Below you'll find some examples from Finder partners that offer support for drug and alcohol treatments in a private hospital policy. Always check the waiting periods and limits before signing up. Waiting periods are normally 2 months, but to access benefits for Hospital psychiatric services in the first 2 months of joining, you may be eligible for the Mental Health Waiver.
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Drug and alcohol rehabilitation is aimed at helping those with a substance abuse problem to find ways to reduce and ultimately cease their use of drugs and alcohol. The treatment and support options are largely funded by state and federal governments and run by non-government organisations and charities (although some private drug and alcohol treatment options do exist).
Treatment for drug and alcohol addiction aims to help break the addiction cycle, cope with withdrawal symptoms and deal with any relapses (several attempts are often needed for such treatment to be successful).
Private health insurance can cover in-hospital accommodation as a public or private patient and some of the associated medical fees. You will need a private hospital policy that includes cover for psychiatric services and drug and alcohol rehabilitation programs such as:
You may have to pay some out-of-pocket expenses for services where the provider charges more than the MBS fee. You will also have to serve a waiting period before being covered, but this is only 2 months compared to the usual 12-month waiting period for in-hospital treatment.
Outpatient services are not covered by private health insurance hospital cover, so if you wish to be covered for psychiatric treatments or rehabilitation without being admitted to hospital, you will need to take out private health insurance extras (ancillary) cover that includes these treatments. Medicare will pay for some of these outpatient services such as GP visits and specialist consultations, and your extras cover will pay an amount towards the difference.
Again, there may be a gap that you will have to pay between what is charged and what your fund will cover. Some medications you are given may not be subsidised by the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), so you will need to ensure your extras pharmacy cover includes non-PBS medications.
When looking for private health cover for psychiatric services or rehabilitation programs, it’s very important to compare health funds thoroughly, as levels of cover vary widely amongst fund and some do not provide cover at all or restrict the benefit amounts payable.
If you aren’t able to afford private health cover, the public health system may be able to help. Medicare covers up to 10 allied mental health services per year offered through the Better Access Initiative. Your GP can help you determine eligibility requirements and provide you with a referral to the appropriate service.
If you choose to see your own psychiatrist, make sure they have a Medicare Provider Number or it will be at your own expense. Even if they do, there may be a gap to pay if the psychiatrist charges more than the MBS fee. You can also refer yourself for treatment and contact a treatment provider directly, but be aware that there can be substantial waiting periods for publicly funded rehabilitation programs due to high demand and limited resources.
While treatment is largely free in public rehabilitation programs, waiting lists can be long. Addicts who have access to funds often choose to attend a private clinic to obtain faster treatment. The costs can be prohibitive, with a bed in a private clinic costing anywhere between $3,000 and $4,000 a week.
The bottom line is, if you don’t have the funds, you’ll have to wait for treatment through the public health system, and if you do have the money, private rehabilitation will cost you an arm and a leg. Taking out private health cover well before you seek treatment for your addiction (at least two months in advance) may be the best course of action in order to receive timely, affordable assistance.
There are many treatment options available to addicts, which can be used separately or in combination:
The following organisations can provide further assistance and advice regarding drug and alcohol addiction:
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