National Financial Ombud Scheme South Africa - NFO

27/05/2026

In assessing whether the interpretation of an insurance policy provision is fair, we will look at the language used, and consider how broad the terms are, and whether they are in common usage and aligned with customary practice in similar policies. See how this burning issue affected a complainant’s payout here: https://www.fanews.co.za/publication/pdf_338_fanewsapr2026 =50

25/05/2026

Getting in touch with the NFO is now even simpler with our dedicated NFO Contact Centre WhatsApp number. Call or WhatsApp 076 574 8055 to connect with our friendly contact specialists, who are available to assist with financial disputes.

With the NFO, support is never far away, help and guidance are now just a WhatsApp message away. You can also contact us through our other available platforms using the links below, or visit our website for more information.

https://nfosa.co.za/contact-us/
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 0860 800 900
WhatsApp: https://wa.me/0765748055
Facebook:
LinkedIn:
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YouTube:

21/05/2026

Important warning: The NFO will never ask for your login details, banking details, card numbers, or any other sensitive personal information.

Please remain vigilant and never share your personal or banking information with anyone.

For more information about the NFO and what we do, please visit our website: https://nfosa.co.za/

18/05/2026

A diagnosis of a serious illness can be a life-changing event - and the way your insurer interprets the exclusion clauses in your severe illness benefit can be equally impactful. In our latest press release, we look at a case where the NFO disagreed with an insurer which relied on the date of diagnosis rather than the date of occurrence of the illness (in this case, cancer) when rejecting a claim.

Ultimately, what mattered was that the complainant had cover in place at the time they became ill, because the associated paperwork was deemed not to be the life-changing event. Rather, it was the cancer itself that triggered the policy.

For the full story and the reasoning behind the NFO’s ruling, click here: https://nfosa.co.za/illness-not-diagnosis-defines-the-claim-event/

14/05/2026

A recent Constitutional Court case has clarified the issue of materiality, and what must be disclosed to insurers to avoid claims being denied. It hinges on whether a non-disclosure can reasonably be considered to give rise to a material risk in the context of the insurance policy.

Learn more about this important issue here: https://www.fanews.co.za/publication/pdf_338_fanewsapr2026 =44

13/05/2026

13/05/2026

07/05/2026

Don’t forget that the National Financial Ombud will be at Stellenbosch University Law Clinic on Wednesday, 13 May. This is your opportunity to get free, fair and impartial assistance with complaints against banks, credit providers and insurers, learn more about fraud prevention, and enhance your financial literacy. We’re here to uphold financial fairness, so come and see us. To learn more, visit https://nfosa.co.za/corporate-social-responsibility/.

07/05/2026

Allowing someone else to use your bank account can result in severe repercussions if your bank suspects fraud has taken place.Your bank has the right to freeze or close your account if they believe it has been misused,and you could even end up with a fraud listing with the SAFPS – South Africa’s leading fraud prevention service. The same thing could happen if you make a fraudulent application for credit – for example, by overstating your income or submitting an altered proof of address.

Fraud listings can last for 10 years and can have a severe effect on future job applications and your access to credit. To learn more about the risks involved, read our latest press release, including real-life case studies:
https://nfosa.co.za/nfo-banking-division-exposes-rising-threat-of-mule-accounts-and-fraudulent-credit-applications/.

05/05/2026

South Africa’s road death statistics are alarming, and speed plays a role in many accidents. As well as the obvious risks involved, speeding can result in a rejection of a motor vehicle insurance claim if your insurer believes that you were driving without “due care” or “reasonable care”, or – in some cases – if you were driving at more than a certain margin over the speed limit for the stretch of road where the accident occurred.

Learn more about how speeding can invalidate your cover in this latest press release from the Non-life Insurance Division of the NFO: https://nfosa.co.za/fast-cars-denied-claims-south-africas-insurance-penalty-for-speed/.

05/05/2026

Today the National Financial Ombud has partnered with Institute of Loss Adjusters of South Africa.

Our Senior Adjudicator in the Non-Life Insurance Division Mr John Theunissen takes the stage to deliver a powerful presentation on the Dispute Resolution services offered by the NFO!!