A first in Belgium: burnout insurance

Insurance company Baloise has launched a new type of insurance policy to protect workers from income loss due to burnout. The policy is targeted at individuals, including both employees and the self-employed, reports Trends.be.

Through its new policy, Baloise offers a guaranteed income in the form of a year-long financial compensation for disability when burnout is diagnosed, a first in Belgium, according to Het Laatste Nieuws.

"Some insurers also offer a guaranteed income, but only after a waiting period of one year. Our policy is unique because it already comes into force after 30 days," said Baloise spokesman Bart Walraet. Thirty days is typically how long an employee is entitled to continue getting paid while unable to work due to illness. After that, they are entitled to a replacement income, which is usually much lower than their income. Many people with burnout are therefore also faced with financial problems, according to Het Laatste Nieuws, while they are on average 189 days away from work.

According to the spokesman, the new policy fits into a larger trend of modern health conditions, such as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS). "Our policies were due for renewal, so we examined the trends and we saw a clear increase in these types of conditions," said Walraet. According to him, about one-third of prolonged work absences are due to burnout.

Since September 1, burnout is legally recognised in Belgium, and employers are required to take steps to protect their employees.