The peace of mind that lump sum disability insurance provides cannot be understated — especially in South Africa. In a nation where significant numbers of people are unable to work due to accidents or illness, and support is limited, the reassurance disability cover offers is immense.As such, disability insurance is a vital component of the broader group insurance landscape, ensuring that individuals have a safety net in the event of unforeseen circumstances. But why should businesses provide this kind of coverage? In this article, we look at some key numbers that help explain why it's so important, both for the staff themselves and the company's bottom line.1. Prevalence of disabilities in South AfricaThe World Health Organisation estimates that around 15% of the global population lives with some form of disability. In South Africa, the situation is less acute than in many nations, but it's still a significant issue.According to the government's Department of Statistics, approximately 7.5% of the population aged five years and older has some form of disability. A report commissioned by the UK's Department for International Development, Social Protection and Disability in South Africa Social Protection and Disability in South Africa, found that around 3.5% of South Africa’s population experiences severe functional limitations, while 12.2% could be regarded as having at least a moderate disability. Furthermore, around 28% of households have a member with a moderate disability, while 9.5% of households include someone with a severe functional limitation. In absolute terms, the largest numbers of disabled people are found between the ages of 50-64 years. However, the average age of a person with a disability is 47 years.2. Employment and disabilityMaintaining employment is often challenging in South Africa for people with disabilities, which makes disability insurance all the more critical. This report from the DPSA (Department of Public Service and Administration) estimates that the unemployment rate of persons with disabilities in South Africa is over 90%, approaching 100% in rural areas. In this environment, the importance of disability insurance cannot be underestimated, and the peace of mind it can offer makes it a highly-valued policy.3. Access to disability insuranceDespite the evident need for disability insurance, access to such coverage remains limited for many South Africans. Financial constraints and a lack of awareness are two primary reasons why individuals may not have disability insurance. According to the South African Insurance Association, the average income earner had a life insurance shortfall of at least R1 million and a disability cover gap of around R1.4 million at the end of December 2021. That means that the nation's 14.3 million income earners had only enough life and disability insurance to cover 45% of the total insurance needs of their households.Beyond the numbersDisability insurance is not just about numbers — it's about people. And this is why increasing numbers of businesses in South Africa are empowering their staff to face unforeseen challenges with dignity and security by providing group disability insurance.The moral reasons for doing so are obvious. But there are also powerful business reasons to offer group disability insurance to staff. Such benefits are keenly prized, so they help enormously with recruiting and retaining the best talent, thus reducing the cost of turnover. Giving workers extra peace of mind helps drive loyalty, productivity and good staff relations. And the extra income it provides if accidents or illness occur typically also speeds up the staff member's return to work. Meaning — it’s a win-win for all!About YuLife.YuLife is working to reimagine the insurance industry by protecting lives, rewarding living and inspiring life. We’re on a mission to transform traditional insurance into a life-enhancing experience each employee will value and use daily. How does it work? Our award-winning app uses behavioural science and game mechanics to reward your people for living well while offering protection in case of crisis. And with our top-rated employee assistance programme, your team gets access to mental, financial and social support, virtual GPs, nutritionists, life coaches and more to help them live their best lives.Because we believe that your employees should benefit from their insurance from day one — and that wellbeing should be accessible every day, for everyone.Request a demo for your team today.