A new website has been launched by the Mental Health Council of Australia (MHCA) and Beyond Blue to provide assistance to Australians who have experienced a mental illness to understand their rights and responsibilities when accessing insurance or making a claim.
The website is called www.mentalhealthandinsurance.org.au and discusses the difficulties which may be experienced when applying for life and income protection insurance. It explains the different ways in which an insurance company may deal with an application from someone who has suffered or is currently being treated for a mental illness. These include imposing a premium loading, excluding any claims related to mental health or refusing to offer any cover at all.
Other discussed areas on website
The website also addresses the important areas of duty of disclosure and avenues for complaints and appeals. The information on the website has been prepared in collaboration with representatives from the insurance and financial services sector to inform and empower consumers seeking insurance.
The Insurance Watch website also aims to demystify insurance products by providing an extensive range of quotes and information online. If you have suffered a mental illness and are seeking insurance our Insurance Watch advisers would be happy to discuss your particular situation – please provide your details at Get Advice