If you have private health insurance, you may be able to use it to pay for therapy. Many people do not realise this, or they assume the process will be complicated. In most cases it comes down to a few simple steps. I work with AXA Health, Vitality and WPA, so here is a general guide to getting started.
Is therapy covered by health insurance?
It depends on your insurer and your individual policy. Some policies include talking therapies, some include them only as an optional extra, and some place limits on the number of sessions or the amount that can be claimed. Policies arranged through an employer can also differ from those you have bought yourself.
The only way to be sure is to check with your insurer directly. It is worth doing this before you start, so that there are no surprises later.
Step 1: Check your policy
Look through your policy documents or member area, or call your insurer. Here are some useful questions to ask:
- Does my policy cover talking therapies?
- How many sessions are covered, and is there a financial limit?
- Do I have an excess to pay?
- Do I need a GP referral?
- Is there anything I need to do before my first session?
Step 2: Get your authorisation
Insurers will usually ask you to get authorisation or pre-approval before treatment begins. This often comes in the form of an authorisation code or number. Keep this safe, as you will need it when you book.
Some policies also ask for a GP referral. If yours does, your GP surgery can advise you on how to arrange one. Sorting this out first can help the process go smoothly.
Step 3: Get in touch to book
Once you have the information you need, contact me with the name of your insurer and your authorisation details. Please ask me which of my services can be paid for through your policy, as this will depend on your cover. We can then arrange a time that suits you.
Why use your insurance for therapy?
If you are already paying for private health cover, it makes sense to know what it includes. Using it may reduce what you pay yourself and could make it easier to begin. For some people, knowing that they are covered is what finally helps them to take that first step.
It may also help you to know that your therapy remains a confidential, professional relationship. If you have any concerns about what information an insurer needs, please raise them with me and with your insurer, so that you can make an informed choice.
What if I do not have insurance?
You do not need insurance to see me. My initial consultation is free, and my standard fee is £70 per session. If you are a serving or retired NHS employee, you may also be interested in the HeroPerks discount.
Learning more
You can find the steps set out on my private health insurance page. If you are not sure what sort of therapy you need, my psychotherapy page is a good place to start, and we can also talk it through during a free consultation.
Please remember that this post offers general guidance only. Cover changes from one policy to the next, and your insurer has the final word on what is included. If you are unsure, it is always best to ask before you begin.
Insurance paperwork should not be the thing that stops you from getting support. Take it one step at a time, and feel free to ask me any questions along the way.
Ready to talk? Get in touch to arrange your free, no-obligation consultation. You can call me on 07855 918895, or find me at Suite 5, 7 French Row, St Albans.