We’ll be covering what mental health insurance is, what is included in mental health cover, who offers it, what type of mental illnesses are covered and how you can make your cover work for you.
What Is Mental Health Insurance?
With more people wanting more wellbeing support, mental health insurance has become increasingly popular over the past few years. Mental health insurance refers to the portion of a health insurance policy that covers diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing support for mental health conditions. The cover is in place to ensure that your mental wellbeing is looked after just as much as your physical wellbeing.
With more people getting diagnosed or suffering with mental health issues it has become increasingly important to help ensure mental illnesses like; depression, bipolar disorder, PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder) and more are treated when people need them.
This type of insurance is often part of broader private health insurance policies and will be included in different levels of cover depending on the health insurance provider.
What Is Included in Mental Health Insurance Cover?
Consultations and Diagnosis
Many policies cover initial consultations with a GP or mental health specialist to diagnose conditions. This may include:
- Psychiatric evaluations
- Psychological assessments
- Second opinions
This is often the first step toward getting effective mental health help!
Private Psychiatry and Psychological Therapy
If your policy includes private psychiatry, you may have access to consultations with psychiatrists or clinical psychologists who can prescribe medication or offer therapy. This might include:
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
- Counselling sessions
- EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) for PTSD
These services are typically capped per year or limited by the number of sessions, we recommend reviewing your policy to ensure you’re aware of any caps or limitations.
In-Patient and Day-Patient Care
Some comprehensive mental health insurance plans cover inpatient treatment at a private facility, including:
- Residential stays for acute episodes
- Crisis stabilisation
- Day-patient programmes that offer structured support without overnight stays
This is commonly found within most comprehensive policies. If you are unsure about the differences between inpatient and outpatient care we have guides that can help you understand more.
Medication
While most policies do not cover prescription drugs obtained from your GP, they may cover medications prescribed during a hospital stay or private psychiatric treatment. Always check the details of your cover.
Ongoing Monitoring and Follow-up
Some policies offer continued support, including follow-up consultations, check-ins, and progress reviews with a mental health professional.
What Isn’t Typically Covered?
Mental health insurance can be incredibly valuable, but like all health insurance providers there are some things that will not be covered, depending on the provider. These are commonly excluded from mental health insurance cover:
- Pre-existing mental health conditions
- Crisis care in NHS emergency departments
- Medications prescribed outside of inpatient care
- Non-evidence-based therapies (e.g., hypnotherapy, unless specifically included)
Like all health insurance cover please check the policy you get to ensure that you are aware of what you are covered for as some of these could be covered with some insurance providers however, it isn’t common practice.
Who Offers Mental Health Insurance in the UK?
Several major insurers offer mental health coverage, either within their standard health insurance policies or as add-ons. Some of our providers do offer mental health coverage to varying levels of cover.
Bupa
Bupa offers extensive private healthcare mental health services, including online therapy, in-person counselling, and 24/7 helplines. Mental health cover is also included in most of their core plans.
AXA Health
AXA provides flexible mental health cover, including up to 30 sessions of counselling of CBT per year, depending on the plan.
Vitality
Vitality includes mental health benefits as part of its wellness-based plans. Their approach often rewards users for maintaining mental and physical health.
Aviva
Aviva‘s private health insurance includes a strong mental health offering, with access to psychologists and psychiatrists, though limits may apply.
Can You Claim Benefits for Depression and Anxiety in the UK?
If you’re asking, “What benefits can I claim for depression and anxiety in the UK?”, there are a few state-provided options available, outside of private health insurance:
- Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) if you’re too ill to work
- Universal Credit if you have low income and need help with living costs
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP) for those with long-term mental health issues that affect daily living
- Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) for those unable to work due to health conditions
Private mental health insurance can supplement these options by providing faster access to diagnosis and treatment.
Is Mental Health Insurance Worth It?
Like with all health insurance the question of “is it worth it?” comes up a lot, and the honest answer is always, does it fit you needs and does it work for you. Which is why we are highlighting the benefits of mental health insurance so you can be aware of the benefits it can have in your day-to-day life:
- Faster access to support: Rather than waiting weeks or months for NHS therapy, you can speak to a specialist quickly.
- Greater choice of therapists: You can choose the type of therapy and the practitioner who suits you best, whether that’s private psychiatry or talking therapies.
- Discreet and private: Private treatment ensures confidentiality and can be more comfortable than discussing mental health issues in public settings.
- Workplace impact: Employers offering mental health insurance as a benefit can help reduce absenteeism, boost morale, and retain talent.
- Holistic wellbeing: Many policies now include wellness apps, digital GP services, and mindfulness tools, making it easier to manage your overall mental and emotional health.
Things to Consider Before Buying
Having covered everything to do with mental health insurance, it is worth considering how it can benefit you and what it has to offer. However everyone looks at things differently, so it’s important to consider what is right for you, including:
- Coverage limits: Are there session caps or yearly limits?
- Pre-existing conditions: These are often not covered.
- Access to providers: Can you choose your own psychiatrist or psychologist?
- Claim process: Most mental health treatment is direct pay meaning you will have to cover the cost yourself, be sure to check what is included in your cover with your provider.
Get The Right Mental Health Plan
Mental health is just as important as physical health, and most insurers are finally reflecting that in their policies. From therapy and psychiatry to inpatient treatment and ongoing care, mental health insurance can play a critical role in helping you or your loved one’s access timely, quality support.
If you’re in need of mental health help or are considering going down the private healthcare mental health route, insurance could be a worthwhile investment. Just be sure to review what’s covered, compare providers, and consider whether it complements any NHS or state-provided services you currently receive.
Healthplan have plenty of mental health insurance providers as partners and can compare their insurance for you, if your considering comparing a quote or need more information get in contact with our team.
FAQs
What is mental health insurance and how does it work?
Mental health insurance is a type of private healthcare cover that provides access to mental health services such as therapy, counselling, and inpatient care. It typically requires a referral from a GP and covers part or all the cost, depending on your policy.
What benefits can I claim for depression and anxiety in the UK?
If your mental health condition affects your daily life or ability to work, you may be eligible for benefits such as Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Universal Credit with a limited capability for work element, or Employment and Support Allowance (ESA).
Does private healthcare cover mental health treatment?
Yes, many private healthcare plans in the UK now include mental health insurance as part of their core or optional cover. This can include private psychiatry, therapy sessions, and inpatient care, depending on the provider and policy level.
Can I access private psychiatry through mental health insurance?
Most comprehensive mental health insurance policies allow access to private psychiatry. This usually includes initial consultations, diagnosis, treatment planning, and follow-up appointments, subject to benefit limits and policy terms.
Who offers mental health insurance in the UK?
Major providers such as Bupa, AXA Health, Vitality, Aviva, and Freedom Health Insurance offer plans that include mental health cover. Coverage levels vary, so it’s important to compare benefits and limitations before choosing a policy.
Sources
https://www.axahealth.co.uk/health-insurance/mental-health-insurance
https://www.vitality.co.uk/health-insurance/core-cover/mental-health-cover
https://www.bupa.co.uk/health/health-insurance/mental-health
https://www.freedomhealthinsurance.co.uk/health-insurance-with-mental-health-cover
https://www.turn2us.org.uk/about-us/news-and-media/latest-news/mental-health-and-welfare-benefits
https://www.gov.uk/employment-support-allowance
