Mental Health Claims: A Growing Concern for Young Adults
Mental Health Claims: A Growing Concern for Young Adults
The information on this website is general in nature and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Consider seeking personal advice from a licensed adviser before acting on any information.
Recent findings highlight a significant trend: an increase in Total and Permanent Disability (TPD) claims among 30- to 40-year-olds, with mental health as a key factor.
Over the past decade, these claims have soared, the Council of Australian Life Insurers (CALI) reports.
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.
Please Note: We do not endorse any specific products or companies. Some content is sourced from third parties, including press releases, and may not be independently verified for accuracy or completeness.
Australia’s insurance affordability challenge is again in focus, with fresh industry attention on households and small businesses that are struggling to absorb higher premiums in areas exposed to flood, storm, cyclone and bushfire risk. The latest discussion is not simply about prices rising at renewal time. It points to a broader problem: when cover becomes harder to afford, more people are tempted to reduce protection, raise excesses or walk away from insurance altogether. - read more
Australia's latest severe-weather claims updates are a timely reminder that insurance resilience is tested long before a claim is lodged. As insurers continue working through damage from recent storms, floods and cyclones, the bigger message for households and business owners is clear: cover needs to be practical, current and matched to real replacement costs. - read more
Australia’s prudential regulator has sharpened its focus on the insurance sector, with its latest priorities pointing to a market under pressure from affordability concerns, severe weather exposure, cyber threats and operational disruption. For households and business owners, the message is clear: insurance is no longer just a renewal task to be handled once a year. It is becoming a core part of financial resilience. - read more
Australia’s latest financial dispute data has put insurance claims handling back in the spotlight, with consumers and small businesses continuing to seek outside help when problems with insurers cannot be resolved directly. The trend is a timely reminder that an insurance policy should be assessed not only on premium, but also on how clearly it explains cover, how exclusions work, and how effectively claims are managed when pressure is highest. - read more
Australia’s insurance sector is facing a larger contribution to the cost of financial regulation, with ASIC’s 2025–26 industry funding estimates putting insurance levies at $23.838 million. That is a sizeable rise from the $17.608 million levied in 2024–25 and reflects a broader increase in the regulator’s expected cost recovery across the financial system. - read more
Home insurance is an essential safety net for Australians, providing financial protection against unexpected events that could damage your most significant asset—your home. It ensures that you have the necessary support to rebuild or repair in the event of disasters like storms, fire, or theft. For Australian homeowners, having the right insurance means peace of mind. - read more
Embarking on an Australian adventure can ignite excitement in the heart of any traveller, but being prepared for the unexpected should be top of mind. Travel insurance is an essential travel companion that safeguards your journey from unforeseeable circumstances. Whether confronting flight cancellations, medical emergencies, or lost luggage, the right travel insurance policy can make a world of difference, offering peace of mind to fully immerse in the Aussie adventure experience. - read more
Life insurance can help provide financial protection for loved ones if the insured person dies or, where included, is diagnosed with a terminal illness. Comparing policies is not just about finding the lowest premium; it is about understanding the cover amount, policy terms, exclusions, fees and long-term affordability before deciding what may suit your circumstances. - read more
Insurance policies can be difficult to read when unfamiliar terms get in the way. This beginner-friendly guide explains common Australian insurance jargon, how policy documents are usually structured, and the key terms that can affect your cover, premiums and claims. - read more
Car insurance can protect you from different kinds of financial loss after an accident, theft, fire or other insured event. In Australia, the main optional cover types commonly compared are comprehensive, third party property damage, and third party fire and theft. Understanding how they differ can help you review policies more confidently. - read more
Knowledgebase
Actuary: A professional who analyzes the financial costs of risk and uncertainty using mathematics, statistics, and financial theory.
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts.