AHI removes mental health exclusions
AHI has responded to changing community expectations by removing Mental Health exclusions across its entire suite of policy wordings.
According to the Australian Government’s Department of Health, each year, approximately one in every five Australians will experience a mental illness.
Mental illnesses are the third leading cause of disability burden in Australia, accounting for an estimated 27% of the total years lost due to disability.
AHI has responded to changing community expectations by removing Mental Health exclusions across its entire suite of policy wordings. This is a market-leading change and as the statistics show, mental illness is a fast growing problem.
The Black Dog Institute notes that mental illness is now the leading cause of sickness absence and long term work incapacity in Australia. The total workplace cost of depression in any one year is estimated to be $8,025 per affected individual, with an estimated three to four days of work lost per month for each employee experiencing depression. Workers compensation claims for stress-related mental disorders have increased to $200 million per year.
AHI is working closely with our broker network, ensuring they’re asking if their clients are covered. Read more on the changes in this interview with our CEO Danny Byrnes in Insurance Business magazine.
Even if you’re not covered, you can still seek help, check out some useful services below and download the Mental Health Australia Poster for more information.
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Be Kind: Research shows that being kind to others boosts your happiness. It helps build social connections and strengthens relationships.
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Seek help: Taking action may not be as hard as you think. Talking to friends, family or your GP is a great starting point. GPs can make a diagnosis, discuss treatment options, and refer you for appropriate support if needed
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Disconnect to reconnect: Consider how your tech habits might be preventing you from really tuning-in to those around you and those you love.
Helpful services & information
Aftercare: 1300 001 907
Black Dog Institute: blackdoginstitute.org.au
Blue Knot Helpline: 1300 657 380
Carer Support: 1800 242 636 or 1300 554 660
Gambling Helpline: 1800 858 858
headspace: headspace.org.au
Mind Australia Infoline: 1300 286 463
Movember: au.movember.com
PANDA Helpline: 1300 726 306
Parentline: 1300 301 300
QLife: 1800 184 527
ReachOut: au.reachout.com
Relationships Australia: 1300 364 277
R U OK?: ruok.org.au
SANE Australia Helpline: 1800 187 263