Income protection and mental health

[GregJ]

Hi, I have been back and forth to my GP for depression and anxiety for 2 years now. I have my second psychologist appointment this week. The main causes of my issues are work and homesickness. I have been hesitant to take time off due to loss of income but I have recently found out that I have income protection (been paying through my super for past 5 years)

Does anybody have any experience in claiming income protection for mental illness? Is it difficult or straight forward?

Thannks

[white knight]

Hi Gregj, welcome

I sold life insurance for a short time. Like any contract you need to read same and if in doubt either give it to your solicitor to pursue or ring the insurance company to seek what requirements are needed.

There is likely a qualifying period and ecpect to be asked for access to medical records but its worth a try.

Tony WK

[MickeyMooo]

Hi Greg,

my work has income protection through super too, and many people access it. I recommend giving them a call and asking what's required 'in case you need it'.

At my workplace you need a medical certificate stating you're unfit for work for 3 months. Also you're company may have rehab officers who can help you with a return to work plan, reducing hours, gradually building up to full time again, this can make it a lot easier returning to work.

Good luck

Mickey:)

[Lucy3]

Hi Greg,

I am new to the forums and this is the first thread I read !

I recently had 2 years on income protection payments as I had severe work anxiety. I should say still have, but I'm doing better now 🙂

Anyway, yes you can use Income protection for mental health. The only thing is you will work with a Occupational health and safety person while you are off work. Income protection has a 2 yr limit. You will be given a plan to help you get ready to head back to work. I went back on restricted duties and 2 yrs later I am still on restricted duties. If you do go down this track make sure you work with OH&T as they really help you negotiate with your work bosses and ensure you remain safe.

I found it very beneficial 🙂

Good luck

Lucy

[Jules_2105]

Hi Greg & Lucy and other readers. Its a bit convoluted but I trust many have been in a similar predicament. I have had Invoice protection insurance for over 10 years. I recently turned 40, and have a Policy (Income Protection Plus) costing $243 p/m. My benefit is about $13K per month as I would be considered a high income earner but i have high financial obligations, a young family etc.I dont have a history of mental health issues until some12 months ago when i started to feel extra stress, pressure, inability to relax. This possibly stemmed from increased work, young family, my grandmother had a stroke and i brike into her house and found her almost deceased after she laid on the floor for 3 days, childhood issues which never really affected me. This combination has left me emotional, I lost 16 kilograms in 12 months (loss of epetite) My motivation has changed. Over the last 2 months it really hit me ferociously & my wife couldn't handle my moods so i stayed in a hotel for a week. Since then i have seen a Psychologist 4 times with more appointments booked (2 per week), my doctor several times, prescribed a sleep aid (Melatonin) as i go to sleep fine, but often wake at 3/4am and cant go back to sleep and end up on my work PC. Some days i would plug in at 3/4am and unpulg at 9pm. I run my own business, with staff and clients. I lodged a claim for income protection so i can take time away from work, focus on my family, my health and get back on track. The claim wont be accepted as the claims guy said i need to be totally incapacitated? I an not in a coma! I have made a series of work errors in recent times and its not helping. I have reduced hours, and trying to unplug however as the director, i have staff and clients needing support, and i cant tell them i have mental anguish. I need to put in a temp manager and need to pay that person if i am not to draw an income hence trying to totally unplug, get a manager in, and make my claim for my own sanity knowing that my business is being looked after, and my health and family can take priority. Long story short, how do you actually make a claim if the policy said totally incapacitate? I have provided the insurer with the Dr advice, psychologist advice, mental health care plan. It actually causes more stress to the point i am throwing my hands in the air and think this is just rubbish, what is the point of even having insurance unless i had a physical accident!Any feedback, advice, words would be helpful. Jules