Medicare versus Private health insurance – which option is best?

There are benefits and drawbacks to both systems, but the beauty is that you can take full advantage of both. You won't be refused Medicare cover if you've already used your private cover or vice versa. So in most cases, having private cover is a no-brainer. Here are some reasons why private cover makes sense: If you only need a couple of sessions. If you only need a few sessions for a minor issue like work-related stress, Medicare will work but you'll need to see your GP first. Private health insurance allows you to be more discreet and go directly to the therapist without needing your GP's referral or a treatment plan. If you know you need ongoing therapy. Medicare limits you to 10 sessions per year, or less than one a month. Depending on your policy, private insurance might cover anywhere from 2-5 sessions. But the good news is, you can use them both one after the other in any order. Now you can get the ongoing treatment you need while saving a big chunk of change in the process. If you need therapy, but don't know how much you need. In this case, you'd go with the Medicare option while keeping your private cover in your back pocket. If you need more than 10 sessions, then whip out your private cover. If you don't need the extra sessions, your private cover can still save you tons on other essential extras like your twice-a-year dental cleanings.

Can overseas visitors get psychology cover?

If you are an overseas visitor, such as a student or worker, there are ways to get cover for psychology, but you may have to jump through a few hoops: Through a reciprocal health care agreement. If you are from a country that has an agreement in place to provide healthcare to each others’ citizens, you can get up to 10 psychology sessions per year. This requires a visit to your GP who will want to see evidence that you need counselling for an ongoing mental health issue that has caused problems in your life. By purchasing private health cover. The only private cover available to long-stay visitors is either Overseas Visitors Health Cover for workers (OVHC) or Overseas Student Health Cover <a href="https://www.finder.com.au/health-insurance/overseas-visitors-health-cover/overseas-student-health-cover-oshc?futm_campaign=14165523830~131198219251&futm_content=~23627919856~CjwKCAjwo6GyBhBwEiwAzQTmc7qFxwP4O1gp7-zcx5PV5301lZouDWJnPBmELj0rxpgk4AO1QshqUBoC4o4QAvD_BwE&futm_medium=cpc&futm_source=google&futm_term=~~g~aud-868782137230%3Adsa-1587586951672&gbraid=0AAAAAC9_OOVPGYIIdlXPomGulHxJs2rq0" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> for students (OSHC). Top level policies will offer cover for treatments known as “extras” like dental, physio and acupuncture. It’s not common for them to offer psychology, but you may find it in one of these top level policies.

How do I claim for mental health treatment?

You'll usually have a few options. Depending on who you are insured with, you may be able to claim by: Swiping your health insurance card when paying. Using your health fund’s mobile app. Filling out a claims form and faxing, emailing or posting it to your insurer. Visiting your health fund's office in person with your claims form. Getting treated by a provider affiliated with your health fund who will lodge your claim directly.