Effective treatment for mental illness is not a sign of risk
The insurance industry must urgently address discrimination against those with past mental health issues, to ensure Australians are free to seek the support they need to face normal life challenges, according to the Australian Psychological Society (APS).
APS CEO Frances Mirabelli says that too often those seeking life, income, health or travel insurance were denied cover or had claims refused because of past help for mental health.
Others faced significant increases to the cost of policies on this basis.
Ms Mirabelli said, “It is disturbing to hear reports of people being discriminated against for seeking help when facing quite normal life experiences such as stress, grief or relationship breakdown. Taking proactive action to get help when you are struggling actually works to prevent more serious problems in the future. This must be encouraged.”
She said that evidence-based psychological help often protected people from future illness, because it boosted resilience and provided strategies that helped people manage psychological strain and resolve problems.
“Many of those who do experience mental health issues report recovering stronger, because they address long-standing issues in their life and learn skills that help them face future problems.”
Ms Mirabelli said that common disorders such as depression or anxiety could be successfully treated with evidence-based psychological support, and experiencing isolated episodes of mental illness did not mean a consumer should be treated as high risk by insurance companies.
She also warned insurance companies against using the history of a Mental Health Plan as a measure of previous psychological ill health. “A Mental Health Treatment Plan is often based on a brief assessment of a person at a specific point in time. It doesn’t provide sufficient information to determine the extent to which mental illness will impact on the person’s future wellbeing.”
“So much work has been done to correct perceptions about mental health in the community, and an end to these stigma-laden policies is long overdue from the insurance industry.”
For more information, or to arrange an interview call the APS Media team on 03 8662 3358 / 0435 896 444, or email. Find the APS Media team on Twitter: @AustPsych
The APS is the largest professional organisation for psychologists in Australia, representing more than 27,000 members. The APS is committed to advancing psychology as a discipline and profession. It spreads the message that psychologists make a difference to people’s lives, through improving psychological knowledge and community wellbeing.