyholder’s spouse/common law partner), 18 or older.
Access To Additional Benefits Through TRA Assist
TRA offers policyholders additional services through TRA Assist. These services include:
- 24/7 Panic Button & Trauma Counselling Line for emotional and medical support.
- Home Drive Service (Own Vehicle or Uber), providing six trips per policy per year.
- Medical Health Consultation Services to assist with queries and ongoing health management.
- Digital access to submit claims via the TRA mobile app.
Coverage Options for the Female Policies:
| Plan | Monthly Premium | Lump Sum Payout | Accidental Death Benefit |
| Grand | From R130 | R50,000 per unrelated occurrence | R5,000 |
| Supreme | From R225 | R100,000 per unrelated occurrence | R10,000 |
| Ultimate | From R315 | R150,000 per unrelated occurrence | R15,000 |
Eligibility and Waiting Period
- One female policyholder per policy.
- Waiting period of three months before benefits apply.
- Medical examination and good health declaration required at the time of application.
Policy Terms and Exclusions
While TRA’s Female Cancer Cover offers extensive benefits, there are certain exclusions policyholders should be aware of:
- Pre-existing conditions, meaning any cancer diagnosed or treated within 24 months before the policy start date, are excluded.
- Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia (CIN II or III) is not covered.
- Non-disclosure of health information at the time of application can lead to claim denial.
Understanding these terms ensures that policyholders can make informed decisions about their coverage.
When It Comes To Your Health & Financial Protection, You’re In Good Hands
Prioritising women’s health cannot be done without ensuring their financial stability. Whether this is done by patients having access to the best cover or being financially literate when it comes to understanding the options, with TRA’s Female Cancer Cover, South African women can rest assured, knowing that their full focus can be on their recovery without the stress of financial insecurity.
Taking proactive steps and signing up for cancer cover today can make all the difference tomorrow. With Total Risk Administrators (TRA) you and your loved ones can feel confident in choosing a plan that puts your health and financial well-being first.
