Globally, stroke is considered to be the second-leading cause of death, and the third-leading cause of death and disability combined. Clearly, it is an important concern for insurers providing life insurance, income protection cover, and total and permanent disability (TPD) cover. 

A stroke occurs when a vessel supplying blood to the brain either becomes blocked (ischaemic stroke) or ruptures and bleeds (haemorrhagic stroke). Both types of stroke cause the death of brain cells, and the outcome depends on the number and position of the cells affected. 

“Diseases of the circulatory, respiratory or nervous system are in the top five causes of claim we see at MetLife,” says Lina Saliba, MetLife Australia’s chief customer and marketing officer.   

At TAL, conditions of the circulatory system, including heart attack and stroke, accounted for 10 per cent of all claims paid in the 12 months to 31 March 2023. “This is consistent with the same period in 2022 and 2021,” says TAL general manager of Health Services, Dr Priya Chagan. 

Advances and trends 

While the annual number of strokes and associated deaths increased globally between 1990 and 2019, deaths in Australia declined by 30 per cent. New Zealand reported a similar trend, with stroke volumes predicted to grow by around 40 per cent in the next decade and mortality rates similarly on the decline. 

This is largely due to advances in emergency treatments, including medication and catheterisation to either dissolve or retrieve blood clots responsible for ischaemic strokes.

However, as the Australian Stroke Foundation points out, this isn’t the end of the story. Those who survive may have to live with challenges such as limited movement and communication, difficulty with balance, ongoing fatigue, loss of concentration, depression and anxiety. 

“Recovery time is influenced by the severity of the stroke and the risk factors of the individual,” says Saliba. “Given this complexity and that risk factors also relate to other health conditions, we don’t single out stroke for exclusion. Having said that, we do apply a health loading for risk factors such as smoking, where appropriate.” 

There is also uncertainty around employment for stroke survivors. 

“The amount of time a stroke victim would need to take off work can range from a few weeks to indefinitely, if there is severe and permanent damage to key areas of the brain,”

says Sally Phillips, head of Health Services, Zurich Australia and New Zealand. “We continue to cover stroke under income protection and, as with any claim, claimants who have had a stroke are treated with an individual and personalised focus.” 

Premium

You need to login to access this

Login

What are CIP Points? About ANZIIF Membership