Does Health Insurance Cover Depression Screening Costs? What You Need to Know | Safe and Sound
Depression is one of the most common mental disorders today, seriously affecting mental and physical health. Many people with this problem often worry about the cost of treatment and do not know whether health insurance supports it or not. In this article, psychological experts will help you learn more about health insurance policies for depression as well as important things to know to get insurance.
Phi Thuy Linh | Bachelor of Public Health – Mental Health Care Application Safe and Sound
Institute of Medical Technology Applications
1. Depression – A mental illness that needs attention
Depression is a common psychological problem today, negatively affecting everyone's health.
Depression is a common psychological problem that negatively affects millions of people around the world, including Vietnam. According to psychologists, depression not only causes a feeling of prolonged sadness but can also reduce the quality of life, affecting the patient's work, study and social relationships. Therefore, the treatment of depression is extremely important and needs to be supported in all aspects, including financial aspects, including health insurance.
2. Does health insurance cover the cost of depression screening?
Many people wonder whether health insurance (HI) covers the cost of depression examination and treatment. According to current regulations in Vietnam, health insurance DOES cover the cost of depression examination and treatment if the patient fully meets the conditions of medical examination and treatment and has valid documents.
Specifically, health insurance will pay part or all of the costs of examination, treatment, medication, and psychological counseling if the patient complies with the medical examination and treatment process. However, the level of health insurance benefits also depends on factors such as:
- Medical facilities have contracts with health insurance.
- Is the medicine used on the list covered by health insurance?
- Is the patient going to the right clinic?
According to psychological experts, understanding health insurance benefits helps patients reduce the financial burden when treating depression.
3. Depression screening services covered by health insurance
3.1. Examination and diagnosis of depression
Health insurance covers the costs of clinical examinations, tests, and assessments by psychologists or psychiatrists to determine the level of depression. This is an important step in helping doctors determine the appropriate treatment for the patient.
3.2. Drug treatment
Antidepressants that are on the list of health insurance covered by the Ministry of Health will be covered. However, if the patient uses drugs that are not on the list or imported drugs, you may have to pay for them yourself.
3.3. Psychological therapy
Health insurance can cover some of the costs when patients attend psychological therapy at a public hospital. However, if you choose psychological counseling at a private clinic, you may have to pay the full cost.
According to psychologists, the combination of medication and psychotherapy is an effective approach to treating depression.
3.4. Inpatient treatment
In cases of severe depression, the patient may need inpatient treatment. At this time, health insurance can cover part or all of the cost if treated at the right hospital.
4. Things to know to get health insurance support when examining for depression
4.1. Register for medical examination and treatment at the right location
To receive health insurance support, you need to register for medical examination and treatment at the right facility.
To be covered by health insurance, patients need to register for medical examination and treatment at medical facilities that have contracts with health insurance. If the examination is not in the designated area, the support level will be lower or not covered by insurance.
4.2. Keep all documents
When you go to see a depression doctor, you should bring:
- Valid health insurance card.
- Photo identification.
- Hospital transfer papers (if any).
According to psychologists, preparing complete documents helps avoid losing insurance benefits.
4.3. Learn about the list of drugs covered by health insurance
Not all antidepressants are covered by health insurance. Patients should talk to their doctor or psychologist to choose the appropriate treatment method and get insurance support.
5. Frequently asked questions about health insurance and depression screening
5.1. If I go to a private clinic for depression treatment, will health insurance cover it?
According to regulations, health insurance only covers examinations at hospitals or medical facilities that have contracts with the insurance. Private clinics are usually not covered by insurance, unless they have a contract with health insurance.
5.2. Does health insurance cover 100% of the cost of depression treatment?
This depends on the health insurance participants. Some groups such as people with revolutionary contributions and children under 6 years old can enjoy 100% of the cost. For other groups, health insurance usually covers from 80% to 95% of the treatment costs.
5.3. Can I request advice from a psychologist using health insurance?
Health insurance may cover part of the cost of psychological counseling if the patient is examined at a public hospital. However, for individual counseling services outside, the cost is usually not supported by insurance.
5.4. If I buy antidepressants myself, will I get a refund from health insurance?
No. Health insurance only supports when patients buy prescription drugs at hospitals or pharmacies affiliated with the insurance.
6. Advice from a psychologist
Depression is a disease that needs to be treated promptly to avoid serious consequences. According to psychological experts, patients should proactively learn about health insurance benefits to reduce the financial burden when undergoing treatment.
In addition, if you feel anxious, stressed or have signs of depression, seek psychological support from experts for timely support. Consulting and companionship from experts will help you overcome difficult times and regain balance in life.
Health insurance does cover the cost of depression diagnosis and treatment, but the amount of coverage depends on many factors. Understanding your rights will help patients access medical services more easily and reduce financial pressure.
If you or a loved one is experiencing psychological problems, do not hesitate to seek help from psychological experts for appropriate treatment. Depression is not the end, but a challenge that can be overcome if you receive the right support!
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See also:
- Antidepressants: uses, side effects and things to know
