Last Updated:

July 22nd, 2025

Private Health Insurance | BUPA and AXA

One of the biggest things that holds people back from getting help is fear about how much rehab is going to cost. Private health insurance for addiction treatment can help relieve you of some or even all of that financial burden. There are a number of UK insurance plans that offer addiction recovery coverage but it’s not always straightforward to navigate all the small print of an insurance policy. Understanding how rehab insurance works, what’s included and how to claim can help you get started with treatment as soon as possible.

private-health-card

What is private health insurance for addiction treatment?

Private health insurance for addiction treatment is a type of insurance plan that can help pay for rehab services if you’re struggling with substance abuse or addictive behaviours. It is important to understand that not every insurance plan is the same. Some may cover everything, while others may only cover part of the cost or require you to pay upfront and then claim the money back later.

What are the benefits of private health insurance for rehab?

The first and most obvious benefit of health insurance for rehabilitation is that it can save you money. Rehab can be expensive but even if your plan doesn’t cover everything, it can ease the financial pressure.

Another big benefit is faster access to treatment as waiting lists for free rehab are often backed up. With addiction recovery coverage, however, you will be able to begin private rehab whenever you are ready.

Insurance can also give you more choice in where you go and what treatment you receive as many private rehabs offer therapies and facilities that aren’t available through the NHS. This may include insurance-covered access to aftercare services or ongoing therapy, which are really important in long-term recovery.

What does private health insurance cover in addiction treatment?

Private rehab insurance policies can vary a lot so if you want to avoid unexpected costs, you need to read the small print. Some types of treatment are covered in full by most policies, while others may only be covered partly or not at all. Here are some that you definitely need to check:

Inpatient rehab treatment
This is when you stay at a rehab centre full-time, usually for a few weeks. Some insurance policies will cover a set number of days in inpatient rehab, especially if your doctor recommends it. Inpatient treatment is rarely offered through the NHS so insurance may be your best route if you need residential care but need help with the costs.
Outpatient treatment
Outpatient treatment means you live at home but attend therapy sessions at a clinic or treatment centre. It is offered for free by the NHS but private outpatient programmes may provide a wider range of therapies or more time slots available in the evenings and on weekends. Outpatient treatment tends to be covered by most private insurance plans, though again, you may need a GP referral first.
Detox services
Medically supervised detox helps you come off substances safely when you have been using heavily or for a long time. This can be one of the most expensive parts of treatment but private insurance often covers it. Some policies may limit which clinics or detox medications are included so you need to check.
Therapy and counselling
Most insurance plans include some form of therapy but the number of sessions can vary. Private rehab often offers more frequent or specialised sessions, which may only be covered partly by insurance or not at all unless you upgrade your policy. Again, make sure you check carefully before signing up.
Medication-assisted treatment
This includes prescription medication used to help with cravings, withdrawal or mental health issues. Some private policies cover this but others may only cover certain medications or limit how long you can receive them. In some cases, you may also need to pay extra for newer or less common treatments.

Understanding insurance policies for addiction treatment

Many people assume that private medical insurance automatically covers rehab but that’s not always the case. Here are some things you need to understand:

Pre-authorisation requirements
Most insurers will require pre-authorisation before they will cover any rehab insurance claim. That usually means a GP or private doctor needs to confirm that rehab is medically necessary. Without this, your insurer could reject the claim, even if your policy technically includes addiction treatment.

Approved providers only
Many insurers will only pay for treatment at specific rehab centres they have approved. If you choose a provider outside their network, you may have to pay part or all of the costs yourself. Always ask for a list of approved rehab clinics before booking a place.
Waiting periods and exclusions
If you have only recently taken out your insurance policy, you might find there’s a waiting period before you can claim for addiction recovery coverage. Pre-existing addiction issues may also be excluded, especially if you didn’t declare them when you first signed up.

How to access addiction treatment with private health insurance

Once you’ve confirmed that your private health insurance for addiction treatment includes the care you need, the next step is actually getting started. This can feel like a lot to figure out when you’re already overwhelmed so here is exactly how to do it, one step at a time:

Visit your GP (or a private doctor)
First, you will need a formal diagnosis or referral for addiction treatment from a GP or a private doctor. Explain your situation honestly and ask for a referral letter for rehab treatment. Make sure it includes the specific addiction you’re seeking help for and any co-occurring mental health concerns.

Choose a treatment provider that accepts your insurance
As explained, not every rehab clinic accepts private insurance and not all clinics are approved by every policy. Compare the list of approved rehab centres from your insurance provider and make the right choice for you.
Contact your insurer for pre-authorisation
Once you have your referral and you have chosen your treatment provider, contact your insurer again and ask to begin the pre-authorisation process. You will usually be asked to submit the GP letter along with any forms they provide. Some providers also require a treatment plan from the rehab clinic but your clinic’s admissions teams may liaise with your insurer on your behalf.
Book your treatment and confirm coverage
Once your insurance company has approved the treatment, ask for confirmation in writing that clearly outlines what is covered and for how long. This helps you avoid surprise costs later on. You can then confirm your admission with the clinic and book your start date.
Keep receipts and paperwork
If you’re asked to pay upfront and claim back later, keep all receipts, invoices and written confirmation of treatment. Make sure everything is itemised so you don’t run into problems during the claims process.

health-with-money-ghapical-image

How to find the best private health insurance for addiction treatment

Worried about the cost of rehab? You might already have private health insurance for addiction treatment and not even know it. Contact Addiction Helper and we’ll help you understand your options, check your coverage and find the support that fits your needs.

Reclaim Your Life Today

Our compassionate team are ready and available to take your call, and guide you towards lasting the lasting addiction recovery you deserve.

Frequently Asked Questions

What to do if your insurance doesn’t cover rehab?
If your health insurance doesn’t cover the support you need or if you don’t have insurance at all, you still have options. Some of the most common include free NHS addiction services, charity and community funding, flexible payment plans for private rehab, Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs) and financial help from friends and family. It is important to consider all routes available to you and to understand that rehab treatment can be a real investment in your future.

What to look for in a rehab programme covered by insurance?
Not all rehab programmes are the same and even if your insurance is paying for it, you want to know it’s right for you. First, check whether the rehab centre is approved by your insurer and whether it offers medical detox. Then, make sure that individual therapy sessions are included and covered and that there is a proper aftercare plan. You should also check the length of rehab stay available and whether your insurance plan covers the entirety. Finally, look for any extra costs that may not be covered by insurance, like holistic therapies, private rooms or family therapy.
What types of addiction treatment are covered by private health insurance?
Most private health insurance policies in the UK cover a range of addiction treatments, but it really depends on your provider and the specific plan you have. Common things that are covered include inpatient rehab stays, outpatient therapy sessions, detox support and sometimes medication-based treatment if it’s part of a structured recovery programme. Some policies may also include access to private counselling or mental health services, which can be really helpful during addiction recovery.