AIA IP and TPD claims data shows that women aged between 40 to 55 have a significantly higher propensity than men to be on claim with a mood disorder. This, along with the spike in claims related to musculoskeletal conditions for women aged 45 to 55, is likely due to menopause and perimenopause. At present, there is a significant lack of support and relevant information for women experiencing menopause-related symptoms, and GPs often have not had the training to equip them to offer specific advice and treatment strategies. This is why AIA is piloting a new Menopause Program.
Through the program, AIA is helping women aged between 40 to 55, who are on income protection claims for symptoms potentially related to menopause, find the right support to enable them to recover. The program will offer eligible claimants four sessions of health coaching that focus on:
- education about perimenopause and menopause and the impact that a reduction in oestrogen has through the various stages
- health issues related to menopause that arise longer term, such as cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, and dementia
- protective lifestyle factors such as exercise, nutrition, sleep, and stress management, and
- signposting to the Australasian Menopause Society (AMS) website to help claimants find a doctor who is trained in menopause.
Collaborating with AMS, AIA’s internal rehabilitation consultants have been trained to ensure they are able to triage customers to the program. The program will then be delivered through selected allied health professionals who have demonstrated experience in women’s health and have received menopause-focused education from AMS.
AIA is committed to helping women live healthier, longer, better lives at all stages, including through menopause and perimenopause. Understanding that women need better support in the health system, this pilot program was developed as a result of the discussions and actions from the roundtable AIA and The University of Melbourne’s Institute for the Future of Business held in October 2023, discussing women’s health at midlife and beyond.
If you or someone you know is experiencing menopause-related symptoms or is seeking support and evidence-based information, please visit the Australasian Menopause Society website here.