When you meet a child like Nicus van Zyl, you don’t forget him. At five years old, he would sit by the gate at nursery school each morning, greeting everyone with a smile. He didn’t wait to be noticed, he made other people feel seen. But behind that bright smile was a diagnosis no parent is ever prepared for.
At just six weeks old, Nicus was found to have a heart murmur. Further tests revealed Williams syndrome a rare condition affecting the heart and other organs. From that moment, life for Nicus and his family became a journey of surgeries, therapies and specialist care.
No parent is ever emotionally ready for news like this. But having the right support in place can make all the difference when life takes an unexpected turn.
A lifeline when it mattered most
Nicus’s dad, Willie, had taken out severe illness cover with Old Mutual a decision that would become a crucial support for their family.
While medical aid covered some of the costs, much of Nicus’s care went beyond that. He needed ongoing support from paediatric cardiologists, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, speech therapists, children’s kinetics specialists and rehabilitation services.
Over time, these needs added up both emotionally and financially.
Having a combination of medical aid, gap cover and severe illness cover meant Nicus’s parents could focus on what truly mattered: his care and quality of life.
The payout from Old Mutual’s Severe Illness Cover gave them the flexibility to make the right decisions for Nicus, without being limited by immediate financial pressure. As his family shared, it allowed them “five precious, love-filled years” they may not otherwise have had.
When life doesn’t go according to plan
As parents, we hope for the best for our children, but sometimes life takes an unexpected turn.
And in those moments, what matters most is having the space to focus on your child, your family, and what needs to happen next without the added weight of financial stress.
What severe illness cover is really for
Severe illness cover is designed to support you when you’re facing one of life’s most difficult moments.
It provides a once-off, tax-free payout if you’re diagnosed with a serious illness. The amount depends on the severity of the condition and your level of cover giving you financial breathing room when you need it most.
It can help you:
- Cover everyday living costs while focusing on recovery
- Manage expenses beyond medical treatment
- Adapt your home or lifestyle if needed
- Stay focused on your health and your family, not your finances
Why child severe illness cover matters
When a child becomes ill, everything else takes a back seat.
Parents will do whatever it takes to get their child the care they need but that often comes with emotional, physical, and financial strain.
Child severe illness cover helps give families the support they need to:
- Access the right care, when it matters most
- Afford therapies that support development and recovery
- Be fully present during treatment and recovery
- Avoid additional financial pressure during an already difficult time
It’s about easing the load, so families can focus on being together.
The best time is now
Severe illness cover is more than a policy, it’s a way of protecting what matters most, before life changes unexpectedly.
Speak to your financial adviser or click here to learn more.
Get personalised cover that fits your needs, as your life evolves.
Old Mutual Life Assurance Company (SA) Limited is a licensed FSP and Life Insurer. T’s & C’s apply.
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