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Man’s Insurance Claim Denied Over Mental Health Issues

March 5th, 2016  |  News

A Toronto man is out $6,600 because his insurance company won’t cover a trip he cancelled because of his mental health issues.

According to CTV, the man who asked to be identified as “John”, is bipolar, suffering from severe anxiety and panic attacks. Weeks before his trip, John experienced experienced mood swings and extreme anxiety, prompting his doctor to suggest cancelling the trip.

Having thought ahead, John had already purchased a travel insurance policy that would cover trip cancellation in the event of sickness or injury. However, when he cancelled his trip his insurance company told him that in their eyes mental illness does not constitute a medical condition.

Despite it being a well documented medical issue, Manulife told CTV “We will not pay for losses for…an emotional or mental disorder (except an acute psychosis) that does not require admission to a hospital.”

The incident is an example of how those suffering from mental health issues are often discriminated against in daily life and in ways many people would not expect.

John has the option of appealing his claim, however for those looking for insurance of any kind it’s important to carefully read and understand your policy’s conditions to ensure the coverage is actually right for you.