A comprehensive guide to understanding Manulife’s psychotherapy coverage policy
Psychotherapy plays an increasingly important role in helping people cope with common mental health and emotional challenges. However, navigating the process of getting psychotherapy coverage can be confusing and overwhelming – especially if you need to work with a large insurance provider like Manulife.
This article captures information on Manulife’s psychotherapy coverage so that you can make informed decisions about treatment options for yourself or your loved ones. You will learn about Manulife’s psychotherapy coverage, what therapies are covered, eligibility requirements and how to make the most of your mental health benefits plan. We’ll also cover how to submit your psychotherapy claim.
So if you’re looking to learn more about Manulife’s psychotherapy and counselling coverage policy, you have found the right resource.
Does Manulife cover psychotherapy services?
Understanding Manulife’s psychotherapy and mental health coverage is a beneficial tool for therapists and patients alike
This benefit, if part of your plan, offers financial coverage for psychotherapy provided by eligible practitioners such as Registered Psychotherapists, Clinical Counsellors, Social Workers, Psychologists, and more. In most cases, your service provider would need to be a regulated healthcare professional allowed to engage in the act of psychotherapy. These services may include:
- Individual Psychotherapy
- Couples Psychotherapy
- Family & Group Psychotherapy
- Online Psychotherapy
To qualify for this type of coverage, your Manulife insurance plan must include mental health benefits. After meeting those requirements, you can receive coverage for your therapy sessions with a chosen provider.
In some instances, we’ve seen coverage of up to $10,000 combined maximum per person per year payable at 100%. Before receiving services from a psychotherapist, you are encouraged to contact the Manulife Group Benefits Customer Service Centre by calling 1-800-268-6195 to verify that the practitioner has the appropriate credentials for their services for your expenses to be fully covered.
Knowing what coverage is available when seeking treatment can make getting help easier, relieving you from financial strain and allowing you to focus on healing. It is important to take full advantage of any financial support provided by your Manulife benefits plan.
Types of therapy and approaches covered by Manulife
Your service provider may do more than just talk therapy
It’s helpful to know that Manulife’s therapy coverage can include different therapeutic approaches. If you’re working with a therapist who uses several psychotherapy approaches, these experiences would be covered as part of your claim. These include, but are not limited to:
- Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
- Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)
- Internal Family Systems (IFS)
- Emotional Transformation Therapy (ETT)
- Psychodynamic Therapy
- Existential Therapy
Manulife’s mental health benefits help when life presents unexpected challenges. This coverage is designed to provide mental health support, ensuring your treatment is smooth, progressive and continuous.
Eligibility requirements for Manulife psychotherapy coverage
To be eligible for a psychotherapy claim, your plan must include mental health benefits
Manulife makes the cost of therapy more manageable for you and your covered dependents with comprehensive mental health benefits. As with any insurance plan, eligibility requirements must be met. To be eligible for coverage, you must be covered by an eligible health plan from Manulife or part of a Manulife group plan with mental health benefits.
While certain pre-conditions can play a factor in determining coverage eligibility, the final decision is made after the claim has been thoroughly reviewed by Manulife’s benefits team. In some cases, you may require a doctor’s referral or provide additional information when your claim is being processed.
Making the most of your mental health benefits with Manulife
Tips to help maximize your Manulife therapy coverage
Obtaining mental health support can be essential for managing and improving overall well-being; however, making the most of your Manulife psychotherapy coverage can be confusing. Fortunately, there are a few tips that can help make it easier to maximize the benefits offered.
Focus on consistency while you have coverage
If possible, create a timeline for appointments and treatments to ensure your mental health and self-care are not forgotten, sidelined, or delayed.
Research and find the right therapist to work with
Choosing a therapist covered by Manulife involves researching and making informed decisions to get the most out of your benefits and care.
When selecting a service provider for your therapy coverage, it is important to find a registered healthcare worker. You should determine the therapy services that you need. Ensure the provider has the expertise, experience, and qualifications to best meet your goals.
Research therapists online to figure out who can provide the best support while covered by Manulife insurance. Book a free consultation to get to know the therapist better and see if they are the right fit. Ask your therapist questions and create a dialogue about what you’re looking for to receive adequate and beneficial care that is covered through Manulife insurance. Ask about fees and pricing so you can check it against your coverage balance.
Review your coverage total and financial responsibility for treatment
A helpful tip would be to take your mental health benefits coverage total and divide it by each session cost. For example, if your annual coverage total is $2500 and each psychotherapy session costs $160, this would allow you to attend 15 sessions per calendar year paid by Manulife. That’s at least one psychotherapy session per month that you wouldn’t pay for out-of-pocket.
Doing this initial research would help you determine how many therapy sessions would be covered and help you align to consistency. Some Manulife coverage plans have high thresholds, allowing you to keep up with your mental health all year long.
By following these tips, you will be able to take advantage of all the great benefits offered by Manulife when it comes to your mental health.
Submitting your psychotherapy claim to Manulife
Follow these 3 simple steps to submit your therapy claim using the mobile app
With the Manulife Mobile app, you can easily submit claims through your phone. It’s extremely helpful to save time and get reimbursed fast. Most psychotherapy practices provide downloadable receipts or invoices you can use for your claim submission. Here’s how it’s done:
- Login to the Manulife Mobile App and select ‘Submit a Claim’. If you don’t have the app, you can easily download it from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store depending on the type of device you have.
- Choose your claim type. Select “Psychotherapist” and input your claim information. This would include the expense type, service date and amount. You can upload invoices and supporting documents directly on the app.
- Submit your claim. After providing the necessary information, your claim is ready to be submitted. You’ll receive a confirmation number for your record. After Manulife has checked your claim, they’ll let you know through email. If you’re getting money back, it can take up to 10 business days for the money to be deposited into your bank account.
Watch this great video that walks you through the process of a claim submission using the Manulife mobile app
Chat with a therapist if you have Manulife coverage
Now that you’re equipped with all this information related to Manulife’s psychotherapy coverage, take your time in deciding which provider is best for you. Don’t be afraid to search online or connect with therapists and ask questions to ensure you are getting the best treatment for your needs. If you’re still having trouble finding a provider that works for you or if you have additional questions, let us know.
Take the first step towards a brighter future. Our psychotherapists are here to help you unlock your potential, improve your well-being and make lasting purposeful changes in your life. Book a free consultation with one of our Manulife eligible practitioners.
