Farm Insurance NZ :: News
SHARE

Share this news item!

Australian Insurers Address Surge in Mental Health Claims

Australian Insurers Address Surge in Mental Health Claims

The Australian insurance industry is facing unprecedented challenges due to a significant rise in mental health-related claims.
The Council of Australian Life Insurers reports that mental health has become the leading cause of total and permanent disability claims, accounting for nearly one in three payouts.

In the past year alone, life insurers paid $2.2 billion for retail mental health claims, nearly doubling the amount from 2020. This surge is particularly pronounced among Australians in their 30s, with total and permanent disability claims in this age group increasing by 732% over the past decade.

Christine Cupitt, CEO of the Council of Australian Life Insurers, emphasises the strain on the entire safety net, noting that more individuals, especially younger Australians, are leaving the workforce permanently due to mental health conditions. This trend necessitates a comprehensive reassessment of how insurers support customers facing mental health challenges.

For beauty industry professionals, this development underscores the importance of comprehensive insurance coverage that includes mental health support. As the industry evolves to address these challenges, beauticians should stay informed about policy changes and ensure their coverage adequately protects against potential mental health-related claims.

Published:Tuesday, 9th Dec 2025
Source: Paige Estritori

Share this news item:

Insurance News

Call for Enhanced Support for Indigenous Insurance Customers Call for Enhanced Support for Indigenous Insurance Customers
09 Dec 2025: Paige Estritori

The Life Code Compliance Committee has identified significant gaps in support for Indigenous customers within the insurance sector, following an audit of three major insurers representing two-thirds of the market. The analysis reveals that these insurers lack adequate procedures for safe self-identification, a critical step towards ensuring cultural inclusivity and accessibility. - read more
Australian Insurtech Startups: Pioneering the Future of Insurance Australian Insurtech Startups: Pioneering the Future of Insurance
09 Dec 2025: Paige Estritori

The Australian insurtech sector is experiencing significant growth, with startups introducing innovative solutions that enhance efficiency, security, and customer engagement within the insurance industry. A recent report titled 'Insurtech Down Under: Trends, Tech and Triumphs' highlights the pivotal role these companies play in reshaping the market. - read more
Australian Insurers Address Surge in Mental Health Claims Australian Insurers Address Surge in Mental Health Claims
09 Dec 2025: Paige Estritori

The Australian insurance industry is facing unprecedented challenges due to a significant rise in mental health-related claims. The Council of Australian Life Insurers reports that mental health has become the leading cause of total and permanent disability claims, accounting for nearly one in three payouts. - read more
Calls for Overhaul in Australian Insurance Claims Handling Processes Calls for Overhaul in Australian Insurance Claims Handling Processes
09 Dec 2025: Paige Estritori

Australian consumer advocacy groups are intensifying their calls for substantial reforms in the insurance industry's claims handling processes. The Australian Consumers Insurance Lobby (ACIL) has criticised the current system, highlighting ongoing issues that compromise consumer outcomes. - read more
WFI Insurance Rewards Sustainable Farming with Premium Discounts WFI Insurance Rewards Sustainable Farming with Premium Discounts
08 Dec 2025: Paige Estritori

In a significant move towards promoting sustainable agriculture, WFI Insurance has announced a new initiative offering premium discounts to farmers who obtain AgCarE certification. This program, developed by AgForce, aims to recognise and reward farmers implementing eco-friendly practices on their properties. - read more
IAG and Ag Guard Forge Partnership to Elevate Crop Insurance for Australian Farmers IAG and Ag Guard Forge Partnership to Elevate Crop Insurance for Australian Farmers
08 Dec 2025: Paige Estritori

In a significant development for Australia's agricultural sector, Insurance Australia Group (IAG) has announced a strategic partnership with Ag Guard, a specialist rural underwriting agency. This collaboration will see Ag Guard managing the underwriting for IAG-owned CGU and WFI's crop insurance portfolios starting June next year. - read more


