How do I apply for cover?

Good choice! You are one step closer to getting yourself, and your loved ones, covered. To take out a ZAZU Life policy:

• Send us a Call me back request,
• Call us on 086 111 ZAZU (9298), or
• Email us on info@zazulife.co.za

When will my cover start?

Your cover will start as soon as we have processed and approved your application and received your first premium.

We will send you a letter confirming the activation of your policy. This will include cover details and everyone that is included in your policy, the policy terms and conditions (which can also be viewed anytime at our Client Zone online customer portal).

You can make use of our various contact methods if you require any information about our insurance products.

How do I check the status of my cover?

You will be notified of the activation of your policy and you will be able to check your policy status by using our online customer portal, or by reaching out to us on 086 111 ZAZU (9298) or at info@zazulife.co.za.

How is the premium calculated for my funeral plan?

The policy premium is based on a number of factors, including the amount of cover needed, the lives insured, the ages of those to be insured, as well as the inception date of the policy.

The post Applying for ZAZU Life Funeral Cover appeared first on Zazu Life.

ZAZU Life funeral cover provides financial protection for policyholders and their families in the event of death. However, there are certain circumstances where policyholders may not be covered by the policy.

• One of the most common reasons for a policyholder not to be covered is if they die within the waiting period specified in the policy. Our funeral policies have waiting periods of 4 months for immediate dependant plans, and 6 months for extended dependant plans, during which time the policyholder is not covered. This waiting period is in place to prevent fraud and to ensure that policyholders do not take out funeral cover shortly before their death to avoid paying for their funeral expenses. More on our waiting periods.
• Policyholders may also not be covered if they fail to pay their premiums on time. If a policyholder’s premium payments are in arrears, their policy may be cancelled, and they will no longer be covered. Check my policy status.
• Another reason for a policyholder not to be covered is if they die as a result of an excluded cause, such as terrorism, unprotected strikes, political or civil disobedience or any criminal activity.

It is important for policyholders to carefully read the terms and conditions of their policy to understand what is and is not covered. Access my policy document.

The post When am I not covered? appeared first on Zazu Life.

You can have policies with different insurers, with up to R100 000 of cover per insurer. You are also allowed to have more than one policy per insured life with the same insurer. By law, an insurer can only pay out a maximum of R100 000 per life on a funeral policy. So as long as the overall cover limit is R100 000 or less, both will pay out in the event of a valid claim.

Can I be ‘overinsured’?

First off, you need to determine your specific needs in relation to the costs associated with death and funerals. You may become overinsured specifically in relation to funeral insurance, and where a different product (for example life insurance) would be more appropriate than multiple funeral insurance policies. You are welcome to discuss this with us, to ensure you make the right choice.

Immediate Dependant Plan Maximum Cover Amounts

Extended Dependant Plan Maximum Cover Amounts

The post What is the maximum amount of Funeral Cover I can have? appeared first on Zazu Life.

Although the intention of the policy is to cater for the immediate needs associated with a funeral, the claim recipient can spend the money as they like. That’s why it’s important to nominate a beneficiary that you trust.

The good news is that they can use the money to spend at any funeral parlour and make funeral arrangements as they like, as per your wishes.

Are there any restrictions on the geographic area where my funeral can take place with funeral insurance?

No – but we cover lives in SA only. This means that anyone, from any country that has a passport and a valid permit for being in SA can also be covered. Read more on who can apply for funeral insurance.

Claim payments will be made into a SA bank account, which can then be used for funeral arrangements in another country as the claimant sees fit. All ZAZU Life policies include a 3,000km repatriation benefit as part of our Zazu On-Hand value-added services – this includes cross-border repatriation. Read more about beneficiaries.

The post Are there any restrictions on how I can use my funeral insurance benefits? appeared first on Zazu Life.

Why do I need a beneficiary?

The policy beneficiary is the person who receives payment of a valid claim. Usually, it’s the policyholder that receives the payment for the death of anyone other than him/her, such as when a spouse, child, uncle, granny, or other policy member dies.

In the event that the policyholder dies, the benefit is paid out to the nominated beneficiary – this should be the person responsible for paying for the funeral.

How can I see who the beneficiary is on on my funeral insurance policy?

A beneficiary is specified when you apply for a funeral cover policy, but can also be specified when a claim is submitted. You can refer to your policy documents or our online customer portal, Client Zone, to see the beneficiary for each of your policies.

Read more about accessing your policy.

Can I change the beneficiary?

Yes, you are able to change the beneficiary for your policy, or for a claim. This can be done as follows:

• Online through our Client Zone customer self-help portal when submitting your claim,
• Downloading the policy amendment form and submitting it at info@zazulife.co.za, or
• By c alling our contact centre at 086 111 (ZAZU) 9298 to assist.

Can I name my kids as beneficiaries?

No, a policy beneficiary must be over the age of 18. In the case of an underage beneficiary, money will not be paid out to the child directly, but will instead be administered by the state guardian fund until they are 18 years of age.

