How To Claim From A Life Insurance Policy In South Africa
18 May 2026
Wondering what you have to do to claim from a life insurance policy? Here’s your step-by-step guide.
Losing a loved one is overwhelming, and it’s only natural to worry that the claims process might be complicated or take too long. That’s why MiWayLife goes the extra mile to support you every step of the way, clearly guiding you on the documents needed to help make a difficult time a little easier.
Who Can Claim From a Life Insurance Policy?
In most cases, the beneficiary named on the policy will submit the claim. A beneficiary is the person chosen by the policyholder to receive the payout if the claim is valid. This could be a spouse, child, family member, friend, trust or even the deceased estate.
If no beneficiary was nominated, the benefit may be paid to the estate, which may require additional documentation. If the beneficiary is a minor, extra documents such as a birth certificate or guardianship letter may also be needed.
The first step is to notify the insurer as soon as possible after the passing of the life insured.
At MiWayLife, claimants can contact our servicing team for clear and compassionate guidance on how to begin the process and what documents will be required.
Step 2: Gather Your Documents
If the death has not already been reported by the life insured’s funeral parlour, bank or trust, please report it to your nearest Department of Home Affairs office.
You will need to take the Notification of Death form (DHA1663) with you. This form is usually issued by the doctor, hospital or funeral parlour that confirmed your loved one’s passing.
The Department of Home Affairs may also require certain forms to be completed. These can be obtained from their website or by calling 0800 60 11 90.
A death certificate is issued by the Department of Home Affairs, free of charge, on the same day the death is registered.
Once you have the Notification of Death form (DHA1663), the next step is to begin completing your claim form. While requirements may differ depending on the insurer, commonly requested certified documents include:
Death certificate from Home Affairs
Notification of Death form (DHA1663)
ID or passport documents for the deceased and beneficiary
Proof of banking details for the beneficiary
Police report if the death was accidental or unnatural
Letter of executorship if the benefit is payable to the estate (where there is no nominated beneficiary)
Step 3: Submit The Claim
Once everything is ready, the claim form and supporting documents can be submitted to your insurer. The sooner all required information is received, the sooner the claim can be assessed and validated.
Step 4: Assessment & Payout
After submission, the insurer reviews the claim, confirms the policy details and validates the information provided. If the claim is valid and all required documents have been received, payout can then be processed according to your policy terms.
How MiWayLife Supports You
At MiWayLife, we understand families often need urgent financial support at this time, which is why we aim to make the claims process as simple and stress-free as possible.
Our team guides claimants every step of the way, explains requirements clearly and helps avoid delays caused by missing information or incomplete documents. With care, urgency and understanding, we help families focus on what truly matters while we handle the admin.
You can now take out life cover with us online in a few simple steps. No calls and no agents! Make sure to take care of those you love today by buying MiWayLife cover online.
