Insurers 'adding to suicide relatives' grief'
Insurance companies demanding detailed medical notes on the background of suicide victims are adding to the grief of families, it was claimed today.
Fianna Fáil TD Pat Carey said it was unacceptable that firms were delving into the history of those who took their own life.
The Dublin North West representative believes the move is a gross intrusion of privacy.
“Insurance companies normally request a death cert and a coroner’s report when dealing with claims related to suicide,” said Mr Carey.
“However, it has come to my attention that firms are now going further and delving into the medical history of victims.
“The companies are asking the parents of suicide victims to contact GPs and ask if the victims have been using anti-depressant medication. This is a gross intrusion of privacy and is being made solely in an effort to avoid or lessen insurance pay-outs.
“The actions of the industry is also putting doctors in a difficult position as to whether or not ethically they should be providing such information.”
Mr Carey called for insurance companies to end the practice and vowed to raise the issue with the authorities in charge of policing the insurance industry.
He also demanded a full explanation is given for these actions.
“Dealing with a suicide is a difficult time for any family and insurance investigators have no right to add to the grief of relatives,” added Mr Carey. “A death certificate and the coroner’s report is ample documentation for the purposes of insurance.”
