Does Insurance Cover Online Therapy? A Plain-English Guide
In most cases, yes. Most private health insurance plans cover online therapy, and many cover it the same way they cover an in-person session: same copay, same deductible, same visit limits.
The catch is that "covered" doesn't always mean "free." What you actually pay depends on your plan's details and whether your therapist is in-network. This guide walks through how it works and exactly what to ask your insurance company, so there are no surprises on your first bill.
Why online therapy is usually covered
Therapy by video is billed the same way as therapy in an office. Your therapist uses the same service codes, so insurers generally treat a video session as a regular therapy visit.
A few rules work in your favor:
Mental health is a required benefit. Plans sold on the Affordable Care Act marketplace, and most small-employer plans, must cover mental health care.
Federal parity law. Most plans can't make mental health benefits harder to use than medical benefits, for example with stricter visit limits or higher copays.
State telehealth laws. Many states require insurers to cover telehealth when they cover the same service in person. The details vary by state and by plan type.
One important exception: many large employers "self-fund" their health plans, and those plans follow federal rules rather than state insurance laws. Most still cover online therapy, but it's another reason to confirm with your plan directly.
What you'll actually pay
Your cost per session comes down to four terms on your insurance plan:
Copay: a flat fee per session (for example, $30 per visit).
Deductible: what you pay in full before insurance starts paying (for example, you pay the full session rate until you've spent $2,000 for the year).
Coinsurance: a percentage you pay after the deductible (for example, you pay 20% and insurance pays 80%).
Out-of-pocket maximum: the most you'll pay in a year (for example, after $6,000, insurance pays 100%).
In-network vs. out-of-network makes the biggest difference. An in-network therapist has a contract with your insurer, so you pay only your copay or coinsurance. With an out-of-network therapist, you usually pay the full fee up front and submit a receipt (called a superbill) to your insurer. Many plans reimburse part of it, but some, especially HMOs, pay nothing out-of-network.
If you have a high-deductible plan, expect to pay the full session rate early in the year until you meet your deductible. A Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA) can usually be used for therapy.
How to check your coverage in 10 minutes
Call the member services or "behavioral health" number on the back of your insurance card, or log in to your insurer's member portal. Have your card handy.
Tip: Our Insurance & Rates page links directly to each accepted insurer's member login. Click your insurance company to sign in and check your mental health benefits. When you call or log in, ask:
Do I have outpatient mental health benefits, and do they cover telehealth (video) sessions?
Is [therapist or practice name] in-network for my plan?
What is my copay or coinsurance for an outpatient therapy session?
Do I have a deductible for mental health, and how much of it have I met this year?
Do I need a referral or prior authorization before starting therapy?
Is there a limit on the number of sessions per year?
If the therapist is out-of-network, do I have out-of-network benefits, and what percentage is reimbursed?
Write down the date, the representative's name, and a call reference number. If a claim is ever denied, that record helps.
What about Medicare and Medicaid?
Medicare covers therapy by video from your home. Congress has extended Medicare's telehealth rules through December 31, 2027, and a planned requirement for an in-person visit before starting telehealth therapy has been delayed through that date (American Psychiatric Association). These rules have changed several times since 2020, so check Medicare.gov for the latest.
Medicaid covers mental health care in every state, and telehealth coverage is common, but the rules are set by each state.
Podera Therapy is not currently in-network with Medicare or Medicaid. If you have either one, your plan's provider directory is the best place to find an in-network therapist.
Using your insurance with Podera Therapy
Podera Therapy offers online therapy in Idaho, Nevada, North Carolina, Oregon, South Carolina, Utah, and Washington. We're in-network with these plans:
Aetna
Anthem Blue Cross (Nevada)
Carelon
Cigna
Optum
Oscar
Oxford
Regence BlueCross BlueShield
Select Health (Utah)
UMR
UnitedHealthcare
If we're in-network with your plan, you pay only your copay or coinsurance after any deductible, and we'll help you estimate your cost before your first session.
Don't see your plan? You can self-pay and request a superbill to submit for possible out-of-network reimbursement. Self-pay rates are $200 for the first session (intake) and $135 for a standard 60-minute session. See Insurance & Rates for details.
Frequently asked questions
Does online therapy cost less than in-person therapy?
With insurance, usually not: most plans charge the same copay either way. You do save on travel time and missed work.
Can I use my HSA or FSA for online therapy?
In most cases, yes. Therapy with a licensed clinician is generally an eligible medical expense. Check with your account administrator if you're unsure.
Will my employer find out I'm in therapy?
Generally, no. Health privacy law (HIPAA) bars your health plan from sharing your therapy claims or diagnoses with your employer for employment decisions.
Does insurance require a diagnosis?
Yes. Insurers require a diagnosis to pay for therapy, and it becomes part of your health record. Some people self-pay for this reason. Your therapist can talk through the tradeoff with you.
What if I'm traveling or move to another state?
Your therapist must be licensed in the state where you are physically located during each session. Let your therapist know before you travel or move.
Ready to find out what you'd pay?
You don't have to figure out your benefits alone. Podera Therapy offers a free 15-minute consultation to answer your questions, help you estimate your cost, and see whether one of our therapists is the right fit.
