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Provider comparison · Updated May 2026

1Life vs Sanlam

How 1Life and Sanlam compare on price, claims, products and rewards across the South African market.

Sanlam edges 1Life on customer rating.

Feature1LifeSanlam
Customer rating★ 4.4★ 4.5
Average premiumR195/pmR740/pm
Claims turnaround48h72h
Pricing tierBudgetPremium
Flagship productPure Life CoverCumulus Echo
Product rangeLife, Funeral, Disability, Credit LifeLife, Investments, Retirement, Health

1Life

Life cover made simple

1Life is a Telesure-group direct life insurer that pioneered fully online life cover in South Africa, focused on simple risk products.

Strengths
  • Online life cover in minutes
  • No medicals up to R5m
  • Transparent pricing
Trade-offs
  • Life-only focus, no short-term
  • Limited rider options

Sanlam

Wealthsmiths

Sanlam is a JSE-listed diversified financial services group and one of South Africa's largest life insurers, founded in 1918.

Strengths
  • Top-3 SA life insurer
  • Reality rewards programme
  • Strong adviser network
Trade-offs
  • Adviser-led model
  • Short-term via MiWay subsidiary