Sent for independent medical exam , for income protection purposes

T

thewire2020

Registered User
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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
 
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.”
 
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
 
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