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No, health insurance can’t be used if you are also receiving a Medicare rebate. Use up your 10 Medicare-rebated psychology sessions first and then use Extras Cover for subsequent appointments. 

Yes, but only if your medication is not subsidised by the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). If you have an Extras Cover policy that includes the Non PBS Pharmaceuticals category of treatments (usually only included on mid or top-level policies), and your medication isn’t already subsidised by the PBS, you may be able to claim part of your medication costs on your policy. Check the thresholds that might apply and your policy conditions. 

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Usually there’s a 2 month waiting period before you can claim for hospital psychiatric treatment, even if you have a pre-existing condition. However if you have Hospital Cover that doesn’t include the Hospital Psychiatric Services clinical category you can upgrade to a Gold policy and claim for hospital psychiatric treatment with no waiting periods. This is called the Mental Health Waiting Period Exemption, and you can only use the exemption once in your lifetime.

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Some Extras Cover policies will cover counselling under the Psychology treatment category, but not all insurers do. Contact your insurer to find out whether you can claim for counselling, and what conditions apply.  

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Having health insurance for psychology is worth it if you will claim for other treatments on your Extras Cover policy, such as dental, optical and physiotherapy. If you are only claiming for psychology, you might spend more on premiums than you get back in claims.  

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Psychiatrists are doctors who can prescribe medication. You can claim for psychiatric treatment on Hospital Cover, but only if you are admitted to a private hospital or clinic. Psychologists are allied health professionals and you can claim for appointments under Extras Cover.   

Yes, so long as the psychologist or counsellor meets your insurer’s requirements. Contact your insurer to find out whether you can claim for telehealth psychology or counselling, and what conditions apply.

Yes. If you’re admitted to a private hospital or clinic to treat an addiction, eating disorder or mood disorder you can claim on Hospital Cover. You’ll need a Gold tier policy that includes the Hospital Psychiatric Services clinical category. If you have a lower tier policy you can upgrade to Gold and claim for psychiatric treatment without serving the 2 month waiting period, but only if you haven’t used this Mental Health Waiting Period Exemption previously. 

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