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.
A second H5 bird flu detection in New South Wales has moved avian disease risk from a distant global concern to a practical on-farm planning issue for Australian producers. The latest case involved a petrel found at Hawks Nest on the NSW Mid North Coast, following an earlier detection at the same beach. Authorities have indicated the human health risk remains low, and there has been no reported H5 detection in NSW commercial poultry flocks at this stage. - read more
The latest reporting on the Partnered Health cyber attack may be a wake-up call for allied health practices that store patient information, uses shared booking systems or relies on cloud-based clinical software. The healthcare group, which operates more than 60 clinics nationally, became aware on 23 June 2026 that a malicious actor had accessed data from some clinics. Potentially affected patients were not notified publicly until more than three weeks later. - read more
A cyber attack disclosed by Partnered Health Group on 15 July 2026 has put health-related data security back on the agenda for Australian service businesses. The incident reportedly affected patient information across 21 clinics in multiple states and territories, including contact details, Medicare information, private health insurance details and medical records. While this was a healthcare provider incident, the lessons are highly relevant for fitness professionals who collect health screening forms, injury histories, progress notes, emergency contacts and payment details. - read more
A new industry report on AI agents has sharpened an issue that many Australian consultants can no longer treat as theoretical: when automated tools make decisions, access client data or carry out tasks, which insurance policy responds if something goes wrong? - read more
A fresh roundtable in Taree has put flood insurance affordability back under the spotlight, more than a year after the May 2025 floods devastated parts of the Manning Valley and Mid North Coast. The discussion, co-hosted by Insurance Council of Australia CEO Andrew Hall and federal MP Alison Penfold, brought together business and council leaders to examine why recovery alone is not enough when the underlying flood risk remains. - read more
Running a business comes with inherent financial risks. Whether you own a small café or a large construction company, unforeseen incidents can lead to significant financial losses. - read more
For Australian business owners, planning for unforeseen disasters is not just prudent; it's an essential aspect of sustaining operations amidst challenges. Recognizing the importance of comprehensive strategies, including robust insurance cover, can make all the difference in business longevity and legal protection. As we navigate the complexities of running a business, it's imperative to have a safeguard against mishaps that could otherwise jeopardize our hard-earned success. - read more
As a business owner, one of your top priorities is safeguarding your enterprise from unforeseen events that could lead to financial liabilities. Liability insurance is the cornerstone of this protection, offering a safety net against claims that could otherwise derail your business's financial stability. However, it's not just about having insurance; it's crucial to ensure your coverage is current and adequate for your evolving business requirements. - read more
Public liability insurance is a type of insurance policy that provides coverage for businesses and individuals against claims made by third parties for injuries or damages sustained while on their property or as a result of their activities. - read more
Public liability insurance is a crucial form of protection for both businesses and individuals, safeguarding them against potential claims for personal injury or property damage that occur as a result of their operations or services. In an increasingly litigious society, having this coverage can mean the difference between staying afloat financially and facing business closure due to unexpected claims. - read more
Start Here !
Knowledgebase
Exclusion: Specific conditions or circumstances for which the insurance policy does not provide coverage.
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts.