Can i Use my private health insurance ?
No
Understanding Why Private Health Insurance Are Limited in Psychiatry
Private Health Insurance in Australia and Psychiatry
In Australia, private health insurance plays a role in covering various healthcare services, but there are important limitations when it comes to psychiatry:
- Limited to Psychology: Most private health insurance plans cover psychological services such as counseling or therapy sessions, classified under 'extras' coverage, but not psychiatric services.
- Psychiatry Considered Medical: Psychiatric consultations are classified as medical services and are covered under Medicare, not private insurance extras.
In summary, private health insurance typically does not cover psychiatric outpatient services because they fall under Medicare's domain. Instead, private insurance may offer coverage for psychological services or hospitalizations related to psychiatric conditions.
Conclusion
Private Health Insurance covers psychology as part of extras coverage but does not extend to psychiatric outpatient services, which are under Medicare’s domain.
Sources
Private health insurance and psychiatry: https://www.privatehealth.gov.au/health_insurance/what_is_covered/mental_health.htm
Medicare and Mental Health Care Plans: https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/mental-health-care-plan