Sent for independent medical exam , for income protection purposes

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thewire2020

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Wondering if anyone has been in this situation. I’m out of work long term sick 5 years, I luckily have had income protection paid by my work. I have submitted various medical updates as required , recently spoke with their independant psychiatrist and now being sent to a medical physician in a few weeks. I’m suffering with anxiety and depression and recently diagnosed with sleeep apnea. I don’t feel fit for return to work however I’m just wondering if anyone has had a similar situation and for how long did they continue to pay income protection.

I’m single with the usual outgoings etc I was awarded invalidity pension and then 50% of my salary . I’m age 54 and am extremely anxious, please be kind if you can reply. I know I have been lucky in receiving a partial salary. Just wondering where do I go from here , will they just fire me if I’m not able to return
 
Check the terms of your income protection policy; how long does it cover you for and does it say unable to do your regular work or any work.

Answer only the questions you are asked.

Do not volunteer information.

If you are asked anything that might be a medical question, refer them to your medical consultants.
 
Yes social welfare invalidity pension and the company match the difference to get me to 75% of my salary , I worked there for 10 years before going out sick . It’s the insurance company who are sending me to an independent medical exam

I’ve never seen the terms and conditions of the policy so I cant say for sure -

it does say the following on the emails they send me

“
be payable as long as the following definition of disability as required under the policy is satisfied:

“The member’s inability to perform the material and substantial duties of their normal insured occupation as a result of their illness or injury; upon occurrence of which the benefit under the policy becomes payable, after the deferred period. The member must not be engaged in any other occupation.”

As you may be aware, in order to determine whether you satisfy this definition of disablement under the policy we require an Independent Medical Examination to take place.”
 
Good, its your normal work & not any work.

The other thing you need to check is duration.

Most policies have a finite time they will pay for.
 
I was in your shoes years ago and was crippled with anxiety at the thought of returning to work.
I was out for four years due to an auto immune diagnosis which was resolved with biological medications.
I'm back almost 15 years and have been very fortunate with career growth and a new lease of life.
Honestly those regular reviews with corporate health probably contributed to my anxiety.

Wishing you good health.
 
I agree it is very cruel for those suffering a mental health illness feeling they need to justify their illness at reviews.

The insurance company are just doing their due diligence in checking regularly that those availing of the income protection still require it. I have a friend in the same situation for about 15 years and these review stress their mental health so much they get worse. Your GP and consultants have you on the best treatment for your condition and the other medical professionals will be very slow to disagree with them. At most they might suggest other treatments which your own medical team probably have already considered or tried.

So concentrate on your own health and continue following your medical team advice.

If the medical assessments come to a different conclusions to your medical team there are many steps to be taken before your company would say to you either come back to work or leave.

Best of luck
 
Thank you all for replying , I have spent time in St Pats in Dublin and while I had a good experience there Im not keen on returning! My appointment is in 3 weeks in Dublin I’ll be sure to update you when I know the outcome
. I never thought this would be me and my life but here I am . I’m doing my best to recover but some days are tough.
I’m meeting my own psychiatrist on Tuesday for my 6 month review and I meet my GP every three months
Thanks again
 
The income protection is paid until you either return to work or you reach the retirement age under the policy.

Being sent for an independent medical is a normal part of these policies when someone is out on a claim. Income protection plans can cost the insurer hundreds of thousands of euro, so they are just checking that a person is still unable to work. It is normal and nothing to worry about. If you are still unable to work, it won't be an issue. Just tell the doctor how you are feeling. They won't force you back to work.


Steven
http://www.bluewaterfp.ie (www.bluewaterfp.ie)
 
Bog standard as some other posters have said, usually driven by the insurances companies contract with your employers as much as anything else. Your employer also still has a duty of care to you so they are ticking the correct boxes. It should be nothing to be concerned about. Very hard to force you back to work although don't be surprised if they do start asking if you think you are up to it, perhaps on a part time basis initially. Those are the standard type of things they will ask and you are better to be prepared for them and think through your answers in advance.
 
If someone is on income protection and is given ill health early retirement does that mean they continue the cover until retirement? As they can't return to their original role?

What about if they take up some self employed work for 1 hour per week?
 
Depends on the policy.

Also re time limit referenced earlier; income protection can be provided by an employer as part of benefits package, check the terms for max duration.

Its not a given that these policies pay out for decades.
 
flyingfolly said:
If someone is on income protection and is given ill health early retirement does that mean they continue the cover until retirement? As they can't return to their original role?

What about if they take up some self employed work for 1 hour per week?
Click to expand...
AS Danny says, depends on the policy. But typically income protection cover ceases when you retire and is replaced by your retirement pension.

Once you're retired you are entitled to your pension. It shouldn't be jeopardised by you taking up other work with a different employer.
 
Thank you all for replying I do appreciate it,
I’m living in Co cork and my appointment is in Blackrock clinic in Dublin three weeks today.
 
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