By Dr Marion Morkel, 17 December 2019
Dr Marion Morkel, Chief Medical Officer at Sanlam, says the most common kinds of injury claims Sanlam receives for its Child Illness and Injury Benefit over the holidays are for near-drownings, vehicle crashes and major burns.
She adds, “The costs of these curveballs can be extensive – from extended hospital stays to rehabilitation and counselling. Netcare gives an estimated daily average of R20 796 for specialised intensive care (including paediatric care), which excludes treatment and medical care. A child illness and injury benefit complements existing cover to provide additional financial relief for these less obvious expenses and shortfalls.”
Dr Morkel and Pumla Mtambeka, Home Safety Project Specialist at ChildSafe South Africa, have put together a guide to help you mitigate injury risks at home and in public spaces.
Dr Morkel says that it’s also important for adults to use alcohol in moderation as this can impair child supervision. She adds that risk mitigation should ideally include protection through medical aid, gap cover and a child illness and injury benefit. “Have peace of mind over the holidays and at all other times of the year. The Sanlam Child Illness and Injury Benefit covers 81 claim events, with all cancers within the body counted as one event. Claim events include injuries and accidents like head injuries, rib fractures, dog bites and near-drowning events.”