• Home
  • About
    • Privacy Policy
    • Write for Australian Women Online
  • Advertise With Us
  • Horoscopes
  • Style
  • Shoe Boutique
  • eFashion
  • Weight Watchers Australia

Australian Women Online

Business, career, health and lifestyle content for women

  • Home
  • BLOG
  • BOOKS
  • BUSINESS
  • CAREER
  • COOKING
  • HEALTH
  • LIFESTYLE
    • Automotive
    • Beauty
    • Fashion
    • Pets
    • Relationships
    • Your Home
    • Your Money
  • TECHNOLOGY
  • TRAVEL
    • Discount Holidays
You are here: Home / HEALTH / Australian court says Insurance cannot discriminate against people with mental illness

Australian court says Insurance cannot discriminate against people with mental illness

20 December 2015 by Australian Women Online

Share this:

  • Tweet
  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email
  • More
  • Share on Tumblr
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window) Reddit
  • Click to print (Opens in new window) Print
  • Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window) WhatsApp

Australian court says Insurance cannot discriminate against people with mental illnessA recent decision by the Human Rights Division of the Victoria Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) found that QBE Insurance discriminated against Ella Ingram when the insurer refused to pay her travel insurance claim because of a blanket exclusion for mental illness in the policy she purchased.

The VCAT decision will have huge implications for the insurance industry in Australia, who have included these type of exclusions in their policies for many years.

On 18th December 2015 the Human Rights Division of the Victoria Civil and Administrative Tribunal delivered its findings regarding the case of Ella Ingram vs QBE Insurance. The Tribunal found in favour of Ms Ingram, awarding her financial compensation.

Ella Ingram took out travel insurance with QBE in 2011 ahead of a school trip to the USA. However, in the months leading up to the scheduled trip she experienced depression for the first time in her life. Following treatment and advice from family and medical practitioners, she was not able to travel as planned and sought to claim the cost of her trip against her travel insurance. QBE rejected this claim on the basis of a blanket exclusion for mental health in the policy she purchased.

VCAT found that QBE “engaged in unlawful discrimination when it included a mental illness exclusion in the policy issued to Ms Ingram and when it denied her indemnity relying on that exclusion”.

The decision is a huge step forward for reducing the stigma of mental illness in our society.

“While this case will have big implications for the insurance sector generally, it also highlights the stigma and discrimination that people with mental illness experience in many aspects of life,” Mental Health Australia Policy Director Josh Fear said.

“The decision sends a clear message to the insurance industry that it is not okay to discriminate against people on the basis of mental illness. We have been working hard in this area for years, and this case reflects the significant work by Mental Health Australia, beyondblue and other organisations to bring attention to how insurers deal with mental illness.”

“The case itself has been a true David and Goliath struggle, and we are both proud and honoured to be associated with Ms Ingram,” said Mr Fear.

“Her courage and determination in standing up for her legal rights against a large company is an inspiration to many. We hope others who have experienced discrimination based on their mental illness will take heart from this decision and consider taking action themselves.”

“We also hope this outcome will encourage insurers to seek ways to provide fair access to insurance products for people who experience mental illness. We look forward to working with any insurance company to help them do so.”

You May Also Like:

Filed Under: HEALTH, TRAVEL, Uncategorized

Ads by Google
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

New Content

  • Women in Wagering: How the Industry is Finally Tapping Female Players
  • Demolition Safety: 10 Essential Safety Tips and Guidelines
  • The Best E-Scooters in Australia: Features to Look For in 2025
  • Tips for Lingerie Shopping
  • The Checklist: How to Maintain a Commercial Vehicle
  • Safe and Fast: Payment Methods Used by Aussie Online Casino Players
  • Shade Without the Struggle: The Pergola That Makes Sense
  • Creating a Supportive Work Environment with Mental Health and Wellbeing Services
  • 10 Questions You Should Ask to Find the Right Pop-up Camper for You
  • Kangaroo Island Volunteers Pursue Ambitious Dream to Recreate Historic 19th Century Sailing Ship

Popular Content

  • Moore Weekly Stars
  • Women Who Have Become Gambling Legends
  • The Best E-Scooters in Australia: Features to Look For in 2025
  • Sexy and Stylish Short Hairstyles for Women Over 60
  • CHARLES & KEITH Large Geometric Handbag
  • Write for Australian Women Online
  • Senso Cassie Sandals
  • Weight Watchers Australia coupons, flash sales and discounts on joining fees & plans
  • These are Australia's biggest female esports players
  • Cookbook: CWA Classics by the Country Women’s Associations of Australia

Australian Women Online © Copyright 2007 - 2025 Deborah Robinson ABN 38 119 171 979 · All Rights Reserved