Can my beneficiary be a foreign national or live in a foreign country?

Yes, on the condition that the beneficiary is in South Africa with a valid passport, with the necessary permit(s), and the holder of a valid South African bank account. Payment of a valid claim will only be made to a South African bank account.

If the beneficiary is living in a foreign country, the same will apply and payment will only be made into a valid South African bank account.

The post What is a beneficiary? appeared first on Zazu Life.

Funeral cover is a type of life insurance policy that pays out a once-off cash amount when you (or a family member covered under the funeral policy) pass away. This cover is renewable and is paid for through a monthly premium which means that your cover is only active as long as you continue to pay on a monthly basis. The cash payout can be used towards expenses for the funeral like a coffin, tombstone, and catering, or provide immediate financial assistance for non-funeral related expenses to loved ones.

Some funeral cover products consist of funeral assistance benefits like car hire, pre-paid electricity, groceries or others and may also include a cash payout.

Funeral cover is not underwritten, which makes it slightly different to life insurance in that it doesn’t require any medical tests or health assessments.

• More about the funeral cover products that we offer.
• More on who can apply for funeral cover?

Does the policy only pay out if someone I cover dies?

Funeral policies typically only pay if a dependant on the policy passes away. In some cases, like with our ZAZU On-Hand, the insurer provides living benefits which are available immediately and at any time for the duration of the policy with ZAZU Life.

Do I need to do any medical exams, questionnaires, or HIV tests to take out a ZAZU Life funeral policy?

Nope! Funeral plans are not underwritten, which means that we insure you and your loved ones as you are. This is why we have waiting periods and once you’ve managed to clear these you’ll be fully covered!

Am I covered for an event that happens outside of South Africa?

You are, as a South African resident, covered while travelling outside of the country, as long as you are not deemed to be resident in another country (for example working permanently in another country).

Can I purchase funeral insurance in addition to other types of coverage?

You absolutely can yes. Funeral insurance is a stand-alone product which can be purchased on its own or can complement other life insurance products. Funeral insurance pays out a lot quicker with a lot less red tape which is something you need to consider if it is important to provide for loved ones within a short space of time (typically 24 hours, but ZAZU Life pays 100% of valid claims in 12 hours!).

Am I covered even if I suffer from any existing medical conditions, or get COVID-19?

Yes! Death as a result of any known medical condition or Covid-19 is regarded as a natural death and the normal waiting period rules and exclusions will apply. If someone on your policy passes away from any disease/illness (e.g. diabetes or cancer) or Covid-19 after the waiting period is completed, they are covered. The cover is also not dependent on your COVID-19 vaccination status.

The post How does funeral cover work? appeared first on Zazu Life.

Any South African resident can apply for ZAZU Life funeral cover. The policyholder must be between 18-65 years of age at the time of application. You can insure the whole family, both immediate and extended, from ages 0 to 85.

Read more on who you can cover?

The post Who can apply for funeral insurance? appeared first on Zazu Life.

What is the difference between funeral cover and life cover?

Funeral Cover is there to take care of the immediate and often urgent costs of a funeral. It’s for people who want complete peace of mind that they themselves and their loved ones will get a proper send-off. It’s one lump sum that is legally limited to a maximum of R100,000, usually paid out within 24 to 48 hours of a claim.

Life Cover, on the other hand, is not only designed to take care of the costs of the funeral but the ongoing costs of life itself. It’s there to preserve (and maybe even improve) the quality of life of the people you leave behind.

Why do I need a funeral plan? What does a funeral plan cover?

A funeral policy covers just the short-term financial needs of a family, such as the costs of a burial or cremation, grocery purchases and airtime. A lump sum pay-out can also be used to cover some of the costs of moving a person’s remains to their final resting place, should there be a need to travel, and even a gravestone unveiling.

Who can apply for funeral insurance?

Any South African resident can apply for ZAZU Life funeral cover. The policyholder must be between 18-65 years of age at the time of application. You can insure the whole family, both immediate and extended, from ages 0 to 85.

Am I covered for an event that happens outside of South Africa?

You are, as a South African resident, covered while travelling outside of the country, as long as you are not deemed to be resident in another country (for example working permanently in another country).

More on who can apply for funeral cover?

How do I know what coverage is right for me?

We all have different needs. Funerals are expensive and immediate cash makes a difference after death, removing the stress and financial burden on loved ones. Consider your unique situation and family (both immediate & extended), how the loss of a loved one would impact them and what your/their funeral cover requirements are. There are many costs associated with a funeral, planning for such an event can make a significant difference when the unplanned happens. Our plans start from as little as R45pm and our cover ranges from R5 000 up to R100 000 cover, which means we have something for everybody.

How do I know if my funeral insurance policy will cover all of my funeral expenses?

Get as much information as possible to avoid any surprises when the time comes. We suggest going to your nearest funeral parlour and finding out what the cost of a funeral entails, including any hidden or extra costs (like legal and administrative costs) that are not so obvious until one is confronted with having to arrange a funeral. This should give you a good idea of the cover that is needed.

