Whereas insurance companies continue to discriminate against individuals who currently receive or have a history of psychiatric treatment by excluding insurance claims related to psychiatric disorders; And whereas the Canadian Psychiatric Association advocates for the right to obtain insurance without prejudice as justified by Section 15 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms which prohibits discrimination based on a mental or physical disability: Therefore be it resolved that medical insurance, life insurance, disability insurance, automobile insurance, and insurance for protection or replacement of possessions be made available to individuals currently experiencing, or with prior history of, a psychiatric disorder on the same terms and conditions that prevail with any other illness as recommended by The Canadian Psychiatric Association.
Ministry of Finance The Government appreciates that availability and affordability of insurance is important for British Columbia consumers. The concerns raised in the resolution are relatively new. This is the first time the issue has been raised with the Ministry of Finance. While the Government does carefully regulate insurers to ensure their solvency and establishes detailed rules respecting insurance contracts, the Government generally does not intervene in underwriting practices of insurance companies. Currently, the BC Human Rights Code permits insurers to discriminate on the bases of sex, physical or mental disability or age for the determination of premiums or benefits under contracts of life or health insurance. Whether the Human Rights Code or the Insurance Act should be amended to prohibit insurers from discriminating against individuals currently experiencing, or with prior history of, a psychiatric disorder is a complex issue. The issue will be carefully considered in conjunction with the Ministry of Attorney General when the Insurance Act is next reviewed. During such a review, the Ministry would consult with interested stakeholders, such as the Canadian Psychiatric Association and insurance companies. As the Insurance Act was recently comprehensively reviewed, it will likely not be revisited in the next few years. However, the Ministry of Finance will keep the resolution on file for information when the legislation is next being examined.