Mental health cover in Australian private health insurance has become increasingly important as awareness of mental health issues grows. Understanding what services are covered and how to access them can significantly impact your wellbeing and healthcare costs.
Why Mental Health Cover Matters
Mental health conditions affect millions of Australians, including:
- Anxiety and depression (affecting 1 in 7 Australians)
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Eating disorders
- Bipolar disorder
- Substance use disorders
- Pregnancy and postnatal mental health issues
Mental Health Services Covered
Hospital Cover Mental Health Services
Most hospital policies include:
- Psychiatric hospital admission: Inpatient treatment for severe mental health episodes
- Day patient programs: Intensive outpatient treatment programs
- Rehabilitation services: Mental health recovery programs
- Crisis intervention: Emergency psychiatric care
Extras Cover Mental Health Services
Extras cover typically includes:
- Psychology consultations: Sessions with registered psychologists
- Counselling services: Professional counselling and therapy
- Social worker consultations: Mental health support services
- Occupational therapy: Therapy for mental health-related functional issues
Understanding Coverage Limits
Mental health benefits often have:
- Annual benefit limits: Maximum claim amounts per year
- Session limits: Number of psychology sessions covered
- Provider networks: Preferred psychologists and psychiatrists
- Gap payments: Out-of-pocket costs for services
Compare these limits when choosing between different hospital cover options. Extras cover analysis should include mental health benefits for comprehensive value assessment.
Accessing Mental Health Services
Medicare vs Private Health Insurance
Understanding the difference:
- Medicare: Covers GP mental health plans (up to 20 psychology sessions per year)
- Private insurance: Additional sessions and choice of provider
- Combined approach: Use both Medicare and private insurance for maximum benefit
Learn more about how this fits with your overall understanding of Medicare vs private health insurance.
Getting the Most from Your Mental Health Cover
- Check provider networks: Use preferred providers for better rebates
- Understand referral requirements: Some policies require GP referrals
- Know your annual limits: Plan sessions to maximise benefits
- Consider timing: Mental health support is available year-round
Special Mental Health Considerations
Young Adults and Students
Mental health cover is particularly important for:
- University students facing academic stress
- Young adults transitioning to independence
- Those with family history of mental health conditions
See our guide on health insurance for young adults for age-specific considerations.
Pregnancy and Postnatal Mental Health
Comprehensive coverage should include:
- Antenatal anxiety and depression support
- Postnatal depression treatment
- Couples counselling during pregnancy
- Support for pregnancy loss
Workplace Mental Health Programs
Many employers offer:
- Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs)
- Group health insurance with mental health benefits
- Workplace counselling services
- Mental health first aid training
FAQs
Is mental health cover included in all health insurance policies?
Hospital policies typically include psychiatric hospital treatment, but psychology and counselling services are usually part of extras cover.
How many psychology sessions does private health insurance cover?
Coverage varies by policy, but many extras covers provide benefits for 12-20 psychology sessions per year, in addition to Medicare-subsidised sessions.
Can I claim for online psychology sessions?
Many insurers now cover telehealth psychology sessions, especially after COVID-19. Check your policy terms for specific telehealth coverage.