Frequently Asked Questions

Do you need more information?

Look at some answers we have prepared for you
1. Who is NESS?

NESS is an authorized FSP acting as an intermediary, a binder holder and an administrator for various underwriters

2. Which Class of business is NESS authorized to sell?

NESS is authorized to sell Long-Term Insurance, Life Insurance and Short-Term Personal Lines.

3. Which Products dominate the NESS offering?

NESS chooses to focus on what was formally known as Life Assistance Business and now known as Funeral Insurance due to their expertise in the market. Our products range from life insurance, funeral insurance products and NESS offers cash based funeral benefits.

4. What is funeral insurance?

Funeral insurance is a policy that provides a cash payout within 24 - 48hrs upon the notice of death in order to cover the costs associated with a dignified funeral.

5. What is funeral benefit cover?

Funeral cover refers to insurance funds you are provided with to take care of the immediate and urgent costs of a funeral. It’s paid out as one lump sum that is legally limited to a maximum of R100 000

6. What other benefits do Ness funeral policies offer?

In addition to the cover amount we offer benefits such as:

Claims paid out within 48 hours of approval.

Beef benefit:
If an immediate family member passes away a full 420kg cow is delivered to the home of the deceased
OR
A butchery/meat voucher is issued to the beneficiary

Memorial benefit:
A benefit is paid out to assist family with the tombstone

Repatriation services:
With all cultural protocols observed, a repatriation service is offered to transport the deceased home within the borders of South Africa.

7. What is your claims turnaround?

Claims paid out within 48 hours of receiving valid documents.

8. How does my family claim for my funeral policy when I am gone?

NESS Consulting has made it simple for you to claim by giving you the option to choose the method you are most comfortable with.

You can claim via:
Telephone: 011 7159700
E-mail: clientservices@nessgroup.co.za/
info@nessgroup.co.za
WhatsApp: 060 300 4762

Our claim handlers in the client services department will provide you with the initial documentation required to process the claim.

At claims stage you need:
1. Completed claim form
2. Copy of computerized death certificate that show registration number and it must have Home Affairs stamp.
3. Deceased identity document certified by the commissioner of oaths or the South African Police Service, must have deceased stamp, certification must not be older than 3 months
4. Copy of temporary Identity or birth certificate accompanied by the affidavit if member or deceased lost his/her Identity document
5. Copy of Identity document of the claimant that has a clear photo certified by the commissioner of oaths or the South African Police Service.

Where a hand written death certificate is provided we require the death to be accompanied by a letter from home affairs stating reasons why an Abridged death certificate was issued:
1. Copy of DHA1663 Form and the barcode for all the three pages must be the same.
2. Copy of DHA1680 form must be accompanied by the letter from Home Affairs and page 2 of the DHA1680 the boxes must be ticked
3. Copy of bank statement for banking details verification (Where applicable) not older than 3 months
4. Copy of NESS Policy membership certificate
5. Fully completed police report if the cause of death is unnatural, accidental or suicide (where applicable)

Then you can:
Fax documentation to 086 683 1414
E-mail documentation to claims@nessgroup.co.za/ clientservices@nessgroup.co.za
Whatsapp documentation to 060 300 4762

9. Will I need to complete a medical exam before I can take out funeral cover?

No, there are no medical exams or tests.

10. What is the waiting periods for funeral cover?

There is a 6 month waiting period

11. Can I take out funeral cover for another person?

Yes. We cover from between 1 to 10 extended family members including 2 spouses.

12. What happens when I die?

The beneficiary you have chosen on the policy will receive the claim.

13. If I am chronically ill or disabled can I apply for funeral cover?

Yes you can.

14. Can I increase my funeral cover?

Yes. The difference will incur a new 6 month waiting period.

15. Does my family pay tax for my funeral cover claim?

No they are not liable to.

16. How long does it take to pay a claim?

24 – 48hrs of receiving valid claims documents.

17. Do you have branches in other provinces?

Yes, we are operational in multiple provinces across South Africa.
Currently, we have branches in Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape, and the North West.
Our physical branch locations include Johannesburg, Butterworth, Durban, Mthatha, Potchefstroom, and Ulundi, making it convenient for you to visit or reach out to us in person.

18. Are there age limits on funeral cover?

Our Funeral Product cover members from 84 years in the beginning, thereafter a member can reach 114 years.

19. Is there repatriation on my policy?

There are a number of products that have repatriation country wide.

20. Do you have a suggestion box?

We are open for suggestions through our receptionists per office in:
Maritime House Building, Margaret Mncandi Avenue, Durban
45 James Moroka Avenue, Potchefstroom
4th Floor, Sanlam Building, 50 Cnr Madiera and Leeds Streets, Mthatha
222 Smit Street, Braamfontein, Johannesburg

You can use WhatsApp, the number to send your suggestion is 060 300 4762
You can email the suggestion to info@nessgroup.co.za or go to the contacts page on the website use the Feedback page.

21. Do my premiums go up when my cover goes up?

Yes, the premium amount is typically influenced by the level of coverage you choose. If you opt for a higher coverage amount, it’s common for your premiums to increase accordingly.

22. When won’t the claim be paid or funeral cover pay out?

1. If the insured life passes away from natural causes within the initial 6 months of activating their policy.
2. If the insured individual takes their own life within the initial 12 months of activating their policy.
3. In cases where you have furnished us with inaccurate information or no insurable interest.
4. The insured life passes away as a result of participating in illegal activities.

23. Do you accept individuals with different surnames on a single policy?

Yes, being a black-owned company, we recognize the diverse backgrounds and different surnames within our families, but it is crucial for us to ensure that there is a valid insurable interest.

24. How long does it take to get a policy after applying?

The processing time for policy issuance may vary. Typically, it takes a few business days, but it can be expedited based on specific circumstances. (look at on-boarding doc)

25. What happens if I miss a premium payment?

If you miss a premium payment, your policy may lapse or become inactive.
However, we do offer a grace period during which you can make the payment without penalty.

26. How do I make sure my family gets paid out?

To ensure your family receives the payout, make sure they are aware of your policy details and keep them informed about the process. Additionally, ensure that all required documents are readily available for them to submit a claim.

27. What happens to my policy if I lose my job?

All our policies lapse after 2 months of non- payment of premiums. In the event you lose your job in that month you are given 30 days grace period to make payment arrangements