How to claim private health insurance for addiction treatment

It can be challenging and overwhelming to navigate private health insurance, especially when seeking treatment for addiction (aka substance use disorder).

We want to help make this process as smooth as possible for you and have provided some information below to help you know how to claim private health insurance with Arrow Health.

Will private health insurance cover my addiction treatment?

Most private health insurance policies provide coverage for addiction treatment under their psychiatric services or mental health coverage. The level of cover you may receive depends on your specific policy. If you’re unsure about your coverage, Arrow Health will conduct an OEC (online eligibility check) to verify if your insurance will cover your treatment and, if so, how much.

What if I’m new to private health?

If you have just started a new private health cover policy you are generally required to complete a minimum 2 months waiting period for psychiatric care.

If you are upgrading an existing private health insurance policy to access higher benefits for in-hospital psychiatric care, including addiction treatment, you may be exempt from this waiting period.

Limits on the number of sessions for day program treatments have been removed. This means that patients are able to access the care they need without facing additional restrictions.

We recommend contacting your insurance provider to find out if you’re eligible for the waiting period exemption or if you will need to wait before starting treatment to ensure it’s covered.

What is covered under psychiatric and mental health services?

Private health insurance policies often include a range of psychiatric and mental health services. These include admissions to private mental health hospitals, counselling, therapy, and support services Your level of cover will determine which services you are covered for.

Not all policies cover all services, so it is important that you review your cover and check with your insurance provider for any specifics.

How does the claims process work at Arrow Health?

We want to help reduce your stress by handling the claims process for you. Once we have verified your coverage through the OEC, we will then liaise directly with your health fund and submit claims on your behalf. This means that you will not have to worry about managing paperwork or paying upfront then claiming it back. We’ve got you covered.

What about payments?

Before you start treatment you will be required to pay an upfront deposit. This covers part of your treatment costs and reserves your place. Any gap payments will be paid after the claims are processed. We will provide you with clear information about all upfront or out-of-pocket expenses prior to treatment, so that you can plan accordingly.

What are gap payments?

Depending on your policy, you may need to make gap payments. These are a portion of the treatment cost that your insurance provider doesn’t cover. This varies depending on your policy’s inclusions and excess fees.

Need help understanding your policy?

If you’re unsure about your private health insurance coverage, please reach out to our friendly team. We are committed to helping you understand your policy and want you to get the treatment you need with minimal financial stress.

Does private health insurance cover any of the costs?

Yes. Arrow Health is a private health fund endorsed facility. Private health insurance usually covers up to 30 days of detox. We run our detox within our very own accredited Private Hospital. The private health insurance excess will vary depending on your level of cover.