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Compare health insurance policies that cover mental health services.
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Our dedicated Health Insurance experts are here to help. Updated 19 Feb 2026.
6 weeks free
On combined Hospital and Extras cover
Offer available through Money.com.au when you join on an eligible Hospital and Extras policy. In most cases, the 6 weeks free is applied 28 days after you join. New members only. Offer ends 31 March 2026. T&Cs apply.*
6 weeks free
On combined Hospital and Extras cover
Plus, skip 2 & 6-month waiting periods on Extras. Offer available when you join as a new member on an eligible combined Hospital and Extras policy. You need to maintain cover until 29 April 2026 to receive the 6 weeks free. Offer ends 28 February 2026. T&Cs apply.*
8 weeks free
On combined Hospital and Extras cover
Join Australian Unity through Money.com.au on eligible products and get 8 weeks free (6 weeks free in year 1, plus 2 weeks free in year 2). New members only. Offer ends 31 March 2026. T&Cs apply.*
6 weeks free
On combined Hospital and Extras cover
Plus, skip 2-month waiting periods on Extras. Offer is only available to a person who purchases an eligible product and opts to pay by direct debit for fortnightly, monthly, quarterly, or six-monthly. Offer ends 30 April 2026. T&Cs apply.*
4 weeks free
On combined Hospital and Extras cover
Plus, skip 2 & 6-month waiting periods on Extras. Offer available when you join as a new member on an eligible combined Hospital and Extras policy. Offer excludes Extras-only and Hospital-only policies. Offer ends 31 March 2026. T&Cs apply.*
6 weeks free
On eligible Extras-only cover
Join ahm through Money.com.au on an eligible Extras policy and get 6 weeks free after maintaining continuous cover for 60 days. New members only. Offer ends 31 March 2026. T&Cs apply.*
Skip 2 & 6 month waits
On eligible Extras services
Offer available when you join as a new member on a combined Hospital and Extras policy. Offer excludes Extras-only and Hospital-only policies. Offer ends 31 Aug 2026. T&Cs apply.*
Skip 2 & 6 month waits
On eligible Extras services
Offer available when you join as a new member on a combined Hospital and Extras policy. Offer excludes Extras-only and Hospital-only policies. Offer ends 31 Aug 2026. T&Cs apply.*
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The best private health insurance for mental health will depend on whether you need support for inpatient hospital care, ongoing therapy sessions, or both. Mental health treatment in Australia is typically split between Hospital cover (for inpatient psychiatric care) and Extras cover (for psychology, counselling and related therapies outside hospital).
If you’re looking for cover for anxiety, depression, eating disorders or other serious mental health conditions that may require a hospital stay, you’ll need to choose a Hospital policy that includes psychiatric services. These are usually only included on Gold Hospital cover. It’s important to note that psychiatric services are a restricted service on lower-tier policies (Basic, Bronze and Silver) – meaning you may only be covered for treatment in a public hospital.
For ongoing out-of-hospital support such as seeing a psychologist, you’ll need to add Extras cover. Most mid to top-tier Extras policies include a rebate on psychology or counselling, although benefit limits vary. Some funds also offer coverage for other services related to mental health like hypnotherapy, stress management and wellness programs.
Over two in five (43%) people aged 16-85 years have experienced a mental disorder at some point in their lives, according to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW).
We recently asked Australians if they’ve used mental health services (such as a psychologist, counsellor or psychiatrist) in the past 12 months. Our Money.com.au survey responses were:
57.9% said they hadn’t, because they felt they didn’t need them.
15.1% had accessed services without private health insurance.
14.6% said they wanted access, but cost or availability was a barrier.
12.4% have health cover and have used mental health services.
This helps pay for inpatient treatment. For example, if you’re admitted to a private mental health facility or hospital ward for anxiety, depression, eating disorders or substance use.
To be fully covered, you’ll typically need a Gold Hospital policy, as it's the only tier that includes unrestricted psychiatric services. Lower-tier policies (Basic, Bronze, Silver) may cover psychiatric care on a restricted basis, which usually means care in a public hospital and may result in significant out-of-pocket costs.
