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MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT

What is mental health cover and how does it work?

Private health insurance can give you quick access to counselling and specialist mental health support including hospital care. The level of cover you receive will depend on the plan you've selected.

Saga Health Insurance includes the following benefits:

  • 24/7 Saga GP Service for offers unlimited phone or video appointments with a doctor
  • Anytime HelpLine to talk to our dedicated nursing team
  • Mental Health Direct Access service for specialist assessment
  • Counselling sessions
  • Psychologist or psychiatrist consultations
  • Choice of where you are treated.
  • Treatment plans

Pre-existing conditions

If you have a pre-existing mental health condition you can still get health insurance subject to our usual underwriting methods. The Claims Helpline will then advise if we can cover your treatment following a referral or on receipt of your pre-treatment form, if it states the symptom and/or condition is not pre-existing.

Why seek private healthcare for mental health?

Since the NHS is still stretched, there can be a long wait for mental health services. There is also an increasing demand for these services and many people are turning to the private sector for treatment.

Mental health can be a complex subject that takes many forms with specific routes for treatment and aftercare. Talking to an expert significantly boosts your wellbeing and may prevent problems from getting worse.

Anything that causes you worry should be looked at quickly. You may be suffering from work-related or money stress or feeling isolated or lonely. Depression and anxiety can become deep-seated if left untreated as can grief from the loss of loved ones.

How much mental health cover do I get with Saga?

The level of cover depends on which Saga HealthPlan* you have. You are covered for:

  • Hospital charges for mental health treatment, including charges for accommodation, diagnostic tests and drugs. There is no monetary limit, but cover is for up to 28 days per year. It is subject to underwriter terms and your No Claim Discount (NCD) and excess will be affected.
  • Specialist consultations for mental health treatment and diagnostic tests performed by your specialist or on specialist referral. Cover ranges from £1,500 to £2,500 per year. It is subject to underwriter terms and your NCD and excess will be affected.
  • Counselling sessions through Mental Health Direct Access. This is will not impact your NCD or excess.

*Please note there is no mental health cover with Saga HealthPlan Support.

Mental health FAQs

Are any mental health conditions excluded?

We do not exclude specific mental health conditions but cover is subject to benefit limitations and the underwriting method on the policy. Exclusions may also be in place for behavioural and developmental conditions or long-term chronic and incurable conditions.

We cover outpatient, inpatient or day patient treatment of a mental health condition, up to the policy limits. Counselling is provided through the Mental Health Direct Access service for over-18s only.

Does mental health cover include neurodevelopmental conditions?

No, we do not cover treatment relating to learning disorders, speech delay, educational problems, behavioural problems, physical development or psychological development and the assessment or grading of such problems.

This includes, but is not limited to, problems such as dyslexia, dyspraxia, autistic spectrum disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and speech and language problems, including speech therapy needed because of another medical condition.

How soon can I speak to someone for mental health support?

If you experience stress, anxiety or any mental health concerns, call the Claims Helpline for prompt support. They will book a direct access appointment with a clinician, who will do an assessment and recommend an appropriate treatment plan.

This could be phone or face-to-face counselling, psychotherapy, a psychiatrist or psychologist consultation or self-help advice.

Will I need a mental health assessment before I can buy health insurance?

No.

Do I have to tell you about previous mental health support I've received?

There is no need to tell us all about your medical history with a Moratorium underwriting method. We'll simply exclude treatment for any medical condition you've had or had symptoms of in the last three years, and in some cases certain specified conditions. This applies to anyone on the Moratorium method of underwriting.

If you remain free from any symptoms, treatment, advice or medication including over the counter drugs for any pre-existing condition for at least two consecutive years after the cover starts, you may be able to claim for treatment of those conditions.

Does life insurance cover mental health treatment?

No, but it may affect your policy if you do not disclose details of any mental health conditions when you apply for life cover. Income protection insurance can provide a monthly tax-free sum if you are unable to work due to mental health issues and access to key support services. You may be able to get Personal Independence Payment (PIP) for extra financial support.

Would you like to find out more?

If you’re over 50, you can speak to our experienced health insurance team to find out what mental health provision is available through Saga Health Insurance or go online to get a quick quote. Please note: This service is available to ages 18 and over only.

0330 094 6361

Mon-Fri – 8:30am-7:00pm
Sat – 9:00am-1:00pm

Get a quote