AIA offers virtual psychology, mental health services for customers

AIA Australia has expanded its wellbeing program with the addition of virtual mental health and psychology services now available to customers and their immediate family members.

The offering, My Psychologist, will see virtual consultations conducted by qualified psychologists from Online Psychologists Australia, who will also be able to provide assistance with referrals for a Mental Health Care Plan with GPs.

AIA Australia said the launch comes after a noted rise in the number of claims submitted for mental health conditions, now accounting for 20 per cent of the life insurer’s ‘claim book’. AIA also found that the proportion of mental health-related claims have grown significantly in the last decade, from one in ten in 2014 to one in four in 2024.

“AIA Australia has a proven commitment to help Australians lead healthier, longer, better lives. We’re proud to announce that we have taken an important step in the life insurance industry to improve access to mental health support in Australia,” Damien Mu, CEO of AIA Australia, said.

“In line with our focus on prevention and health promotion, we recognise the significant impact that seeking the right treatment at the earliest opportunity can have on an individual’s overall health.

“The launch of My Psychologist for our life insurance customers and their immediate family members is a step to address the unprecedented demand for qualified psychological services. This service will ensure users can access mental health support in a timely manner, providing them with a sense of empowerment and professional care during their mental health journey.”

The My Psychologist service joins several other wellbeing and wellness-oriented offerings as part of the life insurer’s AIA Embrace initiative. It aims to provide users with an appointment with a psychologist within seven days for a lower out-of-pocket fee of $60 through Medicare and a Mental Health Care Plan.

The latest General Health of the Nation report from the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) found that psychological issues have maintained its position as the main reason for GP visits since 2017. An Australian Institute of Health and Welfare report from earlier this year found that 30 per cent of adults were accessing support from psychologists, psychiatrists and counsellors, but often have to wait around or longer than three months.

Members of industry superannuation fund, HESTA, will be some of the first to access the My Psychologist service.

“HESTA has more than one million members, many of whom work in the health and community services sector. Due to the demanding nature of their roles, some of these members can often face mental health challenges,” HESTA’s Chief Experience Officer, Lisa Samuels, said.

“This can lead to them taking extended time out of the workforce. HESTA analysis shows that poor mental health can result is in as much as a 27 per cent reduction in members’ super savings at retirement.

“By partnering with AIA Australia in the My Psychologist program, our aim is to better support HESTA members by connecting them with affordable and accessible mental health support, so they can receive help when they need it.”