Provides rebates for out-of-hospital services like psychology, counselling and mental wellness programs. These services are commonly used to manage day-to-day mental health concerns, including stress, anxiety, depression or relationship challenges.
Not all policies include these services, so you’ll typically need a mid to high-level Extras policy. Annual limits and claimable amounts vary between funds, with most offering a percentage back per session when you see a registered provider.
In Australia, private health insurance has a two-month waiting period for psychiatric care under Hospital cover. If you’ve already served this waiting period on a lower level of cover, there’s a one-time exemption that allows you to upgrade and access higher mental health benefits immediately, without re-serving the wait.
This applies to in-hospital mental health treatment, including psychiatric, drug and alcohol services. Extras cover for services like psychology also has a two-month waiting period, but this is separate and not included in the exemption.
Chris Whitelaw, General Manager - Health Insurance at Money.com.au
“Medicare offers a good starting point for mental health support, covering up to 10 subsidised sessions with a psychologist each year. But for people who need more ongoing or specialised care, private health insurance can help fill the gap. It gives you extra flexibility and access to services that Medicare alone may not fully cover.”
Chris Whitelaw, General Manager - Health Insurance at Money.com.au
Hospital cover that includes mental health can cost between $265 and $420 per month, or $3,180 - $5,040 per year for singles cover, according to analysis by Money.com.au. For Extras cover that includes psychology or counselling, expect to pay around $45 to $140 per month, or $540 to $1,680 annually.
The actual cost will depend on whether you choose Hospital-only cover, Extras-only, or a combined policy. Several other factors also influence your premium:
The table below shows the cost of health insurance that includes mental health cover from a range of providers in Australia, based on singles cover for a female aged 35 living in NSW, earning less than $101,000.
Provider | Medibank |
|---|---|
Gold Hospital policy monthly cost | $267.60 |
Extras policy monthly cost | $27.94 – $58.11 |
Provider | Australian Unity |
Gold Hospital policy monthly cost | $275.44 |
Extras policy monthly cost | $41.60 – $92.10 |
Provider | Bupa |
Gold Hospital policy monthly cost | $280.17 |
Extras policy monthly cost | $45.77 – $137.11 |
Provider | HIF |
Gold Hospital policy monthly cost | $281.38 |
Extras policy monthly cost | $77.38 – $109.71 |
Provider | GMHBA |
Gold Hospital policy monthly cost | $283.40 |
Extras policy monthly cost | $79.45 |
Provider | HBF |
Gold Hospital policy monthly cost | $283.73 |
Extras policy monthly cost | $36.57 – $117.64 |
Provider | Westfund |
Gold Hospital policy monthly cost | $284.22 |
Extras policy monthly cost | $39.83 – $97.24 |
Provider | Frank Health Insurance |
Gold Hospital policy monthly cost | $286.25 |
Extras policy monthly cost | $43.30 – $110.50 |
Provider | Health Partners |
Gold Hospital policy monthly cost | $288.68 |
Extras policy monthly cost | $47.77 – $93.65 |
Provider | ahm |
Gold Hospital policy monthly cost | $317.80 |
Extras policy monthly cost | $32.90 – $96.30 |
| Provider | Gold Hospital policy monthly cost | Extras policy monthly cost |
|---|---|---|
Medibank | $267.60 | $27.94 – $58.11 |
Australian Unity | $275.44 | $41.60 – $92.10 |
Bupa | $280.17 | $45.77 – $137.11 |
HIF | $281.38 | $77.38 – $109.71 |
GMHBA | $283.40 | $79.45 |
HBF | $283.73 | $36.57 – $117.64 |
Westfund | $284.22 | $39.83 – $97.24 |
Frank Health Insurance | $286.25 | $43.30 – $110.50 |
Health Partners | $288.68 | $47.77 – $93.65 |
ahm | $317.80 | $32.90 – $96.30 |
If you need inpatient treatment at a private mental health facility or hospital, look for a Gold Hospital policy. It’s the only tier that must include unrestricted psychiatric care. Lower-tier policies may offer limited or “restricted” cover, which can lead to higher out-of-pocket costs or limited provider choice.
