Dread Diseases – Lessons from The Covid-19 Pandemic

If the Covid-19 pandemic taught us anything, it was that no one is safe when a dread-disease strikes. Who can forget the days we were locked behind doors and masks, going outside only when absolutely necessary to avoid catching the disease that could well claim our lives?

Thankfully, after three frightening years, the disease has abated to a stage where most people have acquired at least some degree of immunity. But what a toll it took on the world. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), to date, there have been 763 740 140 cumulative cases and 6 908 554 deaths due to Covid. Many survivors still suffer debilitating symptoms of long-Covid and are either unable to work or live with ‘brain fog’ that affects the quality of their lives and ability to work. Not to mention the effect on millions of families left behind after their breadwinners died from Covid.

People Now More Aware of The Fragility of Life

If anything, good can have come from the pandemic, it would be that most people are today more aware of the fragility of life. And the unfortunate reality is that other dread diseases are still very much ‘alive and well’ in the world.

While Covid-19 was taking centre stage, in the background, other critical illnesses continued unabated and indeed became more prevalent, with the Harvard Gazette, for example, reporting on September 22 on a dramatic rise in cancer in people under 50.

While cancer is the diagnosis most people fear, it is still number 2 among the most prevalent diseases. Heart disease still tops the scale, claiming most people’s lives in South Africa and the rest of the world. According to the South Africa Heart and Stroke Foundation, 225 people die from heart disease and ten people suffer a stroke every day in South Africa.

If that is not enough, there are a multitude of other conditions classified as ‘dread diseases’ (otherwise called ‘critical illnesses’). These are defined as life-threatening or debilitating conditions that can have a massive negative impact on your life. They include major organ failures of the kidney, heart, lung or liver, blindness, brain damage, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, paralysis, and multiple sclerosis.

Dread Disease Cover Protects You When Life Throws a Curve Ball

Dread disease is an unpleasant topic and none of us really wants to think about it, but there is a way to have some peace of mind knowing that you are prepared, should that unfortunate reality ever materialises. And that is, by planning ahead and obtaining dread disease insurance coverage.

This way, if you are diagnosed with a dread disease, you will have the peace of mind of knowing that you will be able to manage the costs of day-to-day living and continue to support your family.

If Covid taught us anything, none of us can afford not to cater for that potential eventuality.

HFM’s slogan is “Your broker for life”. This forward-thinking statement not only reflects our commitment to providing superlative service from the moment of our first consultation but also means we will be by your side, ensuring that you are properly covered in the event of a life-threatening illness. Contact us today for your first consultation.