COVID-19 Long-term disability claim denials

Filing claims for long-term disability benefits as a result of long-lasting COVID-19 symptoms is proving difficult for many Canadians. Insurance companies seem to be denying claims frequently and many virus long-haulers are not sure of their next steps.

Sivan Tumarkin, a Toronto disability lawyer and co-founding partner at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP joined Mike Stafford on Global News Radio’s 640 to break down the difficulties COVID-19 long hauler claimants are facing as well as what their next steps should be.

What They Discussed

What is the basis of insurance companies denying patients with long-lasting COVID-19 symptoms?

Insurers are denying long-term COVID-19 claims that there is not enough information available about the virus. Long-term disability benefits are given purely if a claimant is unable to work and the diagnosis is irrelevant.

Is it common for insurance companies to deny claimants due to new health conditions?

Insurance companies frequently try to deny claims based purely on a diagnosis or a lack of one. Disability policies however are not typically concerned with the diagnosis and instead are focused on a doctor’s recommendation of whether or not a patient is able to work.

Are there more mental health claims filed for disability benefits as a result of COVID-19?

There are more claims related to mental health conditions due to the pandemic as a result of isolation and other factors that have led to depression, anxiety, etc.