Let's Talk All Things Mental Health

At Union Health, we believe that mental health is just as important as physical health. We’re here to support your mental wellbeing, offering hospital and extras cover to help manage the costs of mental health treatments and ensure you receive the care you need. 

Why mental health is it important? 

Mental health is the foundation of a balanced and fulfilling life. The connection between mental and physical health is undeniable; conditions like anxiety and depression can lead to problems like heart disease and chronic pain.

Moreover, poor mental health can strain relationships, make daily life difficult and lower your overall quality of life. Understanding and prioritising mental health is crucial, as it enables you to build resilience, foster meaningful connections and succeed both personally and professionally.

What steps can someone take to improve their mental health? 

Improving mental health often involves adopting healthier habits. Some steps to consider are:

• Exercise regularly: Physical activity can improve your mood, boost your energy and reduce mental fatigue.

• Practice mindfulness and meditation: These techniques have been shown to reduce stress by lowering cortisol levels and promoting feelings of relaxation and peace.

• Maintain a balanced diet: Proper nutrition supports overall brain function so you can think clearly and sharply.

• Stay connected: Building and maintaining relationships can provide emotional support.

• Seek professional help: If you're struggling, it might be time to seek support from a mental health professional. With our extras cover you receive benefits for services like psychology, hypnotherapy, and counselling.

For a detailed guide on boosting your mental and physical well-being, check out our seven-step guide for mental and physical well-being.

How does Medicare help?

Medicare offers a treatment plan that allows you to claim the cost of up to 10 individual or group therapy sessions with a mental health professional each year. Since health professionals set their own fees, you may need to pay the difference if their charges exceed the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) fee.

If you required hospitalisation for mental health care, Medicare covers treatment in a public hospital. However, there might be a waiting list before you can be admitted and the waiting time can vary depending on the state and hospital.

How can Union Health help?

At Union Health, we’re committed to creating fairer health insurance for all and understand the importance of having access to mental health care when you need it. Here's how Union Health insurance can be there for you:

Hospital Cover

• For inpatient psychiatric services on our Gold Hospital cover we pay benefits towards accommodation, theatre fees, intensive care and hospital provided medication.

• For our hospital covers with inpatient psychiatric services listed as a restricted service, we pay the government's default accommodation benefit towards private hospital accommodation or the cost of shared accommodation in a public hospital.

• Union Health members who have maintained hospital cover for at least two months and upgrade from a policy with restricted psychiatric benefits to Gold hospital cover can waive the standard two-month waiting period for hospital psychiatric services. Gold hospital cover is the only level that fully covers these services. This waiver is available only once in a member's lifetime. Learn more in the Lifetime Mental Health Waiting Period waiver*.

Extras Cover

• Our extras cover includes benefits for mental wellness services like psychology, hypnotherapy, and counselling. Telehealth services are also available for counselling and psychology services, allowing you to choose when and where you receive care.

• Depending on your extras cover, you may also receive benefits for services like physiotherapy, chiropractic care and remedial massage, which can all contribute to your overall mental wellbeing. Check the product guides to learn more about extra products and benefits.

Additionally, our Health Support Service team is dedicated to helping members accessing resources for mental wellbeing^.

What other mental health support is out there?

Australia has many free mental health support services and professional help options. Non-profit organisations provide services, education and someone to talk to during tough times:

• Lifeline Australia is a free 24/7 hotline focused on crisis support for suicide and depression support.

• Beyond Blue’s focus is prevention and early intervention, supporting people at the first sign of need for anxiety support.

• Black Dog Institute has a free specialised program for mental health and national emergency workers and volunteers.

Find a complete list of government-recommended services at Head to Health.

We’re here to support your mental health journey. For more information or to compare your health cover, get an online quote tailored to your needs or speak with our health insurance experts in Queensland.