In a statement, the company said the partnership “will see TAL support Orygen’s objectives of raising awareness of mental health within the Australian community” and support TAL’s own focus on mental health.
TAL group chief executive and managing director Brett Clark said mental health issues within the Australian community were a significant focus for the business.
“Mental health is a topic of national importance for Australia and an important focus for TAL. It is one of the three focus areas of the TAL Community Foundation and an area where we intend to lead the industry, challenging and changing how we handle mental health as an employer and as a life insurer,” he said.
“We are proud to be partnering with a leading organisation that is driving reform in youth mental health in Australia and globally. I hope that together we can contribute to improving care for young people with mental health conditions and the support provided to their families.”
According to Orygen, “Mental ill-health is the number one health issue facing young people worldwide.”
“TAL is our first corporate life insurance partner and we look forward to working with them to help young people around the globe access the best possible mental health services and reach their full potential,” said Orygen executive director Patrick McGorry.
so why is TAL so difficult when it comes to insuring people even with a very mild case of anxiety
Because there has been a massive blow out in mental health claims in recent years that has forced IP premiums up considerably. It’s not just a TAL issue. All insurers have been hit by this. Ultimately so have all IP policy holders.
I’d be very wary of getting into any conversations with any insurer about mental health – given their litigious attitude to such claims! Foxes and hen houses spring to mind… Perhaps TAL could just throw some money at a couple of trusted charities/agencies to show some good faith? Or is that too cynical?