Mental Health Services in Australia: What OSHC/OVHC Covers
Do you have an active OVHC or OSHC policy and want to know if it covers mental health services? Well, yes! But that’s true only to a point. A basic OVHC or OSHC policy usually only covers GP visits and inpatient psychiatric care. Even then, you can only access these services after serving a 2-month waiting period. The coverage for other mental health services like therapy sessions, counselling, and more depends on your plan.
Let’s break down what’s actually included and where the limits are.
OSHC/OVHC Plans: What Each Provider Covers for Mental Health
Most top providers acknowledge that taking care of mental health is equally important as taking care of physical health. They also run mental-health programs and offer measures to help.
Here’s what top providers offer for mental health:
Medibank:
Medibank offers 24/7 chat and call support for both OSHC and OVHC holders.
Seeing a mental health professional without being admitted to a hospital? Bills with an MBS item number are eligible for partial coverage.
Bills without an MBS number or privately billed consultations can be paid with a comprehensive plan, up to the allowed annual limit.
Medication costs are covered, but the coverage is subject to limits.
Bupa:
You get to access psychology, counselling, and digital mental health services as per your cover.
24/7 free support service.
Telephonic or video consultations are available for selected covers.
Some plans do include hospital cover.
Bupa also has a kids' helpline.
AHM:
AHM lets you choose your provider from the ones recognised by them.
If your extras cover already includes mental health services, you won’t have to serve the waiting period.
AHM has telehealth services.
Counselling, hospital psychiatric services, psychology, stress management, and hypnotherapy can be included based on your cover type.
NIB:
NIB provides limited mental health support, and the benefits specifically depend on your plan.
They have a mental health & wellbeing tool available on their app.
They also offer health & happiness support.
Allianz Care:
Under the GP mental health plan, you are referred to an allied professional. This helps you get the support you need for your specific condition.
For therapy or treatment, referrals are made to a specialist.
Hospitalisation is covered as well.
You can also avail telehealth services.
Allianz Care has a strong network of around 200 practitioners offering a range of mental health services.
Even if you have comprehensive mental health coverage, you might have to take care of some out-of-pocket expenses like specialist charges and more.
Choosing Your Therapist in Australia
When we talk of mental health professionals, we come across psychiatrists, counsellors, and psychologists (clinical and counselling). While psychiatrists are doctors who are authorised to prescribe medication for severe mental conditions, others can only help through therapies. Hence, they fall under the umbrella term ‘therapists’.
When you visit a GP regarding your condition, you’ll most probably be referred to someone who is qualified and who best knows how to help you get better. But the question is, how do you know whether your therapist is a good fit for you?
Here are some qualities you can look for:
A good therapist will maintain gap-free, clear communication with you.
He/She should have set clear, respectful professional boundaries.
You should be able to trust the therapist.
Empathy and good listening skills are crucial deciding factors.
The sessions must make you feel seen, heard, safe, confident, comfortable, and open to sharing.
Final Words
While most basic OSHC and OVHC plans in Australia cover GP visits and inpatient care for mental health, top providers like Medibank, Bupa, NIB, AHM, and Allianz Care offer extras for mental health in their comprehensive covers. Since the inclusions vary greatly, you must consider your mental health requirements before finalising a plan.
Budget policy’s comparison tool can help you compare various plans and make an informed choice
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Frequently Asked Questions
01. Does my OSHC policy cover therapy sessions in Australia?
As far as therapy sessions are concerned, basic policies usually don’t cover them. Only some comprehensive plans cover therapy or counselling. Even then, the coverage offered is limited and depends on your plan. Check your policy details to confirm what's included.
02. What is the duration of the waiting period for mental health services under OSHC/OVHC?
Most providers have a 2-month waiting period before you can access the services. However, it may vary for extras depending on the provider and plan.
03. Do I need a GP referral to see a mental health professional?
If you want to avail benefits under the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS), a GP referral is often required. Otherwise, it isn’t mandatory.
04. Will the medications prescribed by my psychiatrist be covered under OSHC or OVHC?
The prescribed medicines may be partially covered up to annual limits if billed with an MBS number. The inclusions of your policy also impact whether the medications are covered or not.
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