Cardiovascular diseases are on the rise: Take care of your body and finances.
  
#HealthyLiving is more than just another fad driven by social media. We should all be paying attention to the real benefits of healthy lifestyles, given that poor lifestyle choices may affect our pockets more than we realise, says Sanlam financial adviser Danie van Niekerk.
  
According to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, 210 people die from heart disease in South Africa every day! One in three South Africans have high blood pressure and, surprisingly, 75% of them are unaware of it!
  
Depending on the severity, a heart attack or stroke can paralyse you and there is undoubtedly a significant cost associated with recovery or dealing with a permanent disability. While making good lifestyle choices is a step in the right direction, people should also consider the financial implications of being diagnosed with a vascular disease.
  
Cardiovascular diseases make up a significant portion of severe illness claims from long-term insurers. In considering the need for rigorous cover where clients need it most, Sanlam has introduced a Cardiovascular-only benefit. This benefit typically provides cover for heart attacks, heart surgery and angioplasty, as well as events like bypass grafts and strokes.
  
“The benefit covers 49 cardiovascular events. Its aim is to provide comprehensive cover for the entire cardiovascular system and great care was taken to include all events that consumers claim for most often,” says Danie van Niekerk.
  
The Cardiovascular-only benefit is also available as a Cardiovascular Plus benefit, which provides maximum payouts at a slightly higher premium. Both these Cardiovascular-only benefits can be taken out as standalone benefits or combined with any of Sanlam’s other severe illness benefits.