Lived Experience Forum

[suzanne]

This is a question that came in through the Help Centre and I don't know the answer.  A caller stated that all the health insurance companies she's checked out only contribute to Psychiatrist's fees during inpatient treatment.  The minute they are discharged there is no reimbursement for ongoing treatment with the Psychiatrist.

Has anyone come across this?  And found a solution?

[Ma60]

Medicare covers your visits to the Psychitarist when you are not in hospital. There is usually an out of pocket expense. When you reach your out of pocket expenses limit, Medicare then pays 80% of the fee. 

[Unloveable]

From my understanding specialists costs are only covered as an impatient, no matter the speciality. Once you are discharged any medical costs are under the Medicare system with allied health costs comming under the "extras" umbrella of insurance. Hope that makes sense.

[suzanne]

Thanks @Ma60 and @Unloveable.  Yes, they are trying to reduce the out of pocket expenses after medicare.  That's interesting @Unloveable.  So are you saying that there isn't likely to be any insurance cover for psychiatric fees out of a hospital setting?

[Ma60]

I believe private health insurance covers  you in hospital  for Psychitarist . I don't think there is any cover other than medicare

[suzanne]

No, wait, had another read of your post.  So there may be coverage under an extras policy. 

Does anyone have this and utilise this coverage?

[Unloveable]

There is cover under "extras" for psychology but no nothing for psychiatry, unless you are an inpatient

[suzanne]

Got it!  Thank you both.