Health Insurance Online :: News
SHARE

Share this news item!

Life Insurance Sector to Develop New Mental Health Claims Framework

Life Insurance Sector to Develop New Mental Health Claims Framework

Life Insurance Sector to Develop New Mental Health Claims Framework?w=400
A significant update is on the horizon for mental health claims within the Australian life insurance sector.
The Council of Australian Life Insurers (CALI) has announced the creation of a new assessment framework.
This move will be developed in collaboration with consumer advocates, medical specialists, and other key stakeholders.
The forthcoming plan aims to establish minimum standards for evaluating claims, ensuring that they are based on consistent and evidence-based criteria.
Furthermore, the framework will aim to clarify the purpose of disability insurance, aligning it with contemporary medical evidence and promoting positive return to work outcomes.

CALI CEO Christine Cupitt emphasized the need for transparency and simplicity in the claims process, responding to feedback from customers and consumer advocates. She highlighted Australia's current mental health crisis, stressing the importance of providing clear guidance on the role of life insurers in supporting affected Australians.

The Council has noted that mental health conditions represent the fastest-growing cause of life insurance claims. While insurers remain committed to aiding Australians with severe conditions that impede their ability to work, Cupitt clarified that life insurers, similar to the National Disability Insurance Scheme and workers' compensation programs, cannot be the solution for every case.

An expert panel will be set up to advise on developing the framework. This panel will comprise medical practitioners, legal specialists, rehabilitation and return-to-work experts, life insurance professionals, and individuals with lived experience of mental health issues. This diversified team aims to ensure the framework is comprehensive and adequately addresses varied perspectives and expertise.

Early next year, a three-month targeted consultation will take place, incorporating input from various stakeholders, including consumer representatives, mental health advocates, superannuation trustees, financial advisors, and medical professionals. This phase of consultation is key to refining the framework to be as inclusive and practical as possible.

In parallel, CALI’s initiative will run alongside the independent review of the Life Insurance Code of Practice, spearheaded by Peter Kell. A consultation paper concerning this review is anticipated shortly. The findings from this review will inform the new framework's development, and CALI will maintain engagement with Kell throughout the process.

Published:Tuesday, 21st Oct 2025
Source: Paige Estritori

Share this news item:

Insurance News

Life Insurance Sector to Develop New Mental Health Claims Framework
Life Insurance Sector to Develop New Mental Health Claims Framework
21 Oct 2025: Paige Estritori
A significant update is on the horizon for mental health claims within the Australian life insurance sector. The Council of Australian Life Insurers (CALI) has announced the creation of a new assessment framework. This move will be developed in collaboration with consumer advocates, medical specialists, and other key stakeholders. The forthcoming plan aims to establish minimum standards for evaluating claims, ensuring that they are based on consistent and evidence-based criteria. - read more
WFI and AgCarE Join Forces to Reward Sustainable Farming Practices
WFI and AgCarE Join Forces to Reward Sustainable Farming Practices
21 Oct 2025: Paige Estritori
In a significant move towards promoting sustainable agriculture, WFI Insurance has partnered with AgCarE, a certification program developed by AgForce, to offer premium reductions to farmers who achieve AgCarE certification. This collaboration aims to enhance financial, environmental, and social outcomes for Australian farmers and rural communities. - read more
Rising Insurance Costs Challenge Australian Farmers as Extreme Weather Intensifies
Rising Insurance Costs Challenge Australian Farmers as Extreme Weather Intensifies
21 Oct 2025: Paige Estritori
Australian farmers are confronting a significant surge in insurance premiums, a trend largely attributed to the increasing frequency and severity of extreme weather events. Over the past few years, many farmers have reported that their insurance bills have more than doubled, with annual premiums exceeding $100,000. - read more
Diversifying Small Farms Open New Avenues for Insurance Brokers
Diversifying Small Farms Open New Avenues for Insurance Brokers
21 Oct 2025: Paige Estritori
The landscape of Australian agriculture is evolving as small commercial farms increasingly diversify their operations to enhance income and sustainability. This shift presents both challenges and opportunities for insurance brokers, as new ventures introduce complex risk management needs. - read more
Addressing the Surge in Collision Risks for Australian Fleet Operators
Addressing the Surge in Collision Risks for Australian Fleet Operators
21 Oct 2025: Paige Estritori
Australia's transport and haulage sector is currently navigating a period of heightened operational risk, marked by an uptick in both the frequency and severity of motor collision claims. This trend underscores the pressing need for fleet operators to adopt proactive risk management strategies and leverage advanced insurance solutions to safeguard their operations. - read more
Click for more Insurance News


