A chronic disease is a long-term health condition that usually lasts a year or more and often needs ongoing management. Some of the most common in South Africa include hypertension (high blood pressure), diabetes, cardiovascular disease, asthma, and chronic conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, bipolar mood disorder and Crohn’s disease. Many are influenced by lifestyle and can be prevented, delayed or well managed with early diagnosis, medication and healthy habits. Bloom’s Health4Me cover includes a chronic benefit for 27 defined conditions.
Chronic illnesses affect millions of people worldwide, and their share of the health burden keeps growing. According to the World Health Organisation, noncommunicable diseases (also known as chronic diseases) now cause roughly three-quarters of all deaths globally, and seven of the ten leading causes of death are chronic conditions. The encouraging news is that many are preventable or manageable when caught early.
Below, Bloom explains what a chronic disease is, highlights some of the most common ones to look out for, and shows how Health4Me cover supports ongoing care. If you want protection that includes a chronic benefit, explore health insurance options tailored to your needs.
Key takeaways
| • Chronic diseases are long-term conditions that often need lifelong management, unlike acute illnesses that come and go quickly. |
| • Hypertension, diabetes and cardiovascular disease are among the most common and are strongly linked to lifestyle. |
| • Most premature heart disease and stroke are preventable through healthy eating, activity, not smoking and regular check-ups. |
| • Bloom’s Health4Me chronic benefit covers 27 defined conditions, with medication provided through the network formulary. |
What is a chronic disease?
A chronic disease is a persistent condition that can last for years or even a lifetime. Some are hereditary, while others are linked to age, sex, lifestyle and environmental factors. Understanding which conditions are most common, and whether you may be at risk, helps you take action early.
The key difference between a chronic and an acute condition is time. An acute illness comes on suddenly and usually clears within a short period, like a bout of flu. A chronic condition develops over time, persists, and in some cases can gradually worsen, like Crohn’s disease. Chronic conditions can often be controlled well with the right treatment and lifestyle changes.
Common chronic diseases to look out for
1. Hypertension (high blood pressure)
Hypertension develops when the pressure of blood against your artery walls stays too high over time. It is often called a “silent” condition because it rarely causes symptoms, yet it is a leading risk factor for heart attack, stroke and kidney disease. It is also one of the most common chronic conditions in South Africa. The good news is that it is very treatable, through medication where needed and through a healthy diet, regular exercise, less salt and good sleep.
2. Cardiovascular disease
Cardiovascular disease covers conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels, including heart attack and stroke. It is one of the leading causes of death in South Africa. The Heart and Stroke Foundation South Africa reports that cardiovascular disease is responsible for around one in six deaths in the country, with roughly 225 people dying from heart disease or a stroke every day. Encouragingly, most premature heart disease and stroke can be prevented through lifestyle changes such as healthy eating, regular activity, not smoking and managing your cholesterol.
3. Diabetes
Diabetes is a condition that causes high blood sugar, which over time can damage the nerves, eyes, kidneys and other organs if left unmanaged. It occurs when the body cannot produce enough insulin or cannot use it effectively. Diabetes is a growing concern in South Africa, and type 2 diabetes in particular is closely linked to lifestyle. It can be managed well with the right combination of healthy habits, monitoring and medication. Diabetes South Africa offers helpful information and support for those affected.
4. Asthma
Asthma is a long-term inflammatory condition of the airways. It causes them to become inflamed and narrow, making breathing difficult and leading to symptoms such as shortness of breath, coughing, wheezing and tightness in the chest. Attacks can be triggered by infections, allergens like pollen or mould, irritants such as smoke or cleaning chemicals, cold air, exercise or certain medications. Most people manage asthma well with an inhaler and by avoiding their triggers. Read more in our guide, Asthma: it’s more serious than you think.
5. Rheumatoid arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory condition in which the immune system attacks the joints, causing pain, stiffness, swelling and reduced movement. Symptoms range from mild to severe and can worsen over time. Early treatment matters, as managing the inflammation helps protect the joints. Treatment depends on the type and stage and usually involves medication to control symptoms and slow progression.
6. Crohn’s disease
Crohn’s disease is a chronic inflammatory bowel condition that affects the lining of the digestive tract, most often the small intestine and colon. It can cause abdominal cramps, diarrhoea, fatigue, weight loss and a reduced appetite, with symptoms that flare and settle. Diagnosis may involve blood tests, imaging or an endoscopy, and treatment typically combines medication with dietary adjustments to control inflammation.
7. Parkinson’s disease
Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder that affects movement. It develops when cells in a part of the brain that produce dopamine, a chemical that helps coordinate movement, begin to break down. This leads to symptoms such as tremors, stiffness, slower movements and problems with balance. There is currently no cure, but medication and therapies can help manage symptoms, and research continues to improve treatment.
8. Bipolar mood disorder
Bipolar mood disorder is a long-term mental health condition marked by significant shifts in mood, energy and activity, alternating between emotional highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression). These shifts can make everyday life, work and relationships harder to manage. With the right combination of medication, therapy and support, many people live full and stable lives. The South African Depression and Anxiety Group offers support and resources.
Chronic conditions covered by Health4Me
Bloom’s Health4Me cover includes a chronic benefit for 27 defined conditions. Chronic medication is provided in line with the network prescribed chronic medication formulary, and related monitoring is supported according to the applicable benefit lists. The covered conditions are:
| Addison’s disease, asthma, bipolar mood disorder, bronchiectasis, cardiac dysrhythmias, cardiac failure, cardiomyopathy, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, chronic renal disease, coronary artery disease, Crohn’s disease, diabetes insipidus, diabetes mellitus type 1, diabetes mellitus type 2, epilepsy, glaucoma, haemophilia, HIV, hyperlipidaemia, hypertension, hypothyroidism, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, rheumatoid arthritis, schizophrenia, systemic lupus erythematosus and ulcerative colitis. |
Cover and benefit detail can differ between options, so it is worth checking what each one includes. You can compare Health4Me options or explore the full range of benefits to find the right fit.
Cover for chronic conditionsDon’t let a chronic condition put your health or income at risk. Bloom’s Health4Me cover includes a chronic benefit, GP visits and an annual health assessment. Fill in your details and we will call you back. |
Frequently asked questions
Stay covered, stay ahead
A chronic condition can affect anyone, whether through family history or lifestyle, and it should not have to compromise your quality of life or your income. The best protection is a combination of healthy habits, early diagnosis and cover that supports ongoing care.
Make sure you are covered with affordable health insurance from Bloom and Health4Me. Compare Health4Me options, explore the full range of benefits, or speak to a medical professional through our Hello Doctor service. To get started, get in touch and we will call you back.
