MLC Life Insurance has expanded its free medical advice service to cover mental health conditions including depression, stress and anxiety.

The Mental Health Navigator is an extension of its Best Doctors service, which offers second opinions from doctors and specialists.

A mental health nurse will guide customers and arrange video consultations with clinical psychologists and psychiatrists if required.

“[The navigator] is a confidential, specialist mental health service that advisers can offer to customers and their families at no cost, and they don’t need to make an insurance claim to use it,” Chief Customer Officer for Retail Advised Insurance Melissa Heyhoe said.

“As a life insurer, we want to ensure our customers are receiving the right help to manage and treat any mental health condition they are experiencing.” 

More than 20% of MLC’s claims management relates to mental health – mostly depression, stress and anxiety.