Young Australians, particularly young women, are increasingly worried about mental health over other medical problems, according to new health insurance data.
The data showed that young Australians are developing mental health worries at a rate similar to people thrice their age, with women leading this trend.
While it is not unusual for young women to take out insurance in preparation for motherhood, figures from Medibank Private showed that more of these women are getting increasingly concerned they will need health cover for mental illness, news.com.au reported.
Medibank Private said that in the first seven weeks of the year, 216 of their clients upgraded their hospital insurance policy to include mental health cover. Of the number, 58 were under the age of 30, and of that age group, 35 were women.
This data is supported by anecdotal evidence from Medibank shopfronts and call centre engagements with young policyholders, which also showed a growing concern for mental health.
Meanwhile, last year's Ipsos Healthcare research project, involving 1,032 Australians, found that a quarter of young people saw mental health as the number-one “quality of life” factor. This was significantly higher than any other age group, with those aged 65 and over as the only other age group ranking mental illness as their top health concern, the report said.
