OLYMPIA, Wash. — The Washington Attorney General claimed a travel insurance company owes $1.5 million to customers who were denied travel insurance because of their mental health.
Attorney General Bob Ferguson claimed insurance company Allianz discriminated against 560 Washingtonians with mental or nervous health disorders. According to Ferguson, Allianz approved claims for physical health conditions but denied claims for mental health.
According to Ferguson's civil rights lawsuit, the investigation covered claim denials from Allianz customers starting from January 2014 to January 2023. The office began its investigation in 2019. The lawsuit said Allianz's policy of denying travel loss coverage because of mental health unfairly discriminated against people with disabilities. People with disabilities are a protected class under the Washington Law Against Discrimination.
“Allianz would accept a claim over a broken foot, but not a life-altering mental health diagnosis — that’s not fair, and it’s not lawful,” Ferguson said. “Mental health conditions are just as real and serious as physical conditions — and both have protection under the law.”
Ferguson said Allianz will fully reimburse Washington customers for travel losses and premiums with interest. The whole payout will cost Allianz $800,000. Allianz also has to pay $700,000 to cover legal fees.
If you believe Allianz denied a claim from you because of mental health, contact the Wing Luke Civil Rights Division by emailing travelinsurance@atg.wa.gov.
DOWNLOAD THE KREM SMARTPHONE APP
DOWNLOAD FOR IPHONE HERE | DOWNLOAD FOR ANDROID HERE
HOW TO ADD THE KREM+ APP TO YOUR STREAMING DEVICE
ROKU: Add the channel from the ROKU store or by searching for KREM in the Channel Store.
Fire TV: Search for "KREM" to find the free app to add to your account. Another option for Fire TV is to have the app delivered directly to your Fire TV through Amazon.
Apple TV: Search "Spokane News from KREM" in the Apple store or follow this link.
