With the increase in mental health concerns arising from the Covid19 restrictions, we have had many people asking us about Life Insurance for mental health conditions.
Anyone suffering from an ongoing mental health condition knows how debilitating it can be for them and their loved ones. To make matters worse, if the mental health condition prevents them from working, it could impact their family financially. In these uncertain economic times, it’s absolutely crucial that all families have the right type of financial support.
Your superannuation fund should have cover for Total and Permanent Disability which doesn’t just cover physical injuries, but should also cover mental illnesses (unless there is a specific exclusion).
Mental Illness Comprises a Significant % of TPD Claims
Data from the Financial Services Council (FSC) and KPMG Australia highlights that 24.1% of all TPD cases are for mental health conditions.
If you are experiencing a mental health condition, perhaps you’d like to know more. Below are some common mental health conditions that TPD claims can be made for.
PTSD
PTSD tends to be more common in jobs where workers are regularly exposed to traumatic things such as emergency medical services, the military and fire and rescue. However, PTSD can impact anyone from any field of work who go through a personal traumatic event which prevents them from being able to carry on with their normal life.
Anxiety
Severe anxiety can make it very difficult for a person to work if they are regularly experiencing shortness of breath, sweating and repetitive thoughts. The physical side effects of this condition such as increased heart rate and trembling of hands could again make it difficult for a person to continue their usual activities.
Depression
Depression in its severest form can make it impossible for a person to continue their normal routine, let alone hold down a job. If you or anyone you know has a serious, ongoing mental health condition which prevents that from being able to concentrate or work in a job which they are suitably qualified for, they could be eligible to make a TPD claim.
There are many other mental health conditions that can make a TPD claim, what you need to do is check your Life Insurance policy and make sure there are no mental health exclusions in place.
TPD Process Can Be Long and Complicated BUT it’s possible
TPD claims for mental health conditions can be tricky. This is because the insurer will require sufficient evidence of the severity of your mental health condition. However, if the claimant is seeking regular treatment from a GP and even a Psychologist/Psychiatrist and/or is taking relevant medications, a claim can be made.
The Shaheen Legal Difference
At Shaheen Legal, we emphasise the importance of having relevant medical documents from your treating psychologist/psychiatrist. We assist our clients to obtain the relevant supporting documentation and we take full ownership of the process so that our clients do not have to stress out.
This is because the claims process can be long and it can be draining for those with ongoing mental health issues.
If you don’t have the mental energy to go through this TPD claim alone
We know of many individuals whose mental health condition is a barrier for them to cope with such a lengthy TPD claims process. Many people just want to give up after starting the claim process alone.
We understand how difficult Insurance companies can be with all their hidden clauses and policy fine print.
Getting the right lawyers to help you with your case can make all the difference. At Shaheen Legal we specialise in TPD and offer a No Win No FEE Guarantee which means we will look after the entire process for you to increase your chances of a successful claim.
During the Covid19 situation, we continue to provide legal advice over the phone if you are considering making a TPD claim.
Call us today on (02) 9854 5552
If you suffer from a mental health issue and are seeking help, please speak to a reputable support service, such as Beyond Blue, who have various help lines available 24/7. It’s good to talk.