Farm Insurance Articles

Protecting Your Farming Future: Why Machinery Breakdown Coverage is Essential Protecting Your Farming Future: Why Machinery Breakdown Coverage is Essential
Farming is a vital part of New Zealand's economy and cultural heritage, representing a way of life for thousands across the country. With its unique landscapes and diverse climate, New Zealand farmers are renowned for producing a wide array of high-quality products that serve not only the nation's needs but also supply a multitude of international markets. - read more
Securing Your Farm's Future: Top Estate Planning Tips for New Zealand Farmers Securing Your Farm's Future: Top Estate Planning Tips for New Zealand Farmers
New Zealand's farming community forms the backbone of its thriving agricultural sector, yet many overlook the critical importance of proactive estate planning. With farmland often being held within families for generations, securing its future is not just a financial concern, but a deeply personal one as well. - read more
Natural Disaster Preparedness: Insurance Tips for Farmers Facing Adversity Natural Disaster Preparedness: Insurance Tips for Farmers Facing Adversity
In the heart of New Zealand's pastoral verdure, the significance of preparedness for natural disasters is paramount for the farming industry. The distinct landscape, while providing an idyllic backdrop for agricultural pursuits, is not without its challenges. Farmers are often at the mercy of nature's unpredictability, making disaster preparedness not just prudent but essential for the continuity of their livelihood. - read more
Customizing Your Farm Insurance: Tailoring Policies to Fit Unique Agricultural Needs Customizing Your Farm Insurance: Tailoring Policies to Fit Unique Agricultural Needs
Those who work the land know that every farm has its own heartbeat - its unique rhythm defined by the crops it yields, the livestock it nurtures, and the natural environment it exists within. Recognizing this individuality is crucial, especially when it comes to safeguarding your agricultural investment with the right insurance policy. - read more
Common Myths About Farm Insurance Debunked Common Myths About Farm Insurance Debunked
Whether you're a seasoned farmer or just starting out, understanding farm insurance is crucial. It's more than just a safety net; it's a way to ensure that your farming business can withstand unforeseen challenges. By safeguarding your livelihood, farm insurance offers peace of mind amidst uncertainties. - read more
A Beginner's Guide to Farm Income Insurance Options A Beginner's Guide to Farm Income Insurance Options
Farm income insurance plays a crucial role in safeguarding the livelihood of farmers. This type of insurance is specifically designed to protect farmers against the unpredictable nature of farming, where income can vary greatly due to factors like weather, disease outbreaks, or market fluctuations. Having the right insurance ensures a stable financial foundation, allowing farmers to focus on their operations without the constant worry of financial ruin from unforeseen events. - read more
Protecting Your Farming Future: Why Machinery Breakdown Coverage is Essential Protecting Your Farming Future: Why Machinery Breakdown Coverage is Essential
Farming is a vital part of New Zealand's economy and cultural heritage, representing a way of life for thousands across the country. With its unique landscapes and diverse climate, New Zealand farmers are renowned for producing a wide array of high-quality products that serve not only the nation's needs but also supply a multitude of international markets. - read more
Customizing Your Farm Insurance: Tailoring Policies to Fit Unique Agricultural Needs Customizing Your Farm Insurance: Tailoring Policies to Fit Unique Agricultural Needs
Those who work the land know that every farm has its own heartbeat - its unique rhythm defined by the crops it yields, the livestock it nurtures, and the natural environment it exists within. Recognizing this individuality is crucial, especially when it comes to safeguarding your agricultural investment with the right insurance policy. - read more
Natural Disaster Preparedness: Insurance Tips for Farmers Facing Adversity Natural Disaster Preparedness: Insurance Tips for Farmers Facing Adversity
In the heart of New Zealand's pastoral verdure, the significance of preparedness for natural disasters is paramount for the farming industry. The distinct landscape, while providing an idyllic backdrop for agricultural pursuits, is not without its challenges. Farmers are often at the mercy of nature's unpredictability, making disaster preparedness not just prudent but essential for the continuity of their livelihood. - read more

Need a Quote?
Start your free farm insurance quote comparison here.

Start here

Farm Type:
Postcode:

Knowledgebase
Deductible:
The amount you must pay out-of-pocket for expenses before your insurance company covers the remaining costs.