Key Questions College Students Should Ask When Reaching Out to Their Insurance Provider

Before scheduling therapy, it’s smart to confirm your benefits with your insurance company.

What to Ask:

1. Is therapy covered under my plan?
2. What’s my deductible, and how much have I paid toward it? A deductible is what you pay out-of-pocket before insurance starts covering costs.)
3. Do I have a copay for mental health visits? A copay is a fixed fee for each visit.
4. Are there limits on the number of sessions covered?

5. Do I need preauthorization? Preauthorization is a requirement from your health insurance company that you obtain approval before receiving certain medical services, including mental health therapy. If preauthorization is required, your provider must submit a request to the insurance company detailing why the service is necessary. Without this approval, your insurance may not cover the cost of therapy, leaving you responsible for the full amount. It's always best to check with your insurance provider to see if preauthorization is needed before starting therapy.

6. What’s the difference in coverage for in-network and out-of-network providers?

7. Does my plan cover telehealth therapy?

A quick call to your insurance provider can help prevent surprises and ensure you’re fully informed about your coverage.