Hospital policies have a two-month waiting period for psychiatric services. However, if you already have cover and want to upgrade for better mental health benefits, you may be eligible for a once-in-a-lifetime exemption, allowing you to access higher benefits immediately without re-serving the waiting time.
Hospital cover won’t help with outpatient care like seeing a psychologist. That’s where Extras cover comes in. Look for policies that include mental health support such as psychology, counselling or telehealth sessions. Extras have annual benefit limits and their own two-month waiting periods, but some funds waive waiting periods as part of a promotion or health insurance sign-up offer.
Mental health support can be ongoing. Choose a policy that balances comprehensive cover with affordability. Look at annual limits for therapy sessions, out-of-pocket costs, and whether your policy includes services you’re likely to need long-term. Also check if you’re eligible for government rebates to lower your premium.
For Extras cover, benefits for psychology are typically paid per consultation – for example, around $60 to $100 per session. Some policies set a fixed amount per visit, while others offer a percentage of the cost (e.g. 60–85%). Most also include an annual limit per person, such as $200 to $400, which caps how much you can claim each year. These limits reset annually and can vary depending on your level of cover (e.g. mid vs top-tier Extras). Once you hit the limit, you’ll need to pay the full cost out of pocket until the benefit resets.
In-hospital treatment for psychiatric, mental health, addiction or behavioural conditions – such as depression, anxiety or eating disorders – is typically only fully covered under a Gold-tier Hospital policy. Lower-tier policies may include this service at a restricted level, meaning limited benefits, higher out-of-pocket costs, and no choice of specialist.
Access to online cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) programs, designed to support treatment for anxiety and depression, may be included by some health funds. These programs are typically available through select providers on mid or top-tier Extras policies.
Mental health services may include treatment from:
Some policies also cover services provided by Accredited Mental Health Social Workers and Indigenous counselling providers.
Sessions must be with a registered psychologist, counsellor or therapist recognised by your fund.
Such as life coaching, hypnotherapy (unless covered under specific Extras policies), or other non-clinical services.
Prescription medication is generally not covered unless it’s part of inpatient hospital treatment. Most are funded through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).
Only approved digital therapy tools (e.g. CBT apps) from participating providers may be claimable.
Many health funds have agreements with specific psychologists, psychiatrists, or counselling providers who offer lower gap fees or are fully covered under your Extras policy. Using in-network providers can significantly reduce or eliminate out-of-pocket costs. Before booking an appointment, check with your insurer to confirm the provider is recognised and partnered with your fund.
Not all Extras policies include mental health support, and those that do may have low annual limits. Choosing a mid or top-tier Extras policy with higher session rebates and annual caps can reduce your ongoing costs if you need regular treatment. Look for policies that cover psychology, counselling and online therapy programs, and compare per-session benefits (e.g. $80–$100 per session or $400 per policy a year).
Under a mental health treatment plan, you can access up to 10 Medicare-rebated sessions with a psychologist or clinical social worker each year. Use these before tapping into your private Extras limits to delay or reduce out-of-pocket expenses.
