Coronavirus (Covid-19) and Your Mental Health

Q: What are the costs covered by Medicare?

Your GP can refer you to a psychologist or other recognised professionals for a maximum of ten Medicare sessions that are eligible for rebates per calendar year. There are also other circumstances where you may be eligible for Medicare rebates. Currently, counsellors are not part of the Medicare scheme. You can only obtain a Medicare rebate for services by psychologists, occupational therapists or social workers on a GP referral. When you take out Extras cover that includes mental health, Bupa pays towards the costs of extra sessions with a psychologist or visits to a counsellor (up to your yearly limits) that Medicare doesn’t cover.

Q: How do I claim for my mental health service Extras?

Claims need to be submitted online via myBupa , by mail (completed claim form) or in person at a Bupa retail store. Benefits can only be claimed for services provided by psychologists and counsellors who are recognised by Bupa and in private practice. Benefits for Online CBT are only payable for programs that are recognised and approved by Bupa. Recognition of providers and programs are subject to change without notice. Please check with us before undergoing a course of treatment.The amount you can claim depends on your level of cover. Please refer to your policy information in myBupa .

Feeling stressed, anxious or a bit low?
Your mental health is more important than ever.

That’s why our Extras on selected products provide access to mental health services if you need them, with contactless online options too.

Need a mental health check-up?

If you’re concerned about your mental health, whether it’s stress, anxiety, or depression that you might be feeling, be sure to talk to your GP – in person or on the phone. They can develop a mental health care plan for you, or refer you to a psychiatrist, psychologist or counsellor. Additionally, we're expanding our Mental Health services to include counselling appointments with accredited mental health social workers and counselling appointments with Bupa recognised mental health care providers qualified in First Nations counselling.

Treating mental health online

Before beginning any health program, please consult with your health professional to ensure that the program is suitable for you. Online CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) courses offer an alternative to face-to-face meetings. CBT is recognised as an effective intervention for treating anxiety and depression. Different treatments can help different people at different times, so we always encourage people to discuss with their health professional what will best help them.

This Way Up

(TWU) is an online platform that provides scientifically-supported self-help courses for common mental health difficulties like stress, anxiety, and depression.

Developed by a team of mental health clinicians, the online course teaches coping skills to manage symptoms of anxiety and depression, just like you'd receive face-to-face.

Bupa is proud to provide members with online access to CBT courses.

What mental health services are covered under Extras?

Bupa pays towards the cost of psychology, counselling and Digital mental health under our mental health category on most Extras and packaged covers. Additionally, from 1 April 2022 we're expanding our Mental Health services to include counselling appointments with accredited mental health social workers and counselling appointments with Bupa recognised mental health care providers qualified in First Nations counselling.

Check your cover

More info online

To help maintain a positive outlook during these challenging times, here's some more mental health info and tips.

Lifeline

For urgent support in a crisis, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.

Frequently Asked Questions

What conditions apply?

Bupa pays towards the cost of counselling and psychology services as well as Digital mental health from Bupa recognised providers
The payment towards psychology, counselling and Digital mental health comes out of your total yearly limits for mental health
Any waiting periods associated with your cover are applicable

What are the costs covered by Medicare?

Your GP can refer you to a psychologist or other recognised professionals for a maximum of ten Medicare sessions that are eligible for rebates per calendar year. There are also other circumstances where you may be eligible for Medicare rebates.

Currently, counsellors are not part of the Medicare scheme. You can only obtain a Medicare rebate for services by psychologists, occupational therapists or social workers on a GP referral. When you take out Extras cover that includes mental health, Bupa pays towards the costs of extra sessions with a psychologist or visits to a counsellor (up to your yearly limits) that Medicare doesn’t cover.

How do I claim for my mental health service Extras?

Claims need to be submitted online via myBupa, by mail (completed claim form) or in person at a Bupa retail store.

Benefits can only be claimed for services provided by psychologists and counsellors who are recognised by Bupa and in private practice. Benefits for Online CBT are only payable for programs that are recognised and approved by Bupa. Recognition of providers and programs are subject to change without notice. Please check with us before undergoing a course of treatment.The amount you can claim depends on your level of cover. Please refer to your policy information in myBupa.

What extras products include mental health services?

Available on selected extras when combined with any Hospital cover. To take out Extras cover, call us on 134 135.

Because your mental health matters

Feeling stressed, anxious or a bit low? Your mental health is more important than ever.