Mental health and BUPA

[monkeyblonde]

Hi, has anyone here used BUPA health insurance for mental health issues?

Since the birth of my children I've been struggling with erratic menstrual cycles which I'm sure are the cause of my 'depression'. I wake up a good few days of each month with a large black cloud hanging over me - it's affecting my marriage and my confidence to do much about it.

The GP has prescribed ADs, I did try them for a bit but they made me feel worse (tired, queasy) - she said that they may take a while to settle down but with two young children it's not something I can manage.

I'm just wondering if BUPA may offer more in the way of counselling rather than medication.

Also, I'm sure it's hormonal - but not sure what my options are here.

Appreciate any advice/personal experience.

If you think it is hormonal unsure why you would go down a counselling route rather than medication.

I’ve just been an inpatient at a private psych hospital and am now seeing my therapist under bupa outpatient cover. All policies are different though so you’re probably best to call them and find out what your policy covers. They have a dedicated mental team who just deal with mental health and they’ve always been very helpful.

I presume you have the health insurance already? If you are thinking of taking out insurance for this they are unlikely to cover you for an existing condition.

I agree it sounds hormonal and maybe not the kind of thing counselling would help with, unless you have other issues. I would use your insurance to see a private gynae to rule out any problems there and see what could be done to help. And/or possibly an endocrinologist?

But to answer your question I have mental health cover with my (international) Bupa policy. It is part of my standard medical cover so you probably have it. Mine gives me 30 sessions a year with a psychiatrist or psychologist - I see a psychiatrist for medication and a psychologist for counselling. Plus I have the possibility of a certain number of days inpatient treatment over the whole membership period. I have used the 30 outpatient sessions to stay in counselling for a number of years.

First step would be to check your policy to see what's covered.