Compare quotes from 11 life insurers in 2 minutes
Life cover up to R10 million
Compare 11 trusted Life Insurers
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We are always trying to add more brands for our customers. If you don't see a brand, that's their decision.
All our Life Insurance partners are licensed Life Insurers and FSP's, vetted to meet our internal compliance and quality standards.
Hippo simplifies the process by letting you compare life policies side by side, so you can find one that works best for you.
1
Head to the top of this page to get started with your quote.
2
Fill in a few details, such as your lump sum amount and income for a more accurate quote.
3
Compare plans and prices directly from 11 insurers. No need to enquire separately.
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Choose an insurer. A representative will get in touch to finalise your cover.
South Africans think we’re lekker. But don’t just take our word for it. See what they have to say:
I saw an ad relating to finding an insurance company to cover my vehicle. I responded and received a call immediately from a company that I showed interest in. The call turned out to be very helpful. The entire experience took less than 20 minutes. I am therefore impressed by what Hippo is doing as an online service.
Anonymous
Good overall but would have liked more quotes that included major vehicle insurers like Outsurance, Momentum and Santam. Also, a way to save or download the quotes for quick access.
Anonymous
It was easy because I didn't have to fill in my personal details I only entered my ID number and that was it. The option of having many quotes to choose from one app is really time saving....... WELL DONE HIPPO, WELL DONE ☺️
Moeketsi
Independent Service rating based on 20 704 service ratings.
It gives you the peace of mind that your family is taken care of, even when you are no longer there to take care of them.
Life Insurance pays a lump sum to your nominated beneficiaries when you die, replacing your income and covering expenses for those who are financially dependent on you.
Over 30% of South Africans have no Life Cover in place. If your income covers a home loan, tuition fees or debt repayments, Life Insurance is worth considering to keep your family afloat in the event of your death.
A beneficiary is the person or people you nominate to receive your Life Insurance payout when you die. You can nominate anyone. Typically a spouse, children, siblings, parents or a business partner.
Your beneficiaries can use the lump sum however they need to. This may include paying off debt, covering funeral costs, funding education, replacing lost income or protecting a business.
Comprehensive cover bundles traditional Life Cover with additional benefits in a single policy.
Critical illness cover, also known as dread disease cover, pays out a lump sum if you're diagnosed with a serious illness. The payout helps cover expenses when you're unable to work and your income is under pressure.
Disability cover pays out a lump sum or monthly benefit if you become permanently unable to work due to injury or illness, replacing the income your family depends on to cover everyday expenses and obligations.
Terminal illness cover lets you claim your Life Insurance benefit early if you're diagnosed with a terminal illness and given a limited time to live, so you can manage finances and plan ahead with certainty.
Funeral Insurance covers immediate funeral expenses, often paying out within 24 to 48 hours of a valid claim. Some Life Insurance policies include a funeral benefit; others are standalone.
As a general guide, your Life Insurance cover should be enough to:
Replace lost monthly income and cover ongoing living expenses.
Pay off a bond, personal loan or other outstanding debt.
Fund children's education and tuition fees.
South African Life Insurers offer Term, Whole Life, Joint, Universal and Endowment policies to suit different life stages and budgets.
Term Life Insurance covers you for a fixed period of 10, 20 or 30 years. If you pass away within the term, your beneficiaries receive a lump sum. No benefit is paid after the term ends.
Whole Life Insurance covers you for life or up to age 95, with a guaranteed lump sum paid to your beneficiaries whenever you pass away. It can also form part of your estate planning.
Joint Life Insurance lets you and your partner share a single policy. The lump sum is paid out when one partner passes away first, giving the surviving partner financial protection.
Universal Life Insurance combines lifelong cover with a savings or investment component. Premiums are flexible and the policy builds cash value over time that you can access or adjust.
An Endowment is a tax-efficient investment product that pays a lump sum at maturity. Typically after a minimum five-year term or on the policyholder's death, subject to maximum withdrawal limits.
Everything you need to know about the right Life Cover for your financial commitments.
Everything you need to know about your Life Insurance policy. How it works and how to read the fine print. Find out how to choose the right option for your financial situation and the people who depend on your income.
Life Insurance for parents lets you take out cover on behalf of parents who are financially unable to do so themselves. You can add them to your existing policy at any time, at an additional premium.
In South Africa, you cannot take out Life Insurance on your child's life. You can, however, take out cover on yourself to ensure your children receive financial support and stability in the event you pass away.
