ECT/TMS and private health insurance

[spooler93]

Hi all

I'm considering ECT or TMS (transcranial magnetic stimulation) therapy in order to treat severe depression. I talked to my psychiatrist today and he mentioned that both would be a lot cheaper with private health insurance. He said that without private insurance, both services would probably cost around 3-5 thousand dollars. However, I'm concerned about what private health providers will actually cover, as well as how long the waiting period will be until I can access the services. I want to keep disruption of my life to a minimum, so I'd rather do as many of the treatments as an outpatient as possible. Does anyone have experience of getting these services provided under a private health provider?

[Croix]

Dear Spooler~

I would think there might be some hope, both on the pre-existing condition problem and also the limitations to types of treatment. Choice had a good article about some of the things to consider, you may find it useful as a checklist:

https://www.choice.com.au/money/insurance/health/articles/mental-health-and-health-insurance

Ringing around the funds armed wiht that you may find joining one particular one rather than another suits you best.

I hope this helps

Croix

[Rob851]

How did you go with this? And what state are you in?