Insurance Coverage Checker
Understand your insurance benefits and find therapy platforms that accept your coverage
Does Your Insurance Cover Online Therapy?
Most Likely YES If You Have:
- ✓ Major medical insurance (Blue Cross, Aetna, United Healthcare, Cigna, etc.)
- ✓ Federal Employee Health Benefits (FEHB)
- ✓ Medicaid or Medicare (in many states)
- ✓ Employer-sponsored health plans
- ✓ Marketplace plans (ACA/Obamacare)
May Not Cover (But Check):
- ? Short-term health insurance plans
- ? Health sharing ministries
- ? Some grandfathered plans (pre-ACA)
Good News: The Affordable Care Act (ACA) requires most insurance plans to cover mental health services, including telehealth/online therapy, at the same level as in-person therapy.
How to Check Your Coverage in 5 Steps
Find Your Insurance Information
Locate your insurance card and have this information ready:
- • Insurance company name and phone number
- • Policy/Member ID number
- • Group number (if applicable)
- • Name of policyholder
Call the Member Services Number
Call the number on the back of your insurance card and ask these specific questions:
- • "Does my plan cover mental health services?"
- • "Does my plan cover telehealth/online therapy?"
- • "What is my copay or coinsurance for mental health visits?"
- • "Do I need to meet my deductible first?"
- • "How many therapy sessions are covered per year?"
- • "Do I need a referral or prior authorization?"
Ask About In-Network vs Out-of-Network
Understanding network status is crucial for costs:
- • In-Network: Lower copays, covered at higher percentage (typically 70-100%)
- • Out-of-Network: Higher costs, but you may still get partial reimbursement (typically 50-70%)
- • Ask: "What are my out-of-network mental health benefits?"
- • Ask: "Do you offer out-of-network reimbursement?"
Get It In Writing
Always request written confirmation:
- • Ask for a "benefit verification" or "explanation of benefits" to be mailed or emailed
- • Note the representative's name and reference number
- • Take notes with date and time of call
- • Save all documentation
Verify With the Platform
Once you choose a platform:
- • Confirm they accept your specific insurance plan
- • Ask them to verify your benefits before first session
- • Understand what you'll pay out-of-pocket
- • Clarify their billing and claims process
Online Therapy Platforms That Accept Insurance
Talkspace
Most comprehensive insurance coverage
Accepts: Most major insurers including Aetna, Cigna, Optum, Premera Blue Cross, and many more
Coverage: In-network with many plans for therapy and psychiatry
Process: Verify benefits during sign-up, typically billed per session
Cerebral
Insurance for therapy + medication management
Accepts: Many insurance plans for therapy and psychiatric services
Coverage: Both therapy sessions and medication management may be covered
Process: Insurance verification before treatment starts
Brightside
Depression & anxiety treatment with insurance
Accepts: Various insurance plans, focusing on anxiety and depression treatment
Coverage: Both therapy and medication covered under many plans
Process: Data-driven approach with insurance integration
Amwell
Full telehealth with extensive insurance acceptance
Accepts: Very wide insurance acceptance including Medicare, Medicaid, and most private insurance
Coverage: Therapy, psychiatry, and integrated medical care
Process: Insurance verified before each session
Note: Coverage varies by specific plan and state. Always verify your benefits with both your insurance company and the therapy platform before starting treatment.
Getting Reimbursed for Out-of-Network Therapy
Many quality online therapy platforms don't accept insurance directly, but you may still get partial reimbursement. Here's how:
The Superbill Process
- 1. Pay for therapy sessions out-of-pocket
- 2. Request a "superbill" from your therapist (detailed receipt with diagnosis codes)
- 3. Submit superbill to your insurance company
- 4. Insurance reimburses you according to your out-of-network benefits (typically 50-70%)
- 5. Keep records of all payments and reimbursements
Platforms That Provide Superbills
- BetterHelp: Provides receipts that may be submitted for reimbursement
- Talkspace: Can provide superbills for out-of-network reimbursement
- Most Platforms: Ask your therapist about superbill availability
FSA/HSA Tip
You can use FSA (Flexible Spending Account) or HSA (Health Savings Account) funds to pay for therapy, even if your insurance doesn't cover it. This uses pre-tax dollars, saving you 20-30% on average.
Common Insurance Questions
What's the difference between a copay, coinsurance, and deductible?
Copay: Fixed amount you pay per session (e.g., $30 per session)
Coinsurance: Percentage you pay after meeting deductible (e.g., you pay 20%, insurance pays 80%)
Deductible: Amount you must pay out-of-pocket before insurance coverage kicks in (e.g., first $1,000)
Do I need a referral or prior authorization?
Most insurance plans don't require referrals for mental health services, but some HMO plans do. Always check with your insurance. Prior authorization is sometimes required for ongoing therapy beyond a certain number of sessions.
Will using insurance for therapy go on my permanent record?
Using insurance requires a mental health diagnosis, which becomes part of your medical record. This is private health information protected by HIPAA. However, it may affect life insurance applications. If privacy is a concern, consider paying out-of-pocket.
How many therapy sessions does insurance typically cover?
Most plans cover 20-52 sessions per year. Some plans have unlimited coverage, while others may require authorization for additional sessions beyond an initial number (often 6-12 sessions).
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Important Disclaimer
This tool provides general guidance only. Insurance coverage varies significantly by plan, state, and provider. Always verify your specific benefits directly with your insurance company and chosen therapy platform before beginning treatment. Coverage information provided here may not reflect your individual plan's benefits.