The new Mental Health Navigator service will see clients put in touch with a mental health nurse and arrange for a video consultation with a clinical psychologist or psychiatrist if required.
The client will also then receive a review of their diagnosis and a recommendation regarding their treatment, with the mental health nurse they were connected with assisting them to action in the subsequent six months.
“As a life insurer, we want to ensure our customers are receiving the right help to manage and treat any mental health condition they are experiencing,” said MLC Life chief customer officer for retail advised insurance Melissa Heyhoe.
“The evidence shows that problems in detection and accurate diagnosis can lead to delayed or incorrect treatment, thereby worsening the condition in the long term.”
Mental health claims account for around 9 per cent of MLC Life’s new retail claim notifications, and slightly more than 20 per cent of its ongoing claims management, the company said.
“While we’re here to protect our customers financially, we also have an opportunity to support their health and wellbeing and give them confidence they are on the right path to improve their mental health,” Ms Heyhoe added.
“Mental Health Navigator is a confidential, specialist mental health service that advisers can offer to customers and their families at no cost, and they don’t need to make an insurance claim to use it.”
