An investigation of the mortality of South African assured lives

Abstract

This paper outlines the findings of an investigation of the mortality of South African assured lives, covering the period 1995 to 1998. The investigation was carried out by the Continuous Statistical Investigations (CSI) Committee of the Actuarial Society of South Africa (ASSA). Some of the major findings of the investigation were worsening mortality below age 50, general improvements in mortality above age 50, substantial differences in mortality between the different socio-economic classes and signs of anti-selection below age 50, especially in the better socioeconomic classes.