The nature of a contract of insurance -- The requirements for a valid contract of insurance -- The organisation and supervision of the long-term insurance industry in South Africa -- The office of the Ombudsman for Long-term Insurance -- Long-term insurance policies -- Long-term insurance products -- Insurance mechanisms -- Formation of the contract of insurance -- Amendments, renewals and reinstatements -- Mistakes and errors in the conclusion of the contract -- The commencement of long-term insurance contracts and cover -- Common terms and terminology -- Exclusions and pre-existing condition clauses -- Proof and rectification -- The interpretation of long-term insurance contracts -- The parties -- Agents, intermediaries, representatives and brokers -- Beneficiary nominations -- The premium -- Performance by the insurer -- Policy loans -- Fraudulent schemes by or on behalf of policyholders -- Non-disclosure by policyholder -- Misconduct by or on behalf of insurers -- The treatment by the industry and the regulator of misconduct by insurers and intermediaries -- General defenses -- Defenses based on time constraints -- Cession -- The sale of second-hand policies -- Termination of rights and obligations -- Annuities -- Disability, impairment and critical illness insurance -- Funeral insurance -- Consumer credit insurance.