AIA Australia has announced a new Premier Partnership with Beyond Blue, amplifying its long‑term commitment to improve the mental health outcomes of Australians.
The insurer says the partnership brings together AIA Australia’s role in the life and health insurance industries with Beyond Blue’s national reach and expertise on mental health.
It says that with a shared focus on prevention and early intervention “…Beyond Blue and AIA Australia will work together to address rising mental health challenges and reduce the number of Australians reaching crisis before seeking help.”
To kick off the partnership, the organisations joined forces with the Melbourne Storm for its Mental Health Round, in an effort to encourage people to ‘Tackle Tough Together’.
…Around 43% of Australians have experienced a mental health condition in their lifetime…
AIA says around 43% of Australians have experienced a mental health condition in their lifetime, with anxiety and depression affecting millions of people across all life stages.
“Despite record levels of public and private investment in mental health care, prevalence continues to rise, reflecting a system that is geared towards acute and crisis care, rather than prevention and early support.”
The insurer has reported an exponential increase in mental health-related claims, with mental health claims rising from around 15% of all disability claims in 2014, to approximately 26% in 2025 – a figure that continues to increase in 2026.
Beyond Blue CEO Georgie Harman AO says accessing support early for yourself or someone you care about can prevent problems escalating.
…too many people aren’t able to get that early support, only getting help once they’re really distressed or in crisis…
“But too many people aren’t able to get that early support, only getting help once they’re really distressed or in crisis – and sometimes struggling for up to 10 years. At the same time, too many Australians simply aren’t getting the support they need, with a system still geared towards responding to crisis rather than preventing it.
“Through this partnership with AIA Australia, Beyond Blue has an opportunity to reach people sooner, meeting them where they are … with effective, practical services and tools before things escalate.”
AIA Australia CEO Damien Mu says he believes the partnership held huge potential to drive meaningful change.
Under the partnership, AIA Australia and Beyond Blue will prioritise:
- Earlier intervention and prevention, including insights, tools and digital solutions that encourage people to seek help sooner
- Workplace mental health – supporting employers to address psychological risks and promote mentally healthier work environments
- Thought leadership and advocacy, including policy reform aimed at reducing systemic barriers to early mental health support
- Community reach and impact, leveraging Beyond Blue’s engagement with one in six Australians each year
Mu said that both organisations were eager to start working closely together and change the narrative on mental health.
…as a nation we have become trapped in a “sick‑care” cycle…
“As a life insurer, we unfortunately see people when their mental health has deteriorated to a point where they are unable to work. What’s currently described as ‘early intervention’ is often happening quite late in someone’s experience and after they’ve lodged a claim.
“We believe that there are many strong opportunities to change this. For example, employers could offer targeted mental health support in the workplace that can deliver real preventative impact.”
He says as a nation “…we have become trapped in a “sick‑care” cycle. By focusing more on early warning signs and underlying contributors, we can support people sooner and reduce the risk of their mental health deteriorating.”
