Moving The Dial On Mental Health

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We believe there is more our industry can do to support people living with mental health conditions.

We believe there is more our industry can do to support people living with mental health conditions. Our passionate team of global experts is working to share their knowledge, challenge existing practices and develop new solutions to help foster a more inclusive approach to mental health.

Patricia Bailer

Global Chief Claims Officer – Life & Health

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Pat is Gen Re’s Global Chief Claims Officer, responsible for the claims risk management leadership for Gen Re’s Life & Health organization. This includes oversight of the claims discipline in 38 offices in 22 countries with breadth of knowledge encompassing Group and Individual Disability, Life, Critical Illness, Medicare Supplement and Long Term Care products. Pat utilizes her significant industry experience to help clients manage risk and improve business performance. Pat studied at Capella University and earned both a B.A. and M.A. in Psychology from Washington International University.

Dr. Chris Ball

Consulting Medical Advisor

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Dr. Chris Ball is a Consultant Psychiatrist and has worked with Gen Re for 20 years. In addition to providing underwriting and claims advice, he contributes to product development, education and training, and the development of underwriting manuals. Formerly Chris was Clinical Director with the South London and Maudsley NHS Trust. His interest in mental health and insurance medicine developed after initial training in primary care.

Mary Enslin

Life/Health Segment Claims Manager

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Mary Enslin is the Segment Claims Manager for Gen Re’s Life & Health business in Canada, South Africa, United Kingdom and Ireland. She can answer your queries on claims trends and research and advise on Life, Disability, Critical Illness, Long Term Care and Health products. She is a qualified Occupational Therapist and has a special interest in the impact of mental health and long-term disability on work.

Annika Luckmann

Research Underwriting Manager

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Annika Luckmann works as a Senior Global Underwriter and Medical Research Specialist for Global Underwriting and R&D, Cologne. As a psychologist and neuroscientist, she combines an appreciation for research with a keen eye to assess complex risks and conducts global quality control and assurance. Annika contributes to the development of Gen Re’s underwriting manuals, focusing on medical risks with a particular spotlight on mental health. In addition, she provides research, consulting, and support for international clients.

Johannes Schmidt

Claims Management

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Johannes (Psychologist, M.Sc.) is an experienced psychological assessor who has been working in the Claims Management Team Cologne since 2018. In addition to his numerous lectures and articles, his focus is on the examination of complex and legally contentious medical issues.

Thea Weyers

Regional Chief Underwriter

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Thea Weyers is the Regional Chief Underwriter of Gen Re South Africa. She is a qualified Occupational Therapist and has been with Gen Re for 12 years. She joined the Gen Re Underwriting team in 2010 as a senior underwriter. Thea moved to the Business Development team in 2019 where she spearheaded Gen Re’s mental health framework development, and the shift to simplified and digitized products in our client base. Prior to joining Gen Re she worked at a direct insurer as a disability claims assessor.

Zoe Woodroffe

Head of Pricing and Research, UK & Ireland

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Zoe Woodroffe heads up Gen Re UK & Ireland’s Pricing and Research team. She is responsible for pricing delivery and general research and development across group and individual product lines. Zoe has over 10 years’ experience in the UK re/insurance market and has held numerous pricing and business development roles. Zoe is a Fellow of the Institute & Faculty of Actuaries.

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The Depression Claims Wizard – A Gen Re Digital Tool for Depression Claims Management

Gen Re is passionate about sharing our mental health expertise with our clients and launched the Depression Claims Wizard – a new digital tool designed to assist claims assessors in deepening their understanding of depression claims. We believe, the DCW is a unique and helpful addition to any claims assessor’s toolkit, allowing them to manage depression claims with confidence.

Dr. Sandra Mitic, Mary Enslin May 12, 2022

Publication

Digital Addiction and the Insurance Risk Landscape

Digital addiction, driven by compulsive use of digital tools, impacts physical health, increasing risks like sleep disruption, musculoskeletal issues, and cardiovascular disease. Insurers face challenges in claims due to complex symptoms and evolving litigation, requiring informed risk management.

Nathan Flaus July 14, 2026

Publication

Always On: Understanding New Age Addictions and Their Implications for Disability Insurance

Tech-driven behavioral addictions like smartphone, gaming, and social media use are reshaping insurance. As mental health risks rise, insurers face new challenges in claims and risk assessment. Discover how the industry is adapting to this evolving landscape.

Mary Enslin October 10, 2025

Publication

Dying Gracefully – Legal, Ethical, and Insurance Perspectives on Medical Assistance in Dying

As medical assistance in dying becomes more common and legally regulated globally, insurers face new challenges in underwriting, claims handling, and policy wording. We examine legal, ethical, and operational considerations, including suicide clauses and advance care planning.

Annika Luckmann, Dr. Chris Ball, Dr. John O’Brien September 25, 2025

Publication

Working From Home or Living at Work?

Burnout shows the impact of chronic workplace stress and highlights individual resilience. Personal strategies like setting boundaries and prioritising rest are essential but need systemic support. Organisations must reshape culture, address root causes, and prioritize well-being.

Mary Enslin May 28, 2025

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We believe there is more our industry can do to support people living with mental health conditions. Our passionate team of global experts is working to share their knowledge, challenge existing practices and develop new solutions to help foster a more inclusive approach to mental health.

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Read More on Mental Health

Find out more about our work on mental health, opportunities to collaborate, and upcoming training activities in your region.