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:
| How Rising Insurance Premiums Are Impacting Australian Retirees 08 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori Recent reports have highlighted a concerning trend: escalating insurance premiums are placing significant financial strain on Australian retirees. Some individuals have experienced premium increases of up to 400%, making it increasingly difficult for those on fixed incomes to maintain essential coverage. - read more |
| Regulatory Update: ASIC and APRA's Review of Life Insurance Premium Practices 08 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) and the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) have jointly released an update on their review of life insurance premium practices. This review was initiated in response to concerns over frequent and substantial premium increases that may not align with policy terms or policyholder expectations. - read more |
| Australians Prioritise Life Insurance but Face Knowledge Gaps 08 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori Recent research indicates a growing emphasis on life insurance among Australians, with 60% now holding some form of coverage, up from 55% the previous year. This trend reflects an increased awareness of the importance of financial security. - read more |
| Surging Insurance Costs Pose Challenges for Australian Retirees 08 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori Recent reports indicate a significant increase in insurance premiums across Australia, with some policies experiencing hikes of up to 18%. This surge is placing considerable financial pressure on retirees, many of whom are on fixed incomes and find it challenging to accommodate these rising costs. - read more |
| Combining Financial Security and Affordability: Income Protection for Australians Explained Financial security is a cornerstone of peace of mind, particularly when life is known for its unpredictability. This introductory section sheds light on the vital nature of income protection insurance and its role in safeguarding Australians' financial well-being. Ensuring continual financial inflow during times of illness or injury not only offers stability but also protects one's standard of living. - read more
|
| How to Protect Your Income During Health Setbacks: A Complete Guide Income protection is a crucial safety net for Australians, offering financial security when health setbacks strike. This type of insurance ensures that you continue to receive a portion of your income if illness or injury prevents you from working. It’s an essential aspect of financial planning, providing peace of mind knowing that you can maintain your lifestyle even when unforeseen health issues arise. - read more
|
| Top 10 Tips to Find Affordable Health Insurance in Australia Finding affordable health insurance can be a daunting task, particularly in a landscape as diverse as Australia’s. With a myriad of options available, it's crucial to understand the financial support mechanisms in place that can ease the burden of healthcare costs. One such mechanism is the health fund rebate, a key feature of the Australian health insurance system designed to make healthcare more accessible. - read more
|
| Life Insurance: How much is enough? When considering life insurance, you're planning and preparing for an event that most of us would rather not think about. But life insurance represents a critical step in managing your personal finances and ensuring your family's well-being. - read more
|
A type of car insurance where your insurer pays for your damages regardless of who is at fault in an accident.