What happens if the funeral expenses exceed the coverage amount on my policy?

Any shortfalls will need to be paid for out of your, or your family’s pocket. It is very important to get the right cover and not leave anything to chance to avoid costly debt. Anything left after the funeral however can be used for other purposes like education, clothing, food or other living expenses for those loved ones that are left behind. Nothing says it MUST be used for the funeral and making provision for a little extra really goes a long way in providing for loved ones even when we are no longer there to do so.

Why is funeral cover more expensive if you are older?

It’s more expensive because the risk increases with age. It is usually also not underwritten, which means that there are no medical or health checks that could potentially prevent you from getting cover for yourself or for a loved one. If the individual successfully passes the waiting period they will be covered – no questions asked.

Can I purchase funeral insurance in addition to other types of coverage?

You absolutely can yes. Funeral insurance is a stand-alone product which can be purchased on its own or can complement other life insurance products. Funeral insurance pays out a lot quicker with a lot less red tape which is something you need to consider if it is important to provide for loved ones within a short space of time (typically 24 hours, but ZAZU Life pays 100% of valid claims in 12 hours!).

Am I covered if I suffer from any existing medical conditions, or get COVID-19?

Yes! Death as a result of any known medical condition or Covid-19 is regarded as a natural death and the normal waiting period rules and exclusions will apply. If someone on your policy passes away from any disease/illness (e.g. diabetes or cancer) or Covid-19 after the waiting period is completed, they are covered. The cover is also not dependent on your COVID-19 vaccination status.

The post What is funeral cover? appeared first on Zazu Life.

Funeral cover offers some unique benefits that can assist you and your loved ones in their time of need.

• Quick access to funds – claims must be paid within 48 hours after all supporting documents have been received (we pay all valid claims in less than 12 hours!)
• No underwriting = NO medical assessments or blood tests – means you can cover anyone regardless of health status. It does mean that there is a waiting period for claims related to natural death though. Here at ZAZU Life, we have some of the shortest waiting periods in the industry, 4 months (4 paid premiums) for immediate dependant claims, and 6 months (6 paid premiums) for extended dependants.
• Cover for the whole family – funeral cover allows you to provide cover for the BIGGG family, that’s both immediate and extended family.
• You choose how the money is used – there are no restrictions on how the money for a funeral claim can be used which provides a flexible solution in dealing with the funeral expenses and other living costs.
• ZAZU Life also offers immediate accidental death cover that pays out double the cover amount, waiver of premium benefit, airtime when claiming, ZAZU On-hand living benefits, and much more.

The post What are the benefits of funeral insurance? appeared first on Zazu Life.

Funeral cover claim waiting periods

We cover you immediately, from your first payment, because we understand accidents happen. Some types of claims however have a waiting period, such as natural deaths. So why the waiting period? Is it more red tape just to confuse you? What are the T&Cs (The fine print & confusion) behind all of this? It’s actually for your safety against fraud, so let’s get into this…

Accidental deaths, such as car accidents, murders, and shootings are not subject to any waiting periods and are covered from the first payment.

Waiting periods for death by natural causes, which is any illnesses, medical conditions, or old age, are:

• 4 months and 4 paid premiums when covering your immediate family.
• 6 months and 6 paid premiums when covering your extended dependants.

Death related to suicide is covered after a 12-month waiting period and 12 paid premiums.

Why the wait? We don’t do medical screening or tests which means that we cannot determine the likelihood of a potential claim. By law, the funeral cover is also not underwritten (how risky a claim is) and without the waiting periods, we would have to charge more for our cover. It helps save you money and removes the red tape around funeral cover – keeping the products straightforward.

Would policy or cover changes affect existing waiting periods or result in new waiting periods? If you want to update your cover by choosing a bigger plan or you want to add new dependants to your current plan on your existing ZAZU Life policy then new waiting periods will be added. These waiting periods will only affect the new dependants that have been added, or if you have gone with a new plan then the same waiting periods will be added.

Do waiting periods apply if I move from another insurer? No new waiting period(s) will apply if you are coming to us from another insurance policy that is similar to the one you are now taking out. We will have a look at your current policy and what it covers to determine if any new waiting periods need to be added. If you want to take out additional cover that was not part of your original plan then new waiting times will apply. Make the switch!

What happens if I or a loved one passes away before exiting the funeral policy waiting period?

You are covered for death as a result of an accident immediately upon receipt of the first premium.

However, if you or an insured life pass away due to natural causes (for example illness) before the expiry of the waiting period, no claim will be paid.

What about the ZAZU On-Hand benefits?

ZAZU On-Hand benefits are available for FREE, really it’s free, to all funeral policyholders (excludes Value Funeral Plans), and joys there are no waiting periods for this! All benefits, excluding the repatriation benefit, can be accessed immediately and at any time so get going and take advantage of organising your life!

Need to know more about our waiting periods or our excellent products? Our team is on standby to answer all your questions and to find the best cover match for you – Contact Us

The post Waiting periods simplified appeared first on Zazu Life.