Clinical Psychology & Private Health Insurance
I am a recognised Clinical Psychology provider with Bupa, Aviva, AXA Health, WPA and Vitality. Depending on your individual policy and authorisation, you may be able to use your private medical insurance to fund psychological therapy with me.
Using your health insurance
1. Contact your insurer
Tell them you would like psychological therapy with Dr Aaron Shaw, Clinical Psychologist.
2. Check your cover
Ask whether your policy covers treatment with me and whether you need an authorisation or claim number.
3. Contact me
Send me your insurer, membership number and authorisation/claim details.
4. Arrange your first appointment
Once the insurance arrangements are confirmed, we can arrange your appointment.
Insurers I am currently recognised with
AXA Health
WPA
Vitality
Aviva
Bupa
Insurance FAQ's
Can I use my private health insurance to see you?
If you are insured with Bupa, Aviva, AXA Health, WPA or Vitality, you may be able to use your policy to fund sessions with me. Coverage varies between policies, so you should confirm your individual entitlement with your insurer before treatment begins.
Do I need to contact my insurer before booking?
Yes. I recommend contacting your insurer before your first insured appointment and asking them to confirm that treatment with me is authorised. This avoids uncertainty about whether the cost will be covered. WPA explicitly requires pre-authorisation, while AXA and Vitality also have authorisation processes.
Do I need a GP referral?
This depends on your policy and insurer. For example, Vitality states that members can self-refer for some talking therapy benefits, while AXA's requirements can vary depending on the member's plan and referral route.
What information will you need from me?
Usually:
-
Your insurer
-
Membership/policy number
-
Claim or authorisation number
-
Number of sessions authorised, if provided
-
Any other information your insurer asks your psychologist to use when invoicing
How many sessions will my insurance cover?
This varies according to insurer, policy and clinical circumstances. Your insurer will tell you how many sessions have initially been authorised and whether further treatment can be requested.
Will I have anything to pay?
Your insurer will be able to tell you whether your policy has an excess, contribution or other restriction. I would word this carefully rather than saying you will charge the difference, because your agreements with each insurer may govern what you are allowed to charge insured clients.
Can I book privately if my insurance doesn't cover therapy?
Yes. You can still arrange sessions on a self-funding basis.
What if my insurer isn't listed?
If your insurer is not listed above, you are welcome to contact me. You may also wish to ask your insurer whether they provide reimbursement for treatment with an HCPC-registered Clinical Psychologist.
I'm not sure what to ask my insurer. Can you help?
Absolutely. Insurance terminology can sometimes make arranging therapy feel more complicated than it needs to be. If you're unsure what information you need, you're welcome to contact me and I can explain the details your insurer is likely to ask for.