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Using your private health insurance for therapy

Marking Therapy is a recognised provider for Allianz, Aviva, Vitality and WPA, and that recognition is verified through Healthcode. If your policy includes mental health cover, you may be able to use it for counselling and therapy here, in person in South Shields or online across the UK.

Who this is for

  • Adults aged 18 and over whose private health insurance is with Allianz, Aviva, Vitality or WPA, whether through work or a personal policy.
  • Sessions cover the concerns Marking Therapy works with every week, such as anxiety, low mood, stress, grief and loss, relationship difficulties and identity.

If you are not sure therapy is what you need, the free 10-minute introductory call is a good place to start.

Check your policy first

Every policy is different, so please speak to your insurer before you book and confirm:

  • whether your policy includes outpatient mental health cover
  • whether the insurer needs to authorise the sessions before they start
  • whether any excess or co-payment applies

You remain responsible for any part of a fee your insurer does not pay. Five minutes on the phone to them first protects you from surprises.

How billing works

Once your cover and any authorisation are confirmed, Marking Therapy invoices your insurer directly, so in most cases there is nothing for you to pay up front. If your policy carries an excess or a shortfall, the insurer will tell you what part is yours.

Session types and fees

  • Sessions start on the hour and last 45 minutes, or a full hour for couples counselling.
  • Initial Consultation £75, live video or phone £80, face to face in South Shields £85.
  • Couples counselling £100, hypnotherapy £100 by video or £120 in person.

The full list is on the fees page. Whether a particular session type is covered is set by your policy, so confirm with your insurer first.

How to start

Book a free 10-minute introductory call and mention that you would like to use your cover. We talk through what has brought you here, you confirm the cover details with your insurer, and sessions can then be arranged seven days a week, online across the UK or in person in South Shields.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a GP referral?

That depends on your policy. Some policies ask for a GP or helpline referral before outpatient mental health sessions, others do not. Your insurer will confirm what your policy needs when you call.

How does payment work?

Once your cover is confirmed, Marking Therapy invoices the insurer directly. You only pay any part your policy does not cover, such as an excess, and the insurer will tell you if that applies.

What is covered?

Cover varies by policy. Many policies include counselling and therapy for concerns such as anxiety, low mood and stress; some set a session limit or an annual amount. Please confirm the details with your insurer before booking.

Is online therapy covered?

Many policies cover online sessions in the same way as in person ones, but do check yours. Marking Therapy offers both: secure video across the UK, and face to face in South Shields.