Using Your Private Health Insurance to Access Therapy: A Complete UK Guide
You might be surprised to learn that you already have access to private therapy sessions through health insurance you didn't even know you had. Many people discover they're covered through a family member's policy or their employer's benefits package, yet they've never used this valuable resource for their mental health.
If you're considering therapy but worried about the cost, or if you're ready to prioritise your wellbeing but unsure where to start, understanding how to navigate private health insurance could open doors you didn't know existed.
The Hidden Coverage You Might Already Have
Before exploring individual insurance options, it's worth checking whether you're already covered. You might have access through:
Your employer's group policy Many companies provide private health insurance as part of their benefits package. Check with HR or look through your employee handbook. Sometimes this coverage extends to mental health services, including therapy and counselling.
A family member's policy If you're married or in a civil partnership, you may be covered under your partner's policy. Adult children are sometimes covered under their parents' insurance until a certain age, and some policies include coverage for dependents.
Professional associations Some professional bodies offer group insurance schemes that include mental health coverage.
You might have been paying into these schemes for years without realising therapy was available to you.
Does Health Insurance Cover Therapy in the UK?
Yes, most UK private health insurance policies do cover therapy, but the extent of coverage varies significantly between providers and policies.
Most insurers include what's called "psychiatric benefit" or mental health coverage, which typically covers:
Counselling sessions with qualified therapists
Psychotherapy for anxiety, depression, and other psychological conditions
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and other therapeutic approaches
Trauma therapy including EMDR
Stress management and workplace counselling
The key UK insurers that commonly cover therapy include BUPA, AXA PPP Healthcare, WPA, Aviva, and several others, though each has different processes and coverage limits.
The Pros of Using Private Health Insurance for Therapy
Faster access Private insurance typically means shorter waiting times compared to NHS services. You can often start therapy within weeks rather than months, with 92% of NHS patients starting therapy within six weeks, but private insurance often offers even quicker access.
Choice and control Unlike some NHS pathways, you can choose your therapist based on their specialisation, approach, or simply whether you feel they're the right fit for you. This choice can be crucial for building the therapeutic relationship that's so important for meaningful change.
Flexible scheduling Private therapy often offers evening and weekend appointments, making it easier to fit sessions around work and family commitments.
Extended sessions Many private therapists offer longer sessions than the standard NHS 50 minutes, giving you more time to explore and process.
Continuity of care You're more likely to see the same therapist consistently, allowing for deeper therapeutic work and stronger therapeutic relationships.
Specialist approaches Access to specific therapeutic modalities like EMDR, somatic therapy, or integrative approaches that might not be readily available through NHS services.
The Potential Drawbacks to Consider
Limited sessions Most insurance policies cap the number of therapy sessions per year, typically between 6 and 20 sessions. While this might be sufficient for specific issues, longer term therapeutic work may require additional private funding.
Pre-authorisation requirements You'll usually need approval from your insurer before starting therapy.
Restricted therapist networks Most insurers limit you to their approved provider lists, though this doesn't mean you have to choose from their suggestions (more on this below).
Documentation requirements Insurance companies often require reports from your therapist to process session extensions.
Policy variations Not all policies are equal. Some may exclude certain conditions or types of therapy, so it's essential to check your specific coverage.
How to Access Therapy Through Your Insurance: Step by Step Guide
The process is more straightforward than many people expect, but knowing the steps can save you time and frustration.
Step 1: Check your mental health coverage Call your insurance provider (the number is usually on your insurance policy documents or on their website) and ask specifically about mental health benefits or psychiatric benefit coverage. Ask about:
How many therapy sessions are covered per year
Whether you need a GP referral
The process for pre-authorisation
Your excess payment requirements
Which types of therapy are covered (psychotherapy, counselling, CBT)
Step 2: Understand the pre-authorisation process Most insurers require pre authorisation before you start therapy. This typically involves:
Completing a brief form about why you're seeking therapy
Sometimes having a telephone assessment with the insurer
Receiving a pre-authorisation code that you'll give to your chosen therapist
Understanding any session limits or time restrictions
Don't let this step put you off. It's usually much simpler than it sounds and most insurers process these requests quickly.
Step 3: Find the right therapist for you Here's something many people don't realise: you don't have to choose from the list of therapists or companies your insurance company suggests. While they might provide recommendations, you're free to find your own therapist as long as they:
Are appropriately qualified and registered with bodies like UKCP, BACP, or HCPC
Accept your specific insurance provider and are recognised by them
Can provide the pre-authorisation code to your insurer for direct billing
This freedom means you can choose someone who specialises in your particular concerns, uses an approach that resonates with you, or simply feels like the right fit.
