More insurance companies covering mental illness
Almost one in five Australians have experienced symptoms of a mental disorder, but for something that’s the third leading cause of disability burden in Australia, mental health and illness can be grossly overlooked.
Ella Ingram experienced this personally when she developed severe depression right before leaving for New York.
She’d saved up and booked her trip – but when she was hospitalised she had to cancel, ABC reported in March.
“When I cancelled it I was quite concerned that we’d lose all this money, and my mum said, don’t worry about it – that’s why you have travel insurance,” she said.
But her travel insurance claim was denied – because her insurance provider did not cover mental illnesses in their policy.
Unfortunately, this isn’t an uncommon occurrence; with mental illness frequently not covered by travel insurance providers. Some won’t even provide cover in the first place if you disclose a mental illness.
Luckily some travel insurance companies are changing their stripes, and starting to include mental illness in their policy covers.
This week, Cover-More and Zurich have announced a new mental illness cover in their travel insurance policies for Australia and New Zealand – and have removed the general exclusion most other travel insurance companies have.
This news follows Zurich Insurance Group acquiring Cover-More; and becoming their underwriter.
Cover-More Group Chief Executive Officer Mike Emmett said the company is currently trialing cover for travellers with existing mental illness, and wants to be absolutely sure they get it right.
“It seemed a natural, and overdue, extension for Cover-More and Zurich to incorporate cover for mental illness into our travel insurance policies and we hope other travel insurance providers follow our lead,” he said.
Under the new non-exclusive policy, if a traveller experiences mental illness for the first time whilst overseas, they will be able to claim cover, cancellation and medical expenses.
“We also recognise the importance of providing protection for travellers with existing mental illness conditions so we have commenced a comprehensive pilot of cover for existing conditions in the Cover-More direct sales channel in Australia,” Emmett added.
Cover-More and Zurich will now provide protection for travellers with a variety of existing mental illnesses, including schizophrenia, bipolar and PTSD.
And as mental illness becomes more common, more and more travel insurance companies are covering it in their policies, and removing it from their exclusions list.
In July, QBE removed mental health from it’s exclusions list, and updated it’s definition of mental illness. CGU, BUPA and Insure and go also all class mental illness as a pre-existing medical condition, and first time episodes are generally covered after an individual assessment.
Another company following suit is Easy Travel Insurance, who now offer policies covering mental illness both before and during an overseas trip.
Managing Director David Ringsell is particularly pleased with the company’s new changes, and has been concerned about mental illness not being covered in the past.
“It always seemed rather an anomaly to me that the onset of a mental illness that caused a change of plans or cancellation, or that happened during a trip, was not covered, whereas other illnesses would be, with in fact mental illness remaining uncovered even today by most travel insurance companies,” he said.
And whilst it may come as a surprise to many Aussies that their travel insurance won’t cover mental illnesses, Ringsell thinks policy changes are a step in the right direction.
“I am sure we all know someone affected by mental illness and while mental illness may not be as obvious an illness as say a broken leg or arm, it still deserves to be covered as a valid travel insurance claim,” he added.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
cover-more Easy Travel Insurance mental illness travel travel insuranceLatest News
Australia fails to make top 10 destination list for American travellers
Australia's top cities have failed to make the grade with American travellers this northern summer, with no local city in the top.
APT Launches 2025 Asia Adventures
APT has launched its Asia Adventures for 2025, including new luxury holidays in India, Sri Lanka and Japan. Five new tours lead guests to the highlights of India, including a seven-night cruise along the rarely travelled Lower Ganges aboard the Ganges Voyager. Further south, Sri Lanka’s greatest destinations are revealed on a new 15-day Land […]
ANZAC Battlefield travel on the 2025 bucketlist
As Anzac Day dawns, agents prepare for a surge in bookings for the 110th anniversary of the Anzac Cove landings.
Former Channel 9 Getaway host and founder of TRIBE Jules Lund to speak at Travel DAZE
From blond-tipped travel reporter to Travel DAZE speaker, Jules Lund cuts through the BS.
HX’s Roald Amundsen finds aliens in the Antarctic
Forget whales, HX's MS Roald Amundsen captures aliens in the Antarctic - and they're not pretty.
Mayhem in France as 70% of flights face cancellation
I mean it wouldn't be France if there wasn't at least one strike.
Etihad Airways launches double-decker service with world’s only in-air three-room suite
We imagine falling asleep in the three-room suite is superior to falling asleep on your neighbour's shoulder.
Norwegian Cruise Line launches 2024 Europe travel season
Europe certainly has a lot of ports. Its time for Australia to up its game.
