Buy onlineThe year 2026 marks a significant milestone for 1Life Insurance as the company celebrates 20 years of changing lives, reflecting on two decades of innovation, disruption and a steadfast commitment to empowering South Africans to secure their financial futures.
Since launching in 2006, 1Life has played a pioneering role in reshaping the South African long-term insurance industry. At a time when insurance was largely complex and adviser-driven, 1Life introduced a direct insurance model, offering South Africans simple, convenient and affordable life insurance directly through digital and telephonic channels.
This bold approach disrupted the traditional insurance landscape and opened access to life cover for millions of South Africans who previously found insurance inaccessible or difficult to navigate.
Over the past two decades, the business has continued to evolve, growing from a direct insurer into a multi-distribution insurance provider that serves customers through direct channels, financial advisers and brokers, while maintaining its commitment to innovation and customer-centric solutions.
Today, 1Life stands among the country’s leading long-term insurers, recognised for its ability to simplify insurance and make financial protection accessible to South Africans across all life stages.
From disruption to leadership
From its earliest days, 1Life set out to challenge industry norms. The company introduced several industry firsts, including enabling customers to purchase life insurance online and through mobile platforms, and pioneering innovations that simplified the underwriting and claims experience with straight through processing and paying claims within 5 hours through Robotic Process Automation.
These innovations helped redefine how consumers interact with insurance, shifting the conversation from complexity and exclusivity to accessibility, affordability and transparency.
Leading the conversation on financial literacy
While providing financial protection has always been core to its business, 1Life recognised early on that insurance alone cannot transform financial futures. True financial security requires knowledge, access to tools and the confidence to make informed decisions.
This belief led to the launch of Truth About Money in 2014 - a financial literacy platform that provides free financial education courses, debt management support, legal assistance and wills and estate services available to all South Africans, regardless of whether they are 1Life customers.
Through short courses and accessible resources, the initiative equips individuals and families with the skills to manage debt, build wealth and begin creating generational financial security.
Over the years, Truth About Money has become a powerful platform for driving financial literacy conversations across the country, helping over 75 thousand South Africans take the first steps toward financial independence.
Building generational wealth
The philosophy of helping families build generational wealth continues to shape 1Life’s strategy today. By combining accessible insurance solutions with financial education and tools, the company aims to empower South Africans not only to protect their loved ones, but also to build lasting financial legacies.
Laurence Hillman, CEO of 1Life Insurance, says the company’s journey has always been guided by a singular purpose.
“For 20 years, our mission has been simple, to change lives. From pioneering direct life insurance in South Africa to expanding access to financial education through Truth About Money, our focus has always been on helping South Africans protect what matters most and build a better financial future for their families.”
Hillman adds that the next chapter of 1Life’s journey will focus on deepening its impact as financial needs evolve.
“As we look ahead, we remain committed to innovation, accessibility and empowering South Africans with the tools and knowledge they need to build generational wealth. Changing lives is not just our heritage - it is our future.”
A future focused on impact
As 1Life celebrates 20 years of changing lives, the company reflects on the millions of South Africans who have taken steps toward financial protection and financial freedom through its products, services and educational initiatives.
Looking forward, the business remains committed to shaping the future of insurance - one that is even simpler, more accessible and more empowering for every South African.