New data reveals that mental health issues remain the leading cause of income protection claims among doctors.

Behind every claim is a doctor whose health has deteriorated to the point that they can no longer work - with potentially profound consequences for the individual, their family, colleagues and patients.

More than a third (35 per cent) of all income protection claims made by GPs and hospital doctors in 2025 were related to mental health, according to Wesleyan's claims data.

The wider picture is even more stark. Doctors in Distress says that one doctor dies by suicide every three weeks and that doctors have a 24 per cent higher suicide rate than the national average.

Wesleyan has previously supported Doctors in Distress through a charitable donation.

The new three-year partnership represents a long-term commitment to the charity and its work to protect the mental health of healthcare workers, prevent burnout and save lives.

In its first year, the programme is expected to benefit around 19,000 people through mental health, burnout, professional grief and suicide-prevention work.

This includes supporting more than 3,000 doctors through dedicated mental health, burnout and grief programmes, while scaling suicide-prevention initiatives that will bring around 45,000 NHS staff into scope during the year.

The partnership will also help fund confidential peer-support services, advocacy and representation work, and a workplace-improvement programme designed to create healthier working environments across healthcare settings.

Wesleyan's data reveals an especially concerning picture among GPs. Mental health conditions accounted for two-fifths (40 per cent) of GP income protection claims in 2025 - more than twice the proportion attributed to the next most common cause, tumours and malignancies, at 19 per cent.

Among hospital doctors, mental health conditions were also the leading cause of claims, accounting for 30 per cent, followed by musculoskeletal conditions at 25 per cent.

Alec Collie  head of Medical at Wesleyan Financial Services, said:“Our claims data shows that poor mental health remains a serious and enduring issue for doctors, whether they work in general practice or hospital settings.

“Behind every claim is an individual who has reached the point where they are no longer able to work. That can have a profound impact on their health, family, career and finances, as well as consequences for colleagues, patients and an NHS already under considerable pressure.

“Doctors need access to effective support before they reach crisis point. Doctors in Distress does vital work to provide safe, confidential peer support, reduce the stigma associated with seeking help and promote healthier working cultures across the profession.

“This partnership is built on shared values and a shared ambition to improve wellbeing across the medical profession.

“By combining Doctors in Distress's expertise with our longstanding understanding of doctors and the pressures they face, we want to help create lasting change and ensure more people receive support before reaching crisis point.”

Mary Jane Roberts, CEO at Doctors in Distress, said: “Too many doctors are struggling in silence until they reach breaking point. We know that early intervention, confidential peer support and compassionate workplaces can make a life-saving difference.

“This partnership with Wesleyan will enable us to reach many more healthcare professionals over the next three years with the consistent and compassionate support they need before they reach crisis.

“Together, we can expand access to peer support, strengthen suicide prevention, and work with healthcare organisations to create cultures where seeking help is seen as a sign of strength, not weakness.

“Every doctor who is supported to stay well is not only a life changed, but a stronger healthcare system for patients, colleagues and the future of our NHS. We are proud to be working with Wesleyan to make that vision a reality.”

Doctors in Distress is a UK-registered charity working to protect the mental health of healthcare workers and prevent suicide.

It provides confidential peer-support groups, works to reduce the stigma associated with seeking help and campaigns for healthcare organisations to recognise and fulfil their duty of care to staff.