Mental Health Claims: A Growing Concern for Young Adults
Mental Health Claims: A Growing Concern for Young Adults
KPMG's report, "Australia’s Mental Health Check Up," presents data showing a 732% increase in TPD claims in this age group. Mental health issues now account for 36% of claims, a stark rise from 10.1% in 2013. The shift places mental health at the forefront of reasons for early workforce withdrawal.
Men are disproportionately affected, with a 59% greater likelihood of leaving jobs for mental health reasons. This pattern is emerging earlier, with the average age of claimants dropping from 48.8 years in 2013 to 46.5 years in 2022.
CALI CEO Christine Cupitt expressed concern over the trend's broader impact. "The unprecedented number of people leaving the workforce permanently in the prime of their working life has huge implications for them personally, for their loved ones, for our national economy, and for our already stretched government support systems,” she stated.
Australia's life insurers are not only collecting data but are also becoming more involved in addressing mental health impacts. “These are very concerning generational trends that show the frequency and severity of mental ill-health is rising exponentially in our community,” Cupitt highlighted.
The report underscores another finding: white-collar workers have a slightly higher propensity to claim disability benefits due to mental health issues compared to blue-collar peers. Specifically, they are 7% more prone to claim permanent and 14% more likely to request temporary disability.
Briallen Cummings, KPMG Partner, elaborated, “The significant rise in mental health conditions over the past decade is a real concern for the community and this is reflected in the life insurance data shown in our report.” She noted the growing severity and prevalence of these conditions making a tangible mark on societal well-being.
The report also attributes 80% of the decade-long increase in TPD claims to mental health, with annual growth nearing 10%. This far surpasses the 0.5% yearly rise for claims due to physical ailments.
Cupitt mentioned potential consequences for insurance coverage accessibility. "While governments are already thinking seriously about Australians’ mental health, we now have further evidence that our community needs more including a stronger and earlier safety net to keep people from falling through the cracks,” she remarked.
These findings suggest significant challenges and potential shifts in how mental health is managed within the workplace and by insurers. KPMG and CALI's research presents a call to action for enhanced support systems and preventative measures to address the burgeoning crisis.
Published:Friday, 6th Dec 2024
Source: Paige Estritori
Share this news item:
| Health Insurance Premiums to Rise by 4.41% in 2026 11 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori The Australian government has approved a 4.41% increase in health insurance premiums, set to take effect in 2026. This adjustment reflects the rising costs associated with healthcare services and the need to maintain the sustainability of the health insurance sector. - read more |
| Australian Insurers Address Premium Affordability Challenges 11 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori The Australian insurance sector is currently grappling with significant challenges, notably the affordability of premiums for consumers. A recent survey by Gallagher Bassett highlights that premium affordability, cybersecurity, and labour shortages are the top concerns for insurers in 2026. ([insurancenews.com.au](https://www.insurancenews.com.au/daily/industry-reshapes-priorities-amid-price-cost-pressures?utm_source=openai)) - read more |
| Declining Commercial Insurance Rates in Australia 11 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori The Australian commercial insurance market is witnessing a notable decline in rates, driven by intensified competition and an increase in insurer capacity. According to reports from global brokers Marsh and Aon, the Pacific region experienced a 12% reduction in commercial insurance rates during the last quarter of 2025, marking the most significant drop since early 2024. ([insurancenews.com.au](https://www.insurancenews.com.au/local/commercial-pricing-tipped-to-stay-soft?utm_source=openai)) - read more |
| Impact of Hailstorm Claims on Australian Insurers' Profits 11 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori The Australian insurance industry has recently faced a substantial decline in profits, primarily due to a series of severe hailstorms that occurred in October and November 2025. Data from the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) reveals that the general insurance sector reported a net profit of $132 million in the December quarter, bringing the annual total to approximately $5.8 billion. This marks a decrease from the $6.8 billion profit recorded in 2024. ([insurancenews.com.au](https://www.insurancenews.com.au/local/industry-profit-sinks-as-hail-hits-home?utm_source=openai)) - read more |
| Common Pitfalls in Income Insurance Claims and How to Avoid Them Income insurance is a critical component of financial planning, offering a safety net when life's uncertainties impact your income stream. It ensures that you can continue meeting your financial obligations even if you're unable to work due to illness or injury. This peace of mind is invaluable, especially in an unpredictable job market. - read more
|
| How Tradespeople Can Maximize Tax Deductions Through Insurance Tradespeople work hard to earn their income, often facing unique expenses that can impact their bottom line. Understanding and maximizing tax deductions is crucial for minimizing these costs and keeping more of what they earn. By making informed decisions about expenses, tradespeople can significantly reduce their taxable income. - read more
|
| Understanding Income Replacement Benefits: A Complete Guide for Australians Income replacement benefits are designed to provide financial support when you're unable to earn a salary due to illness or injury. They act as a safety net, ensuring you can maintain your lifestyle and meet ongoing expenses during unexpected interruptions. - read more
|
| The Importance of Life Insurance for Business Partners In the dynamic world of business, safeguarding your interests often requires more than just market acumen and financial investment. Life insurance plays a pivotal role in ensuring the continuity and stability of a business, particularly when business partnerships are involved. It serves not only as a cushion for unforeseen events but also as a strategic tool for risk management. - read more
|
A type of car insurance where your insurer pays for your damages regardless of who is at fault in an accident.