- Yes, if BetterHelp accepts your plan. They work with more than 125 plans, and eligible members pay an average copay of $23 per session. Check your plan during signup.
- Claiming reimbursement after paying cash is unlikely. BetterHelp does not provide superbills, only member invoices from account settings.
- BetterHelp accepts HSA and FSA cards for self-pay.
BetterHelp used to be self-pay only, with subscriptions costing $70 to $100 per week. They began accepting insurance in 2025 and now work with more than 125 plans. If your plan qualifies, eligible members pay an average copay of $23 per session. Claiming reimbursement after paying cash is much harder because BetterHelp does not provide the superbills insurers usually require.
ChoosingTherapy.com may earn a commission from the companies whose services are linked on this page.
Online Therapy With 20% Off Your First Month
BetterHelp matches you with a licensed therapist for messaging, phone or video sessions, with plans from $70 a week and 20% off your first month through our link. Take the questionnaire
Your BetterHelp insurance options
| Payment option | Does it work? | What you pay |
|---|---|---|
| Use insurance during BetterHelp signup | Yes, for more than 125 plans in participating states | $23 average copay per session for eligible members |
| Claim cash payments later with an HMO | No; HMOs generally do not cover out-of-network care except during emergencies | Full $70 to $100 per week |
| Claim cash payments later with a PPO | Unlikely; PPOs have out-of-network benefits, but BetterHelp does not provide superbills | Full rate unless your claim is approved |
| Pay with HSA/FSA funds | Yes; BetterHelp accepts HSA and FSA cards | Self-pay rate using pre-tax funds |
| Use Medicaid, Medicare, or TRICARE | No; BetterHelp does not accept these plans | Full self-pay rate |
As of August 25, 2026, per betterhelp.com/insurance.
Using insurance during BetterHelp signup
BetterHelp checks your insurance during signup. You complete the intake quiz and enter your insurance information to see your cost before being matched with a therapist. Eligible members pay an average copay of $23 per session, although your deductible may apply first.
Insurance covers one live session per week. Messaging between sessions is only included with the self-pay subscription. Insurance availability depends on your plan and state. Coverage reached all 50 states plus Washington DC by mid-2026, but provider capacity remains limited. If insurance does not appear during signup, BetterHelp may not currently accept your plan. Existing BetterHelp members may be able to switch to insurance through their account settings.
Why BetterHelp cash payments are hard to claim
An out-of-network therapy claim usually requires a superbill. This itemized document includes specific details needed for insurance to cover claims for psychotherapy. BetterHelp confirmed to Choosing Therapy on September 11, 2026 that they do not provide superbills, although some third-party sites say otherwise. Members can download invoices from their account settings, but an invoice is not a superbill.
Your insurance plan also matters. HealthCare.gov says an HMO “generally won’t cover out-of-network care except in an emergency.”1 An HMO is unlikely to reimburse BetterHelp self-pay charges. PPO plans usually include some out-of-network coverage, but members pay more than they would in-network. A PPO claim may be possible, but approval is unlikely without documentation from BetterHelp. Download the invoice from your BetterHelp account settings and ask your insurer whether an invoice is enough.
Choose your payment option before paying. Check your plan during BetterHelp signup or use a platform that handles insurance claims directly.
Does BCBS cover BetterHelp?
BetterHelp accepts several regional Blue Cross Blue Shield plans, including Anthem, CareFirst, and Highmark. BCBS plans operate independently from state to state, so coverage varies. Eligible members pay an average copay of $23 per session. Check your specific plan during signup. If you already paid cash with a BCBS PPO, you may still have trouble filing a claim because BetterHelp does not provide superbills, only member invoices.
Using HSA or FSA funds for BetterHelp
BetterHelp accepts HSA and FSA cards, and they say most providers recognize therapy as an eligible medical expense. This allows you to use pre-tax funds for self-pay, even if BetterHelp does not accept your insurance. Your HSA or FSA administrator makes the final eligibility decision, so confirm with them and keep your receipts.
Financial aid through BetterHelp may also reduce the self-pay price. BetterHelp bases eligibility on factors such as income, employment, veteran, and student status. Outside reporting places the discount between 10% and 40%. Our financial aid guide explains how to apply. Our link also provides 20% off the first month of a self-pay subscription.
Is BetterHelp covered by insurance in Canada?
Provincial health plans do not cover BetterHelp. CAMH says public insurance programs such as OHIP cover psychiatrists and family doctors, while private-practice psychologists, social workers, and psychotherapists “are not covered by public health insurance.”2 BetterHelp’s US insurance program does not extend to Canada. Canadian members pay $85 to $110 CAD per week.
Some employer extended health plans may reimburse therapy with registered providers. BetterHelp’s Canadian website recommends checking your plan’s eligibility requirements. Before signing up, ask whether your plan covers your therapist’s professional designation. BetterHelp members can download invoices from their account settings, so also ask whether an invoice qualifies as a receipt, and get the answer in writing.
Platforms that handle insurance claims for you
Three online platforms include insurance billing as part of their service:
- Grow Therapy accepts more than 125 plans, including Medicaid, and handles billing and claims. Sessions average $21 with insurance, with some clients paying $0 per session.
- Talkspace accepts most major insurance plans. Talkspace says most insured members pay a $0 copay. Many employers also provide it through an EAP.