Health Insurance Articles

Understanding the Basics of Australian Health Insurance
Understanding the Basics of Australian Health Insurance
Health insurance is a critical part of maintaining your well-being and financial stability. In Australia, understanding the basics of health insurance can help you make informed decisions that protect you during unforeseen medical events. - read more
Top 10 Tips to Find Affordable Health Insurance in Australia
Top 10 Tips to Find Affordable Health Insurance in Australia
Finding affordable health insurance can be a daunting task, particularly in a landscape as diverse as Australia’s. With a myriad of options available, it's crucial to understand the financial support mechanisms in place that can ease the burden of healthcare costs. One such mechanism is the health fund rebate, a key feature of the Australian health insurance system designed to make healthcare more accessible. - read more
5 Tips to Save on Health Cover as an Australian Senior
5 Tips to Save on Health Cover as an Australian Senior
Finding the right health insurance coverage is a critical concern for Australian seniors, who often face the dual challenge of managing chronic health conditions and maintaining financial stability in retirement. As the cost of healthcare continues to rise, the importance of securing an affordable health cover that still meets their needs cannot be overstated. - read more
Demystifying Individual Coverage: Your Guide to Personal Health Insurance in Australia
Demystifying Individual Coverage: Your Guide to Personal Health Insurance in Australia
In the realm of securing one’s health and wellbeing, navigating the Australian health insurance landscape can be as critical as the care received. It stands as a complex tapestry, woven with policies, premiums, and government incentives, affecting individuals and families nationwide. - read more
What to Look for in Basic Health Insurance Cover
What to Look for in Basic Health Insurance Cover
Welcome to our discussion on basic health insurance cover, a topic that is crucial yet often overlooked in the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Navigating the world of health insurance can be daunting, but understanding your options is vital for peace of mind and financial stability. - read more


Your free Heatlth insurance quote comparison starts here!
First Name:
Postcode:

All quotes are provided free (via our secure server) and without obligation. We respect your privacy.

Knowledgebase
Loss Ratio:
The ratio of claims paid by an insurer to the premiums earned, used as a measure of profitability.

Quick Links: | Private Health Insurance Australia | Best Private Health Insurance | Compare Health Insurance Plans | Affordable Health Insurance | Health Insurance Quotes | Private Health Cover | Health Insurance Comparison | Top Health Insurance Providers | Health Insurance Benefits | Health Insurance Premiums | Health Insurance Policies
This website is owned and operated by Clark Family Pty Ltd (ACN 010 281 008) as Trustee for the Clark Family Trust (ABN 35 957 893 714), 43 Larch Street Tallebudgera QLD 4228. Clark Family Pty Ltd is an Authorised Representative (AR 1298860) of Unique Group Broker Services Pty Ltd (AFSL 509434) for financial product referrals and an Authorised Credit Representative (ACR 401491) of Saccasan Pty Ltd (ACL 386297). Check our licensing details on the ASIC registers: Clark Family Pty Ltd ACR, Clark Family Pty Ltd AR, Saccasan Pty Ltd, Unique Group Broker Services.
IMPORTANT: We do not provide financial product advice or credit assistance. We act solely as an introducer and refer enquiries to licensed third-party intermediaries, insurers, and lenders - with whom you can then deal directly. We may receive a fee or commission from these third parties in consideration for the referral. Before any action is taken to obtain a product or service referred to by this website, advice should be obtained (from either the third party to whom we refer you or from another qualified intermediary) as to the appropriateness of obtaining those products having regard to your objectives, financial situation and needs. Whilst we have our own process for validating the legitimacy of our referral partners, you should always verify the credentials of your financial adviser before proceeding with recommendations that they may present. Visit the ASIC website for further information.