How to Use Private Health Insurance for Therapy

Can I use private health insurance for therapy?

Yes. Most UK private medical insurers, including Bupa, AXA Health, Aviva, Vitality, Cigna and WPA, cover psychological therapy such as CBT. But almost all of them require a referral and pre-authorisation before your first session. In eleven years of practice, first in NHS Talking Therapies and now privately, I have lost count of the people who were entitled to covered therapy and never used it, or who booked in the wrong order and had a claim refused. This is the guide I wish everyone was handed with their policy. Written by Sanah Younis, BABCP-accredited CBT therapist at The Lyceum, West London.