Zurich Australia has projected a significant rise in the prevalence and impact of mental health conditions warning the trend will place growing pressure on individuals, support networks, and the country’s economy.
The firm released the projections during its fourth Mental Health Roundtable, which brought clinical experts, civil society groups, and industry representatives together to discuss trends in diagnosis, treatment, resilience, and the evolving role of life insurance.
A survey carried out for Zurich, The Value of mental Health, reveals that anxiety disorders are projected to account for more than half (56%) of recorded mental health conditions by 2030, growing at an average rate of around 6% per year – faster than any other condition. The firm states that most other mental health conditions grow more slowly (2% per year or less), with some declining.
In addition, the report states that mental health conditions are most common among people aged 15 to 34, with close to one in three estimated to be living with a condition, and prevalence peaking at around 39% among those aged 20 to 24.
Safety net
Justin Delaney, CEO of Zurich Australia, said: “After the Government, life insurance is the largest financial safety net for Australians with mental health conditions.
“Our data shows that prevalence is rising, which is putting significant pressure on individuals and their quality of life, informal and formal support networks, and the broader economy.”
Delaney said disability insurance products played an important role in supporting people with mental health conditions, but acknowledged product suitability had become increasingly complex.
“Our recent roundtable was a great opportunity to collectively explore product redesign possibilities, and understand how any proposed changes could integrate with, or impact, other parts of the mental health ecosystem,” he said.
Since the previous Zurich Mental Health Roundtable in November 2025, the firm has:
• Introduced a new social support rehabilitation program for vulnerable claimants and those with mental health conditions
• Launched a pilot program with a mental health telemedicine provider aimed at improving specialist access and efficiency for psychiatric assessments; and
• Committed to a chronic pain management pilot program that recognises mental health as a contributing factor in pain outcomes
The May 2026 roundtable was attended by representatives from the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists, Lifeline Australia, SANE Australia, Gotcha4Life, This Way Up, Bupa, Spectrum.Life, and It Pays to Care.
The six countries featured in its survey are; Australia, Chile, Germany, Malaysia, the UAE, and the UK.
Click here for the full report.
