Esme Theron - T&E FinOps (Pty) Ltd - 26 Years combined experience in Insurance,Financing, Marketing.
This week Africa Business Communities meet with Esmé Theron, Founder and Director, at T&E FinOps (Pty) Ltd, advisers on Estate Planning, Retirement Planning, Life and Disability, Assurance, Investments, Short term insurance, Group Schemes and Business Assurance in South Africa.
Please start by giving us a brief overview and history of T & E FinOps
"T & E FinOps (Pty) Ltd was established in September 1998. Esme Theron the founder of the business is the only shareholder of the company. The company prides itself on the fact that it is a family business and the employees share the same business values and norms that we do. The company has two directors namely, Esme Theron and Tiens Theron. The two directors have altogether 40 years experience in the financial sector. The company started off in developing and marketing of a niche product to the Agricultural sector and since 1998 developed into a One-stop financial services, offering the entire spectrum of financial products and services to selected clients. T&E FinOps (Pty) Ltd (September 1998 - Current): Sole shareholder/Company Director. The company was established in September 1998. We entered into a national contract with Agri SA in 1999. The product was launched in 1999 and was introduced by former President Nelson Mandela at a gala event in Pretoria.
It is important to T & E FinOps to abide by the rules set down in the industry where they do business. Therefore, T & E FinOps is an authorised financial services provider FSP no: 15485, is accredited with The Council of Medical Schemes no: ORG2022 and is licensed by the NCR to do financing. T & E FinOps is also a member of the Independent Broker Council and Esme Theron is a Certified Financial Planner with the Financial Planning Institute. T & E FinOps is one of a few Administration Houses in South Africa for Chartis SA and Hollard SA. The company believes to involve their clients as partners and therefore always negotiate a win-win opportunity for all parties concern."
Why did T & E FinOps enter the health care area? What was the reasoning behind that?
"As a Certified Financial Planner it is important and part of our Code of Ethics to give Best Advice. My viewpoint about any assurance or insurance is that you need to cover your risks first before you think of investments. Now a quick way to determine your risks is to know what you can pay out of your own pocket and what will make a huge hole in your financial soundness. Again, I will say that health is your biggest risk, does not matter where you live. Thus, my reason for entering the health care area. It is very important that all people have access to basic and more health care."
What are your primary solutions on medical insurance in Africa?
" In- hospital benefit, Chronic disease benefit, Day to day primary health care, Major disease benefit, e.g. cancer."
How different is your medical insurance and what additional benefits will it bring for customers?
"The differentiator is service, expertise, capability and accessibility. Additional benefits will be accidental death and disability cover and funeral cover."
What extra benefits will it bring for your existing customers?
"Nothing really, because each client has his or her own specific needs and must be advice accordingly."
What kind of never-before customized products are in the offing for customers?
"Medical Insurance that is like a Medical Aid, but can be favorable underwritten, depending on age and country."
What innovative policies do you have in your product range?
"We specialize in developing insurance products in co-operation with underwriters to the specific need of the client."
Do you see Africans finally opting for medical insurance benefits?
"I do believe so, because Africa has major health risks."
If you had to give a company a couple of pieces of advice regarding medical insurance, what would you say?
"Employees should have access to a hospital benefit, chronic diseases and a small benefit for day to day care. This will increase a company’s productivity and retention of employees. The costs involved to a high personnel turnover, cannot be compared to the minimum cost of health care for your employees."
What is the latest?
"We are expanding our business up into Africa and will be able to offer a wide spectrum of products and services tailor-made for the target market."
This interview series is powered by Africa Business Communities.
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This article was originally posted on South Africa Business Communities
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