Your mental health, covered
While mental health cover isn't a standalone type of insurance, it's there to help you access support when you're feeling stressed, anxious, or just not quite yourself emotionally or mentally. It can include things like counselling, therapy sessions, and other services designed to help you feel better and stay well.
Taking care of your mental health is just as important as looking after your physical health. Whether you're facing challenges or simply want someone to talk to, mental health cover can give you the tools to help you feel more confident and supported.
It’s a smart choice for anyone who wants to feel more in control and cared for, because having access to the right help can make everyday life feel that little bit lighter.
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Does health insurance cover mental health?
Yes, it can! Many health insurance plans include mental health support as part of their cover. Providers recognise the importance of supporting your health holistically, not just your physical wellbeing. So in addition to helping you care for your physical health, that might also mean help with talking therapy, counselling, or access to online tools that support your wellbeing.
Mental health cover is designed to make it easier to get the right help when you need it. Whether that’s someone to talk to, guidance through a tough time, or support to feel more like yourself again, you’re not alone.
If you're thinking about health insurance, choosing a plan that includes mental health support is a great way to take care of your whole self, body and mind.
What mental health conditions are covered?
Aviva’s health insurance typically covers treatment and support for the following common mental health conditions:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
- Eating disorders
- Stress-related conditions
- Substance abuse (depending on the policy level).
Types of Support Available
Depending on your chosen plan, Aviva offers:
- out-patient mental health treatment – up to £2,000 for therapy or counselling sessions.
- in-patient and day-patient psychiatric treatment – up to 28 days.
- stress counselling helpline – available 24/7 with trained professionals.
- digital support & wellbeing services – through apps like the Aviva Digital GP app‡, which can give you support 24/7, and tools to keep your mind and body in shape through services like Get Active‡.
Get Active not only includes savings on memberships at health and fitness clubs nationwide, but also gives you access to discounts on healthy lifestyle brands and services. ‡
What conditions aren’t covered?
Aviva’s health insurance is designed to support your mental wellbeing, but there are a few things it doesn’t cover.
For example, long-term or chronic mental health conditions (except cancer-related ones) aren’t usually included. That means if you’ve had a mental health condition for a while or it started before your cover began, it might not be part of your plan.
Pre-existing conditions, ones you’ve had before taking out your policy, may also be excluded.
Here’s a quick look at what’s typically not covered:
- Long-term or chronic mental health conditions (unless related to cancer)
- Mental health conditions that started before your policy began
- Pre-existing conditions, depending on your plan
- Treatment not recommended or referred by a recognised medical professional
- Support received outside of your policy’s approved network or limits
- Diagnostic tests to treat or assess learning difficulties or developmental or behavioural problems such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorder.
‡ Non-contractual benefit which can be changed or withdrawn at any time
What are the benefits and limitations to mental health cover?
Mental health cover can be a great way to get support when you need it, however there are things it does and doesn’t include. Here’s a simple table to help you explore the options:
Benefits
Limitations
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Why choose us for health insurance?
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Get access to wellbeing services to help keep you at your best.
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A doctor in your pocket - medical help anytime, anywhere, with the Aviva Digital GP app‡.
‡ Non-contractual benefit which can be changed or withdrawn at any time
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FAQs
Does Aviva health insurance cover pre-existing conditions? Show more Show less
Whether we can or can't cover a pre-existing condition, and how we deal with it, depends on the type of underwriting you choose.
A 'pre-existing' condition is when you've had symptoms, medication, advice, treatment, or diagnostic tests for a disease, illness, or injury before taking out health cover.
Your health insurance might not cover a pre-existing condition, because it's meant for new, unexpected, or short-term conditions that happen after you take out the policy.
Find out more about health insurance and pre-existing conditions.
Are there any age limits to buying health insurance? Show more Show less
You can only get a health insurance policy with us if you're 18 or older.
Will I be covered to see a GP? Show more Show less
Your health insurance cover with us also gives you access to the Aviva Digital GP app*. Provided by Square Health, it gives you unlimited, 24/7 access to GP video consultations, per member, per policy year.
If you have an appointment with a GP through the app and they refer you for further assessment or treatment, you'll then need to start a claim.
We don't cover any charges to see an NHS or private GP, or for any treatment or diagnostic tests they carry out.
* The Aviva Digital GP app is a non-contractual benefit and can be changed or withdrawn at any time. You can find terms and conditions and the privacy policy for the Aviva Digital GP service in the app.
Do I need a referral from a GP to claim on my health insurance? Show more Show less
Yes, you need a referral from a GP to make a claim.
If you see a GP and they want you to see a specialist, tell them you've got private medical insurance with us.
They'll then either give you an open referral or a named referral with a specific consultant, specialist or clinic. If you ask for an open referral, we can help you find a hospital and specialist covered by your policy. If you've chosen our Expert Select hospital option, you'll always need to ask for an open referral.
Remember to start your claim with us before having any tests or treatment, so you know if they're covered or not.
Discover more about making a health insurance claim.
Will my health insurance premiums change every year? Show more Show less
How much you pay for your health insurance might change year-to-year. Because when we work out your renewal price, we consider several factors. Some of them are about you specifically, like your age or postcode. Others are about what’s happening in the world or the insurance market in general, like the cost of medical treatments increasing.
Discover other factors that might cause your health insurance premiums to change.