Mental health cover in UK private medical insurance
Mental health is now one of the top three claims categories for UK PMI. Cover varies widely — from 'included as standard' to 'optional module with session caps'. This page summarises how each major UK insurer handles mental health and the questions brokers should put on the table.
What this means in practice
Mental health cover usually splits into outpatient sessions (psychiatry, psychology, CBT and other talking therapies) and inpatient/day-patient admissions. Some insurers also distinguish drug-related and addiction treatment, which is commonly excluded or limited.
How each UK insurer handles it
Bupa
Direct Access pathway lets members self-refer for mental health concerns without a GP referral on supported plans.
Full Bupa profile →Vitality
Talking therapies included with structured session limits; condition-led pathways through Vitality's network.
Full Vitality profile →Aviva
Mental health is an optional module — must be added explicitly. Check session and admission limits.
Full Aviva profile →WPA
Configurable mental health module with shortfall protection on consultant fees.
Full WPA profile →Broker questions to ask
Are talking therapies (CBT) included or session-capped?
Almost always session-capped. Limits range from 8 to 28 sessions per year depending on plan and insurer.
Is addiction treatment covered?
Generally excluded as a standalone condition, though detox required for another covered condition may be included.
Does the client need a GP referral?
Bupa Direct Access and AXA Working Body-adjacent pathways allow self-referral on supported plans; others require GP referral.
Get cited answers across all five insurers
Ask a question — HealthCareCompare returns the answer with the page reference from each insurer's broker doc.
Request a demoLast updated 18 May 2026