Tania (Tania Wenn) 's ex-husband and her child's father, Barry (Barry), committed suicide in 2015, traumatizing her.
In response to Barry's death, Tania decided to go to a psychiatrist and take medication for a short period of time.
Soon after, she covered a life insurance policy, because she was now the sole guardian of the two children and wanted to ensure that her financial situation was in good order and that her family would not suffer loss of income if there was anything to do with it. And her children will be taken care of.
But the insurance company told her that life insurance did not cover any mental health-related illnesses, such as stress and anxiety.
Tanya, a lawyer, argues that such a rule is unfair and makes this point.
The insurance company told her that if she had no further mental health-related symptoms or treatment during that period, it would review her policy within two years.
"they just say that if I ask for any form of help, whether it's counseling, psychological assistance, medication, or anything I'll be on my medical record for the next two years, my insurance will automatically be invalidated." Said Tania.
"but they should actually praise me for raising my hand for help, because in the long run, it will help me prolong my life."
Mental health groups are alarmed by revelations that the insurance industry has prevented people from seeking psychotherapy.
Blanchard, vice president of the SANE Australia, said: "the essence of mental illness is that it is usually sporadic and takes time to truly restore people to health, setting an arbitrary deadline," said Blanchard, vice president of the (Michelle Blanchard). It is actually very harmful to decide whether people's insurance is effective or not. "
Mental health is the primary reason why Australians see family doctors, and Medicare data show how much this has changed.
Data from the Australian-Guangzhou model show that family doctor appointments around mental health have increased by 30 percent over the past four years.
SANE Australia's position is that the time has come for the insurance industry to align with community sentiment and to eliminate the total exclusion of mental health disorders.
Dr Blanchard said: "We strongly believe that these exclusions need to be eliminated because everyone has a different mental illness and life experience."
Taking the initiative to seek psychological support should be seen as "an asset, not a deficit."
Insurance companies should look at the applicants' background and what might happen in their lives before excluding them, Dr. Blanchard said.
"instead of simply asking, 'have you ever seen a mental health professional?' [they should] give people an opportunity to explain why, whether it's about relationship counseling, grief counseling, or complicated mental illness."
The (FSC), which represents the life insurance industry, insists that its members are undergoing reforms.
FSC's Kevin (Nick Kirwan) said the industry is revising its code of conduct to better serve consumers.
He denies that many insurance companies exclude members who have received mental health care. "different insurers assess risks differently and offer different terms. Therefore, if you are not sure, please consult with the consultant and do not accept the terms of the other party directly. "