Stress, anxiety and depression being at the forefront of many health concerns of the modern day, so o you know whether your private medical insurance would cover you for any claims and treatment relating to mental health?
Mental health issues really could affect anyone. Certain life events or situations could trigger a seriously negative effect over a person’s emotional and psychological wellbeing.
People who have private medical insurance in the UK may have the benefit of mental health cover included in their cover.
If you have psychiatric cover then this is great news as you will at least be able to see a professional quickly and start getting the help that you need.
What would be classed as a mental health or psychiatric condition?
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Anorexia nervosa
- Alcoholism
- Drug addiction
- Bipolar
- Panic Attacks
The above list is certainly not exhaustive as there are many different conditions that fall within the mental health spectrum.
Mental Health cover on private medical insurance
Each insurer would have their own terms and conditions in relation to mental health however Bupa have really extended their mental health cover in 2019. Bupa now include treatment for addiction. Their members can also call the specific Bupa helpline rather than waiting for a GP referral appointment for mental health issues. This is providing that your condition is not an exclusion on your policy.
Bupa also offer a family mental health line, giving the members family access to professional support.
https://www.bupa.co.uk/health/health-insurance/mental-health
In-Patients mental health cover on private medical insurance
For serious cases on mental health illness, it may be necessary to spend a period of time in a specialist mental health hospital such as the Priory in Roehampton. You should be aware that your policy may have limitations either on a time or monetary value.
AXA PPP are really an exception to this rule as they provide unlimited inpatient cover for eligible mental health treatment.
https://www.axappphealthcare.co.uk/small-business/products/mental-health/
Out-patients cover on private medical insurance
The out-patient cover would be there to cover you for specialist consultations with a psychiatrist, psychologist or cognitive behavioural therapist. There are many other therapists qualified to treat mental health conditions. Again, you may have monetary limits applied to your mental health treatment on an annual basis.
Helplines available on private medical insurance policies.
Most of the UK health insurance providers offer helplines for their clients. By using these it will help them before the issues that they face escalate into something more serious. These counselling helplines are often provided on a 24/7 basis. No matter what time of the day, insured members can pick up the phone and speak to someone who can help.
Health cash plans which are a far lower cost policy will offer a stress and counselling helpline for their members.
Exclusions on private medical insurance relating to mental health
Policy wordings are subject to change and each health insurance provider will have their own terms and conditions and general exclusions.
Mental health issues increasing and the trend seems to be that insurers are really looking to help their members by including elements that would previously have been excluded.
It is always a good idea to check your own insurer’s stance when it comes to claiming for mental health conditions.
Exclusions could include:
- Self- inflicted injury
- Sleep apnoea
- Sleep disorders
- Addictions and substance abuse
- Suicide attempts
The team at SMP Healthcare are more than happy to help you find a policy that offers cover for mental health conditions. We can explain to you the differences between the options from providers.
If you would like to work with an experienced broker who can help you find a policy to suit the needs of you, your family or your business, please contact us on 01245 929129 or by email enquiries@smphealthcare.com