If you're over 50 and don't yet have Life Cover in place, some insurers offer cover specifically for pensioners, paying out a lump sum to your beneficiaries when you pass away. Typically at a higher premium.
Hippo’s top tips to getting more out.
What are the 5 main types of Life Insurance in South Africa?
There are five main types of Life Insurance in South Africa: Term, Whole Life, Joint, Universal and Endowment. Term Life Insurance covers you for a fixed period of 10, 20 or 30 years. Whole Life Insurance covers you for life or up to age 95. Joint Life Insurance lets you and your partner share a single policy, paying out when one partner passes away first. Universal Life Insurance offers flexible premiums and an adjustable cover amount. Endowment policies combine Life Cover with a savings element that pays out at maturity
How does a Life Insurance policy work?
You choose a cover amount and a Life Insurance premium that fits your budget. Your insurer assesses your application, sometimes with a medical test, sometimes without, after you're accepted, your cover begins. When you pass away, your nominated beneficiaries submit a claim and receive the lump sum payout.
What impacts your Life Insurance premium?
1. Age, health, lifestyle, occupation and the cover amount you choose. 2. Smokers and individuals with pre-existing health conditions typically pay higher premiums. 3. Some policies require a medical test during the application process; others offer acceptance without one, though premiums may be higher.
How can your beneficiaries use your lump sum payout?
A Life Insurance benefit is not restricted. Your beneficiaries can use the lump sum to: • Pay off a bond, personal loan or other outstanding debt • Cover funeral costs and related immediate expenses • Fund children's education and tuition fees • Replace lost monthly income and cover ongoing living expenses • Protect a business and meet commitments to partners or employees • Secure a financial legacy for the people who matter most to you
How does the claims process work?
When a policyholder passes away, beneficiaries need to submit a claim to the insurer. The claims process typically involves providing details such as a death certificate, policy number and proof of identity. Once the insurer receives all necessary documentation, most insurers strive to finalise claims within a specified number of business days. The insurer will provide details of the review process if they dispute a claim. To ensure your claims are handled smoothly, keep your policy details up to date and make sure your beneficiaries know how to contact your insurer.
With Hippo we make it easy to find great deals across multiple products.
Covers the immediate costs associated with a funeral. Premiums are influenced by your age, number of policy members and amount of cover.
Compare rates across multiple lenders to find a fair deal. Rates vary based on your credit profile and chosen loan term, so comparison matters.
Gives you access to private healthcare. Compare plans, benefits and costs to find the right fit without paying for cover you don't need.
Covers your vehicle against damage, theft and third-party claims. Premiums vary by driving history, usage, vehicle model and where you park overnight.
Covers the difference (shortfall) between what your Medical Aid pays and what a specialist charges. Gap Cover is not a substitute for Medical Aid.
More flexible and affordable than Medical Aid, Medical Insurance covers day-to-day health needs or specific procedures. This product is not a substitute for Medical Aid.
Protects your business’ property, assets and third-party liability. The right cover depends on the nature, size and risk profile of your operations.
Covers your home's contents against damage, theft and loss. Compare quotes to find the most competitive rate.
Covers the physical structure of your property against damage. Compare quotes to make sure you're not overpaying.
Covers your motorcycle against damage, theft and third-party claims. Premiums vary based on your personal profile.
Vet bills can add up quickly, especially when unexpected. Compare quotes to find a policy that fits your fur baby’s needs (and your monthly budget).
Protects you against unexpected medical and/or flight-related costs when travelling locally or abroad. Premiums vary based on the type of cover you opt for.
Fibre prices and speeds vary significantly by area and provider. Find the fastest, most affordable package without contacting each provider separately.
Covers minor cosmetic damage to your vehicle without affecting your Car Insurance claims record. Compare plans to keep your car looking good without paying out of pocket.
Covers the cost of repairing or replacing damaged tyres and rims. Compare plans to find affordable cover that protects you against one of South African motoring's most common expenses.
Protects you against unexpected mechanical and electrical repair costs after your manufacturer warranty expires. Compare plans to find the right level of cover for your vehicle.
Covers the cost of scheduled vehicle maintenance, including parts and labour. Compare service plans alongside your Car Insurance for a complete picture of your motoring costs.
Helps protect your vehicles by assisting with recovery in the event of theft. Many providers also use Vehicle Tracking to flag when your vehicle is in an unfamiliar area.
Hippo Comparative Services (Pty) Ltd is an authorised financial service provider.
FSP number: 16357. Block A, Steyn City Capital Park, Erling Road, Riverglen, Dainfern, 2191
*Based on independent research by Kaufman Levin & Associates 2025.
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