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:
| Allianz Partners Highlights Risks of Travelling Uninsured 23 Jan 2026: Paige Estritori Recent research conducted by the Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) has unveiled a concerning trend: approximately 14% of Australian travellers embark on international journeys without any form of travel insurance. This statistic has prompted Allianz Partners to urge Australians to reconsider the importance of securing adequate coverage before travelling abroad. - read more |
| Surge in Medical Claims Among Australian Travellers Highlights Importance of Comprehensive Insurance 23 Jan 2026: Paige Estritori In 2024, medical incidents emerged as the leading cause of travel insurance claims among Australian travellers, accounting for more than 40% of all claims handled by nib Travel. This trend underscores the critical importance of securing comprehensive travel insurance to mitigate the financial risks associated with medical emergencies abroad. - read more |
| Qantas Travel Insurance Honoured with Mozo Experts Choice Award 2024 23 Jan 2026: Paige Estritori Qantas Travel Insurance has been recognised in the 2024 Mozo Experts Choice Awards for Travel Insurance, showcasing its exceptional value for their Annual Multi Trip Travel Insurance policy. - read more |
| Australian Insurers Falling Behind in Cybersecurity Readiness 23 Jan 2026: Paige Estritori Recent findings from the PwC Insurance Banana Skins Survey reveal that Australian insurers are lagging behind their global counterparts in preparedness for emerging risks, particularly in the realms of cybersecurity and artificial intelligence (AI). This survey, encompassing insights from 698 insurance executives across 42 territories, highlights a concerning trend for the Australian insurance sector. - read more |
| Life Insurance for Young Adults: Why It’s Never Too Early to Get Covered Life insurance might not be at the forefront of your mind, especially when you're young and healthy. However, understanding the essence of life insurance early on can significantly impact your financial future and provide much-needed peace of mind. - read more
|
| Tips and Tricks for Fitting Insurance Premiums into Your Monthly Budget Understanding the significance of insurance in managing your finances is crucial. It acts as a safeguard, providing a buffer against unexpected losses or damage to your most valuable possessions. However, the costs associated with this necessary protection can be challenging to manage, especially when it comes to fitting insurance premiums into a monthly budget. - read more
|
| The Digital Age of Insurance: Keeping Costs Down with Online Quotes The horizon of the insurance industry has undergone a transformative shift with the advent of digital technology. With a few clicks, consumers can navigate the once-complex world of insurance policies from the comfort of their home. The digital landscape for insurance services offers unprecedented access to information, comparisons, and instant communication, fostering a more empowered insurance client. - read more
|
| Navigating Pre-existing Conditions in Income Protection Insurance Income protection insurance is a safety net that many Australians rely on to secure their financial future in the event of illness or injury preventing them from working. It's a type of policy that provides a replacement income if you are unable to earn your regular income due to a health-related absence from the workplace. - read more
|
Insurance that provides protection from claims arising from injuries or damage to other people or property