Major UK Insurers and Therapy Coverage
AXA PPP Healthcare therapy Typically covers therapy sessions with pre authorisation, often allowing you to choose your own therapist if they meet their criteria. AXA covers both short term and longer term therapeutic interventions.
Bupa therapy cover
Bupa policies commonly include cover for talking therapies, usually with pre authorisation. Clients are often able to choose their own therapist, provided the therapist is registered with Bupa and meets their clinical criteria. Cover may include short to medium term therapy depending on your policy.
WPA therapy coverage Usually provides mental health benefits including therapy, with flexibility in choosing practitioners. WPA has particularly rigorous vetting processes for their approved therapists.
Aviva therapy benefits Offers mental health coverage that often includes therapy sessions, though coverage varies by policy type. Aviva typically requires pre authorisation for psychological treatments.
Other insurers Cigna, Allianz, Vitality, and Simply Health also provide varying levels of mental health coverage.
Each insurer has slightly different processes, so it's worth speaking directly with yours to understand your specific coverage and whether you need a GP referral.
Making the Most of Your Insurance Coverage
Be honest about your needs When speaking with your insurer, be clear about what you're hoping to achieve through therapy. Whether it's anxiety treatment through psychotherapy, depression counselling, trauma recovery, or general wellbeing support, this helps them understand the likely duration and type of support you need.
Keep detailed records Note down reference numbers, pre authorisation codes, and the names of people you speak with. This makes follow up conversations much smoother and ensures direct billing works properly.
Understand your therapist's role Your therapist will need to provide some information to your insurer, but they'll always discuss this with you first and maintain appropriate confidentiality. This might include treatment summaries or progress reports.
Plan for continuity If you think you might need more sessions than your annual allowance covers, discuss this with your therapist early on so you can plan accordingly.
Check renewal dates Many insurance policies reset their therapy session allowances annually and your excess will definitely reset at policy renewal, so timing can be important for ongoing treatment.
Finding the Right Therapist Who Accepts Your Insurance
When looking for a therapist who accepts your insurance, consider:
Qualifications and registration Look for therapists registered with UKCP (UK Council for Psychotherapy), BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy), NCPS (National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society) or HCPC (Health and Care Professions Council).
Specialisations Whether you need help with anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues, or workplace stress, find someone who specialises in your area of concern.
Therapeutic approach Different approaches work for different people. Consider whether you prefer psychotherapy, CBT, psychodynamic therapy, integrative approaches, or other modalities.
Location and format Many therapists now offer both online therapy and face to face sessions, giving you flexibility in how you access support.
Initial consultations Many therapists offer brief initial consultations to see if you're a good fit before committing to ongoing work.
When Insurance Isn't the Right Path
Sometimes, despite having coverage, people choose to pay privately for therapy. This might be because they want complete confidentiality without insurance reporting requirements, need more sessions than their policy allows, prefer a therapist who doesn't work with insurance companies, or want to access specific therapeutic approaches not covered by their policy.
There's no right or wrong choice. It's about what feels most comfortable and sustainable for you. Some people use their insurance allowance and then continue privately if needed.
Common Questions About Therapy and Insurance
Do I need a GP referral? This varies by insurer. Some require GP referrals while others allow self referral directly to approved therapists.
How quickly can I start therapy? With pre authorisation, you can often start within 1 to 2 weeks, much faster than typical NHS waiting times.
What if I don't get on with my therapist? You can usually change therapists, though you may need to inform your insurer and get a new pre authorisation code.
Can I have therapy online? Most insurers now cover online therapy sessions, which has become increasingly popular and effective.
Your Next Steps: Getting Started with Insurance Covered Therapy
If you think you might benefit from therapy, checking your insurance coverage is a practical first step that takes just one phone call. Even if you discover you're not currently covered, you'll have a clearer picture of your options and can make informed decisions about your mental health investment.
The most important thing is finding a therapist who feels right for you. Someone you can build a trusting relationship with and who has experience with the issues you want to explore. Whether that's through insurance or private payment, investing in your mental health and wellbeing can be worthwhile.
Many people find that therapy helps them develop greater self understanding, improved relationships, better coping strategies, and a stronger sense of direction in life. Whether you're dealing with anxiety, depression, life transitions, relationship difficulties, or simply want to understand yourself better, professional support can make a significant difference.
As a dual qualified coach and psychotherapist practising in Newcastle upon Tyne, I work with clients using various insurance providers including BUPA, WPA, AXA, and Aviva. I offer both online therapy sessions and face to face appointments, providing relational integrative psychotherapy for adults seeking greater clarity, confidence, and self understanding. If you're considering therapy and want to explore whether we might be a good fit, I'd be happy to discuss how your insurance coverage could support your journey toward meaningful change.