There has been an increase in insurance schemes specifically designed for women in South Africa. This is due to the fact that, statistically, women have lower risk profiles than men. This is true across all fields of insurance. Women are less likely to have accidents, fall ill and also tend to have a longer life expectancy than men. When it comes to short-term vehicle insurance, men wonder why women get a preferential rate. This is due to the fact that women tend to be in fewer accidents than their male counterparts and also tend to have fewer traffic violations, such as speeding. However, just because an insurance product or company is branded 'for women' they aren't necessary cheaper than their generic counterparts. Comparing quotes from a variety of insurance companies is vital for securing the best possible deal. There is also a catch for women when choosing a medical aid scheme. Breast cancer and other forms of cancer that affect women only, may sometimes not be covered by certain products. So women should be extra vigilant to check for this before signing up.