Public hospital stays | |
Medicare | Yes – covered in a public hospital as a public patient |
Private health insurance | No |
Private hospital stays | |
Medicare | No |
Private health insurance | Yes – covered with a Gold Hospital policy |
GP visits | |
Medicare | Yes – partially or fully covered under the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) |
Private health insurance | No |
In-hospital specialists | |
Medicare | Yes – covered in public hospitals, but no choice of doctor |
Private health insurance | Yes – covered with Hospital cover, often with choice of doctor and potentially shorter wait times |
Out-of-hospital specialists | |
Medicare | Up to 10 subsidised sessions covered under a mental health treatment plan |
Private health insurance | Yes – covered with Extras cover (limits, co-payments and provider rules apply) |
Psychology or counselling sessions | |
Medicare | Yes – limited sessions via a mental health treatment plan |
Private health insurance | Yes – often included in Extras, but benefit limits (e.g. $80 per session, $700 per year) may apply |
Choice of provider and faster access | |
Medicare | No – typically no provider choice and generally longer waiting times |
Private health insurance | Yes – more flexibility and access to private mental health providers |
| Medicare | Private health insurance | |
|---|---|---|
Public hospital stays | Yes – covered in a public hospital as a public patient | No |
Private hospital stays | No | Yes – covered with a Gold Hospital policy |
GP visits | Yes – partially or fully covered under the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) | No |
In-hospital specialists | Yes – covered in public hospitals, but no choice of doctor | Yes – covered with Hospital cover, often with choice of doctor and potentially shorter wait times |
Out-of-hospital specialists | Up to 10 subsidised sessions covered under a mental health treatment plan | Yes – covered with Extras cover (limits, co-payments and provider rules apply) |
Psychology or counselling sessions | Yes – limited sessions via a mental health treatment plan | Yes – often included in Extras, but benefit limits (e.g. $80 per session, $700 per year) may apply |
Choice of provider and faster access | No – typically no provider choice and generally longer waiting times | Yes – more flexibility and access to private mental health providers |
Yes, if you have Extras cover that includes psychology, you can claim part of the cost for sessions with a registered psychologist. Limits and benefits vary by policy and insurer.
Yes, Hospital cover can include inpatient psychiatric treatment for conditions like anxiety or depression. A two-month waiting period applies for new policies, but you may use a once-per-lifetime exemption to upgrade and access higher benefits without waiting if you've held any Hospital cover for at least two months.
Yes, some Extras policies cover out-of-hospital mental health therapies such as psychology or counselling. Benefits and annual limits depend on your policy and health fund.
Medicare covers up to 10 subsidised sessions with a mental health professional each year through a mental health treatment plan, arranged via your GP.
It depends on your Extras policy. Most insurers set annual limits, such as a dollar cap (e.g. $400/year) or a set number of sessions. Some funds offer higher benefits for preferred providers.
Yes, a two-month waiting period generally applies to psychiatric hospital treatment. However, the government allows a once-per-lifetime exemption to access higher benefits sooner. Extras cover may also have waiting periods, usually two months for psychology or counselling.
Yes, but they must be a registered provider with your health fund. Some policies may offer better benefits for psychologists within their preferred provider network, so check if your practitioner is recognised before booking.
Many Extras policies now include cover for telehealth psychology or counselling sessions, especially after COVID-19. Check with your insurer to confirm eligibility, as not all providers or policies support remote sessions.
Yes, if your Hospital cover includes psychiatric services, you may be able to access treatment at a private mental health clinic or hospital. Be sure to confirm your policy covers the specific facility and that any excess or co-payments are understood.
Hospital cover pays for inpatient psychiatric treatment in a hospital setting. Extras cover helps with out-of-hospital services like therapy or counselling. For comprehensive mental health support, many people choose to hold both types of cover.
Insurers will generally cover the following mental health illnesses:
Jared Mullane is a finance writer with more than a decade of experience at some of Australia’s biggest finance and consumer brands. His areas of expertise include energy, home loans, personal finance and insurance. Jared is qualified with a Certificate IV in Finance and Mortgage Broking (FNS40821).
Sean Callery is the Editor of Money.com.au. He has over 15 years of international experience. He is qualified with a Certificate IV in Finance and Mortgage Broking (FNS40821) and is compliant to provide general advice in Tier 1 General Insurance (RG 146) products.
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The information on this page is general in nature and has been prepared without considering your objectives, financial situation or needs. You should consider whether the information provided and the nature of any product is suitable for you and seek independent advice if necessary.
We do not compare all health insurance providers and products available in Australia and we do not guarantee that our product comparisons include all product features and attributes relevant to you.
In providing general information on this page, we are not providing you with a recommendation or suggestion about a particular product. You should read the relevant disclosure statements or other offer documents before deciding whether to apply for or continue to use a particular product.
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