Icebolethu Group Outlines Key Considerations When Selecting Life or Funeral Insurance
Icebolethu Group Founder and CEO, Nomfundo Mcoyi-Zondo. (Supplied)
By: Mathipa Phishego
In the wake of public criticism linked to a disputed insurance payout. Icebolethu Group has reiterated its commitment to prioritising bereaved families, saying compassion and service excellence remain the cornerstone of its operations. Founder and Chief Executive Officer Nomfundo Mcoyi-Zondo said that, despite operational and reputational challenges.
The organisation continues to place the needs of clients at the centre of its business model.Icebolethu Group operates more than 120 branches across KwaZulu-Natal, with an additional footprint in the United Kingdom, and employs over 1,500 people.
Mcoyi-Zondo said the company strives to maintain high service standards across all its branches. Mcoyi-Zondo futher stated that losing a loved one is an emotionally overwhelming experience, and families want the funeral process to be as seamless as possible.
“We invest a great deal of time in educating our members about policy terms and conditions. However, as with any insurer, there are exclusions. Activities linked to criminal conduct, whether confirmed or alleged through official investigations, are not covered under our funeral policies. This is aligned with our underwriters’ rules and Ombudsman determinations that apply across the insurance sector,” she stated.
Statistics South Africa estimates that approximately 1,300 people die in the country every day from various causes. Mcoyi-Zondo said this reality underscores the importance of ethical conduct and client-focused values in the funeral and insurance industry.
Mcoyi-Zondo said, “for more than 15 years, we have served families during some of the most difficult moments of their lives. We provide dignified, five-star funerals to people from all backgrounds, without preference or discrimination, and we remain committed to fulfilling that purpose.”
As part of its consumer education drive, Icebolethu Group has shared five important guidelines to consider when choosing either life cover or funeral cover:
1. Funeral cover is designed to handle immediate burial expenses such as the coffin, funeral service and related arrangements. Life cover, on the other hand, should be sufficient to replace income, settle long-term liabilities like home loans, and cater for future financial needs.
2. Premiums should fall well within your monthly budget. Falling behind on payments may compromise your ability to claim when the policy is needed most.
3. Policy wording differs from provider to provider. It is essential to fully understand exclusions, including clauses related to suicide or deaths linked to criminal activity.
4. Find out how long it takes for valid claims to be paid and what documentation is required, such as death certificates, identity documents and other supporting records.
5. Some policies include additional services such as funeral vehicles, groceries or catering. These extras can offer meaningful support during an already stressful period. Icebolethu Group says informed decision-making remains key to ensuring families receive the protection and peace of mind they expect when taking out funeral or life insurance.
