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Written question asked by Afzal Khan (Labour) on Tuesday, 1 September 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 3 September 2026. It was answered by Lucy Rigby (Labour) on Tuesday, 8 September 2026 on behalf of the Treasury.

Insurance: Mental Health

Question

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what action he is taking to tackle discrimination on the basis of mental health conditions in the insurance industry.

Answer

Insurers make commercial decisions about whether to offer cover and on what terms, but they must comply with the Equality Act 2010. The Act recognises some limited exceptions for insurers, including in relation to disability. However, where a mental health condition constitutes a disability, any difference in treatment must be based on relevant, reliable information and be reasonable.

The Financial Conduct Authority’s (FCA) Consumer Duty also requires firms to deliver good outcomes for customers, including those in vulnerable circumstances, and the FCA can act where firms do not comply.

Mental Health was considered as a key theme in the Government’s Financial Inclusion Strategy. The strategy includes measures to support access to insurance, including through improved signposting to specialist providers.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
26094
Session
2026-27
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
Insurance Discrimination Mental health
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk