Does Bupa Cover CBT Therapy in Dorset?
- cbtbournemouth
- Oct 1
- 3 min read
By Rebecca, Bupa Fee Assured Cognitive Behavioural Therapist
If you are considering Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) remotely across the UK or in Dorset, you might be wondering whether you can use your Bupa Private Health Insurance to cover the cost. The good news is that Bupa mental health cover which includes CBT therapy, is included in many of its UK based health insurance policies. This brief guide explains how Bupa mental health cover works, what might be included, and how you can access therapy quickly in Dorset.
What is CBT Therapy?
What is CBT Therapy used to treat?
CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) is an evidence-based treatment recommended by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) for conditions such as:
Anxiety and panic
Depression and low mood
Stress and burnout
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Health anxiety
Post-traumatic stress
In Dorset, many people choose CBT privately because waiting times for NHS therapy can be long. With Bupa cover, you may be able to start therapy within days, either face-to-face in Dorset or online from anywhere in the UK.
How does CBT work?
What can I expect during a CBT appointment?
Does Bupa Health Insurance Cover CBT?
Yes - Bupa private medical health insurance in the UK with mental health provision covers CBT therapy when:
The therapy is for a recognised mental health condition (e.g. anxiety, depression).
You are referred by a GP or approved mental health professional.
The CBT therapist is recognised by Bupa (registered and approved on their provider list).
Coverage usually includes (not always so please check your individuial policy limitations) :
An agreed number of sessions per year (often 8–12 initially).
Online or in-person CBT sessions.
Access to approved Bupa recognised CBT therapists in Dorset and across the UK.
To become registered with Bupa, Bupa have checked my references, accreditation and qualifications. You can find my Bupa provider profile here.
How to Access CBT with Bupa in Dorset
Contact Bupa to check your policy - log in to your Bupa account or contact their customer service to see what your plan includes.
Get a referral (if required) - some policies need a GP referral before authorising CBT others will be able to generate a pre authorisation number without a GP referral.
Choose a Bupa recognised therapist - to ensure your sessions are covered.
Book your appointment - once authorised, you can arrange therapy at a time that suits you.
👉 Rebecca is an experienced Bupa recognised CBT therapist offering both remotely online therapy UK wide and in person sessions in Dorset. Book a CBT appointment here.
What if My Bupa Cover Doesn’t Include Therapy?
If your Bupa policy doesn’t include mental health, you still have options:
Self-funded CBT sessions - private therapy without insurance gives full flexibility on length and frequency of sessions.
Other insurers - I am also recognised by AXA Health, Aviva, Cigna, WPA, and Vitality.
Why Choose Private CBT in Dorset?
Faster access to the support you need
Flexible appointments
Local expertise - in-person sessions in Dorset, or remote sessions if preferred
Insurance or self-funded - choice of payment methods to suit you
Key Takeaways
Yes, Bupa covers CBT therapy in Dorset for eligible policies.
Coverage can include unlimited or a a set number of sessions, with approved therapists.
You will need to check your plan and sometimes get a GP referral.
If not covered, self-funded CBT is available for fast and flexible support.
👉 Contact me today to discuss whether you can use your Bupa policy for CBT, or to arrange a private session in Dorset.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bupa and CBT in Dorset:
Does Bupa cover CBT therapy in Dorset?
Yes, Bupa health insurance often covers CBT therapy in Dorset if you have mental health benefits included in your plan. Coverage usually applies to Bupa-recognised therapists.
How many CBT sessions does Bupa cover?
Some Bupa policies offer unlimited sessions while some start with an allocation of 8–16 sessions. Additional sessions may be authorised if clinically appropriate. Always check your policy for limits before booking.
Do I need a GP referral for CBT with Bupa?
Some Bupa policies require a GP referral before starting therapy. Others allow you to self-refer directly to a Bupa-recognised therapist once you have contacted Bupa to gain your pre authorisation number.
Can I use Bupa insurance for online CBT sessions?
Yes, Bupa typically covers both in-person CBT in Dorset and remote CBT sessions delivered online across the UK.
What if my Bupa policy doesn’t include mental health cover?
If your policy excludes mental health, you can self-fund CBT privately. I also accept other insurers including AXA, Aviva, WPA, and Vitality.
How quickly can I start CBT in Dorset with Bupa?
Once authorised, appointments can usually be arranged within a week.
Comments