12 months complementary cover to support your wellbeing, for members with an eligible Ultimate Health or Ultimate Health Max policy.

Who's eligible?

• New members, and existing members who joined after 21 April 2018, who are covered under an Ultimate Health or Ultimate Health Max plan.

What you're covered for

With our Mental Health cover, eligible members with an approved GP referral, can see a New Zealand registered psychologist or psychiatrist.

Here's what 12 months of Mental Health cover includes:

• Up to $2,500 worth of registered psychologist and/or psychiatrist consultations for every member covered, to use during their policy year
• 100% reimbursement for eligible claims (up to your cover limit)
• No waiting periods or excess
• No exclusions for any pre-existing conditions

You don't need to make a related claim on your Ultimate Health or Ultimate Health Max policy to make use of this cover, and any general or personal exclusions on your policy don't apply to this offer.

Good mental health is a vital part of staying well

Most people know that physical health is an essential part of our wellbeing, but often they don’t make the same connection for their mental health. The reality is that good mental health is a vital part of our health and wellbeing. Sometimes additional support with our mental health can be beneficial.

It's okay to ask for help

Facing mental health challenges is normal. Almost one in two New Zealanders will experience some form of mental distress or illness in their lifetime. Even so, it can be hard to ask for help or know where to look for help.

For many, your GP will be great place to start. They’ll be able to help you create a plan to better support your wellbeing.

There are also lots of resources available to help you with your mental health.

• The Mental Health Foundation – a charity with lots of information, advice, and help finding support
• Ministry of Health – for information on where to find help
• Clearhead – for support with self-care and advice on the right services for you
• Calm – great for self-help techniques

Taking the first step

Talking about your mental health can be daunting, but it’s okay to take it slow so you don’t get pushed out of your comfort zone. Here’s three simple steps you can take:

1. See your GP If you’re feeling nervous, email or book online instead of calling, or ask a trusted support person to set up your appointment. Don't be afraid to mention that it's about your mental health — your GP may book a longer appointment so you don't have to rush. They may also consider connecting you to a different GP with more relevant experience to help you.

2. Do an assessment Your GP will usually conduct an assessment. This is similar to the Wellbeing Check Up you can do with Clearhead, so you may want to complete that and take your results along to show to your GP.

Your GP may ask you to describe how you’re feeling, emotionally and physically. They may also ask about what kinds of things you’ve been thinking and doing, to give them some insight into what is concerning you.

3. Get further help The more your GP understands how you’re feeling and how it’s affecting you, the easier it may be to plan the next steps. They may ask to refer you to a mental health specialist, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist.

If that specialist is a New Zealand registered psychologist or psychiatrist, and you are eligible for this complementary Mental Health cover, you can claim for the cost of your consultations if you see them within three months of your referral. You’ll get back 100% of eligible costs, up to a maximum of $2,500 in your policy year.

Making a Mental Health cover claim

After your GP has referred you to a NZ registered psychologist or psychiatrist and you’ve had your mental health consultation, claiming back your costs is simple. You pay your healthcare provider on the day, then scan or photograph the receipt from your consultation and your referral letter from your GP. Then, it’s just three easy steps to submit your claim:

1. Log in to my nib or open the nib app
2. Choose ‘Make a Claim’
3. Fill in the online form, selecting ‘Other’ when you’re asked what it’s for. Attach the scan or photo of your receipt and referral letter.

We'll email you to let you know once your claim has been assessed.

How your 12 month complementary cover works

This offer is separate to the cover under your Ultimate Health or Ultimate Health Max plan. It’s a complementary, limited time offer and doesn’t form part of your Contract of Insurance.

Conditions for claiming

To claim under your Mental Health cover, you will need to provide us with a written referral from a GP. Ask your GP for a copy of this. It needs to be less than three months old. Your premiums will also need to be up to date, and your policy can’t be on suspension.

Find free support

Mental health support is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Here’s where you can get help in different situations.

• If you or anyone you know is in immediate danger you can call 111
• If you need to talk to someone else, free call or text 1737 for support from a trained counsellor
• You can talk to a registered nurse at Healthline by calling 0800 611 116
• You can contact Lifeline by calling 0800 543 354 or sending a free text to 4357 (HELP)

For information about nib's financial strength rating, visit Financial advice and strength.

Information correct as at 5 April 2023.