Mental illness and Insurance Claims

Hi,

I have seen some comments about DSP and DES and people struggling financially because of mental illness. Ive contributed to another thread about it but thought to start a new one because there are ways for you to get money if you are sick enough and most people don't know it.

Everyone has super. Most super funds offer default life insurance and total permanent disability cover. Even if you work for a milkbar and are paid a small wage, you have super and you will have some type of insurance cover within it.

The requirements to access disability cover from within super are strict. The definitions for TPD cover held outside of super are a little more generous.

Basically, get 2 doctors to say you:

"are unlikely ever to be able to engage in remunerative work again" - for policies within super

"are unlikely to engage in any occupation for which you are qualified by education, training or experience"

If you can cover the first base, you are set. Definitions vary but meet the first test will trigger any TPD policy.

I have just been through the process and beat the insurer on a claim for Bipolar Disorder. They try hard to deny mental illness claims but I won.

So, if you've been struggling with a Major Depressive Disorder, Bipolar Disorder or any other major disorder recognised in the DSM, you may be able to claim on your life insurance policies within or outside of super.

Its worth a look. It can change your life. I have met so many people in hospital who are so sick and know nothing about this. They think that mental illness would not justify a claim. Well thats wrong. If you are disabled from work, you may be able to claim.

Good luck! I hope my message would help someone somewhere financially. I have found these blogs so useful and hope I can help others too.