- Rula accepts more than 100 commercial plans. It also accepts Medicare, Medicare Advantage, and Medicaid in many states. Insured patients typically pay $15 per session.
If BetterHelp accepts your plan, complete the signup check to see your copay. Our BetterHelp FAQ explains how the subscription works.
How to find out what your plan covers
- Start BetterHelp signup and enter your insurance information. BetterHelp will show whether they accept your plan and what you will pay.
- If BetterHelp does not accept your plan, call the member services number on your insurance card. Ask whether your plan has out-of-network mental health benefits and what documents are required for reimbursement.
- Check your plan through Grow Therapy, Talkspace, or Rula. Each service confirms coverage during signup.
- If you choose self-pay, use an HSA or FSA card if available and apply for BetterHelp financial aid.
What happens when a BetterHelp insurance claim goes wrong
One member in our Reddit review reported that BetterHelp’s billing history showed claims “submitted for reimbursement,” while the insurer had no record of receiving them. After months of follow-up, the member was repeatedly told, “we are looking into this.” When BetterHelp refiled the claims, the explanation of benefits did not name BetterHelp or UpLift as the provider and included an incomplete therapist name. The insurer’s documentation request remained unresolved while the six-month correction window ran down. The member also found that BetterHelp’s phone number connects to a third-party message service rather than their billing department.
After your first session or two, check your insurer’s portal to confirm that BetterHelp submitted the claim. This gives you more time to correct a problem. If you have a high-deductible PPO, remember that you may pay the full price until you meet your deductible. Self-pay may cost less early in the plan year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I claim BetterHelp on my insurance?
Yes, if you use an accepted plan during signup. BetterHelp works with more than 125 plans, and eligible members pay an average copay of $23 per session. Reimbursement after paying cash is unlikely because BetterHelp does not provide superbills.
Does BetterHelp provide superbills or receipts for insurance claims?
BetterHelp does not provide superbills, which they confirmed on September 11, 2026. Members can download invoices from their account settings. Ask your insurer whether an invoice is enough, and do not assume your insurer will reimburse you.
Is BetterHelp covered by insurance in Canada?
Provincial health plans do not cover BetterHelp, and their in-network insurance program is limited to the US. Canadian members pay $85 to $110 CAD per week. Some employer extended health plans may reimburse therapy. Confirm your therapist’s designation and receipt requirements before signing up.
Does Blue Cross Blue Shield cover BetterHelp?
BetterHelp accepts several regional BCBS plans, including Anthem, CareFirst, and Highmark. Coverage varies by state, so check your specific plan during signup.
What if insurance does not appear when I sign up?
BetterHelp may not currently accept your plan. You can pay $70 to $100 per week through self-pay, use HSA or FSA funds, apply for financial aid, or check if your insurance is accepted through other platforms, such as Grow Therapy, Talkspace, or Rula.
Can I use my HSA or FSA for BetterHelp?
Yes. BetterHelp accepts HSA and FSA cards, and they say most providers recognize therapy as an eligible medical expense. Confirm eligibility with your plan administrator and keep your receipts.
Does BetterHelp take Medicaid, Medicare, or TRICARE?
No. BetterHelp does not accept any of these plans. Grow Therapy and Rula accept Medicaid in many states. Rula accepts some Medicare plans. Talkspace accepts Medicare and Medicare Advantage in all 50 states, plus TRICARE in the East region (confirmed September 4, 2026).
ChoosingTherapy.com strives to provide our readers with mental health content that is accurate and actionable. We have high standards for what can be cited within our articles. Acceptable sources include government agencies, universities and colleges, scholarly journals, industry and professional associations, and other high-integrity sources of mental health journalism. Learn more by reviewing our full editorial policy.
- HealthCare.gov. (2026). Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) Glossary Entry. Retrieved from: https://www.healthcare.gov/glossary/health-maintenance-organization-hmo/
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health. (September 2025). Psychotherapy: Finding a Therapist. Retrieved from: https://www.camh.ca/-/media/health-info-files/community-resource-sheets/psychotherapy-resources-camh-pdf.pdf
- BetterHelp. (2026). Online Therapy That Takes Insurance. Retrieved from: https://www.betterhelp.com/insurance/
- HealthCare.gov. (2026). Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) Glossary Entry. Retrieved from: https://www.healthcare.gov/glossary/preferred-provider-organization-ppo/
- BetterHelp. (June 2026). Find a Therapist: Exploring Online Therapy with BetterHelp Canada. Retrieved from: https://www.betterhelp.com/advice/canada/find-a-therapist-exploring-online-therapy-with-betterhelp-canada/
- Grow Therapy. (2026). How It Works. Retrieved from: https://growtherapy.com/how-it-works/
- Choosing Therapy. (July 2026). The Unofficial BetterHelp FAQ. Retrieved from: https://www.choosingtherapy.com/betterhelp-faq/
We regularly update the articles on ChoosingTherapy.com to ensure we continue to reflect scientific consensus on the topics we cover, to incorporate new research into our articles, and to better answer our audience’s questions. When our content undergoes a significant revision, we summarize the changes that were made and the date on which they occurred. We also record the authors and medical reviewers who contributed to previous versions of the article. Read more about our editorial policies here.
Author: Luke Prest, MD
Reviewer: MD review pending