“The power of travel for positive change” – Intrepid’s Jenny Gray hails controversial all-women Saudi Arabia trip
There is an awful lot to love about this tour from Intrepid. Where do we sign up?
Princess names the Sun, unveils Sanctuary Collection + Star Princess to Alaska in ’26
A huge bottle of Veuve was smashed into the side of the ship to make things official. So no, we couldn't snag a glass.
Collette special offers across peak northern summer season
If you are craving a trip to Europe then grab this deal with both of your grubby hands.
Air India and All Nippon codeshare between the two countries
Here at TW we agreed that the photo would have worked better if they had swapped planes.
A&K offers minimum 18 weeks paid parental leave
Contrary to what the photo suggests this benefit is only applicable for humans. Back to work Mrs Jumbo.
NH Hotel Group rebrands as Minor Hotels Europe & Americas
Hang around the bends of the hotels. We imagine they will be full of a lot of branded content.
Scenic Eclipse II – the business of creating unforgettable life-changing memories
These cruise brothers from another mother offer a view of cruising on Scenic Eclipse II that is poles apart.
MSC builds new hospital ship with Mercy Ships
If you want to read a story that puts a smile on your face then this is the one for you.
“I peed on myself watching this” – Social media users squirm at Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of The Seas 55ft dive video
TW is not responsible for any involuntary actions your body might have after watching this video.
FLIGHT REVIEW: Qantas Boeing 787 Dreamliner business class
The real bonus is you're unlikely to be around screaming children. Hoorah!
Traveltek offers travel agents new rapid deploy cruise website
As always, if you have any issue with the platform, just turn it off and on again.
Experience whale watching & classical music at the Australian Festival of Chamber Music in Townsville
Disappointedly, the whales do not start singing in tune with the orchestra. Opportunity missed.
Fond, very Fond. London hotel famed for James Bond link adds ‘Classic Comforts’ lunch menu
James Bond author Ian Fleming was so fond if this hotel, it inspired the legendary phrase ‘shaken, not stirred’.
What sets Eclipse Travel apart with Africa expert Hilary Dubyk: Travel Weekly TV
If you want to know more about Africa, then Hilary Dubyk is your person.
Surge in Australians visiting Japan
Feel like all of your friends have just returned from Europe? Now it's Japan.
Seabourn announces Western Kimberley Traditional Owners as Godparents of Seabourn Pursuit
Seabourn has named Western Kimberley Traditional Owners, the Wunambal Gaambera, as Godparents of the ultra-luxury purpose-built Seabourn Pursuit. It is the first cruise line to appoint Traditional Owners as godparents of a ship. Seabourn Pursuit embarks on its inaugural season in the Kimberley region this June. The naming ceremony will take place on Seabourn Pursuit’s […]
Sydney named 17th best place to work remotely
If you struggle to get a seat within Sydney's coffee shops, you now know why.
W Melbourne grows sales team
We appreciate the thought that has gone into this team photo.
Cunard welcomes new ship Queen Anne
This might be the most impressive ship handover in ship handover history.
Intrepid Travel appoints Yvette Thompson as general manager sales & marketing ANZ
It isn't end-of-day Monday and Yvette Thompson has already nabbed herself an impressive promotion.
Anna Fawcett re-joins Global Touring in newly-created APAC role
With such an impressive CV, Global Touring is no doubt thrilled to have Fawcett back.
“We know our response has been far from perfect” – Emirates’ open letter following Dubai flooding
If you also need to write an apology letter, then this is a pretty good template.
Malolo Island Resort opens brand new Spa
Fiji’s Malolo Island has added another string to its bow – opening its $1.3 million day spa on Thursday, 18th April 2024. (Lead Image: matriarch Rosie Whitton with spa staff) Located at the edge of the resort’s luscious patch of tropical rainforest, the new “Leilani’s Spa” adds another level of elevated experiences to Malolo’s already […]
Virgin Australia’s HILARIOUS second instalment of the ‘Bring on Wonderful’ campaign
We don't use the word 'hilarious' lightly, but this is worthy of the title.
Visit Sunshine Coast reveals new brand identity
If you were looking for another reason to visit the Sunshine Coast then this is it.
Sofitel launches brand campaign starring Sex Education’s Gillian Anderson
We can confirm the content of this video is less spicy than Sex Education.
Holland America Line gives agents the chance to visit Alaska on 11-day Famil
If you've ever wanted to see a Polar Bear (and who doesn't?), now is your time.
More than 65 luxury agents gather in Sydney for Best of the Best dinner
This looks like a fabulous do. We imagine there may be a few (or maybe 65) sore heads this morning!