·         Over €83 million paid in claims for private psychiatric care received in 2023, up from €74.5 million in 2022

·         Vhi figures show that 32% of admissions to private psychiatric hospitals were members aged under 30

·         More women seek help in managing their mental health compared to men

·         Data released to coincide with event hosted by Vhi to mark World Mental Health Day

8th October 2024 – Ireland’s leading health insurance provider Vhi, has released new data which highlights the continued demand for private mental health services in Ireland, particularly among women and young people.  Vhi claims figures, released to coincide with World Mental Health Day, show that 32% of admissions to a private psychiatric hospital were members under the age of 30. The figures also show that there continues to be a disparity between the number of women accessing services compared to men, with over 63% of all mental health related claims in 2023 made by women.

Variety of supports

Since 2019 claims for psychology and counselling services have increased significantly, testament to the growing range of therapies, treatments, and services available to Vhi members.  Vhi policyholders can choose from a large network of mental health providers, ensuring choice and access to high quality care for members. Vhi is also committed to supporting members to be proactive in managing their wellbeing with benefits towards enhanced services such as acupuncture, reflexology, osteopath visits and subscription towards meditation apps.

Key findings

Claims for private psychiatric care continue to increase and Vhi paid out just over €83million for care received in 2023, up from €74.5 million in 2022. Since 2019 there has been a 21% increase in the number of Vhi members who made claims for admission to private psychiatric hospital.

Vhi is committed to accessibility of care for members through the elimination of travel and time constraint barriers. Remote care, which has been available to Vhi members since 2021, enables members to access psychiatric care from the comfort and privacy of their own homes. Vhi members are increasingly making use of this service and in 2023, 24% of Vhi members who claimed for private psychiatric facilities (26% in the under 30 age group) availed of this service. The figures also show a significant rise in the number of members utilising online GP services, with a 53% increase in visits between 2021 and 2023.

World Mental Health Day

The theme for World Mental Health Day this year is ‘It is Time to Prioritize Mental Health in the Workplace. Further insights from Vhi’s Employee Assistance Programme shows, 46% of employees rated themselves as ‘unhappy,’ while 26% of respondents said they are aware of the need to take care of their mental health. Findings show that anxiety, low mood and family/child related issues are the main concerns presenting to Vhi’s Employee Assistance Programme in 2024.

To mark World Mental Health Day Vhi hosted an event which brought together mental health experts and ambassadors to explore the importance of practicing self-care in today’s fast paced working world. Moderated by David Gillick, former Olympian and Vhi Ambassador, the panel includes Richie Sadlier, psychotherapist, sports pundit, author, and Vhi Wellness Ambassador; celebrity chef and author Gina Daly and Dr Lynn Spooner, Clinical Director for Enhanced Primary Care, Vhi Health & Wellbeing.

Dr Spooner said, “Vhi continues to focus on enhancing the availability of mental health supports and services to both our employees and to all Vhi members to ensure that they can avail of personalised supports to suit their needs.

“Our latest data, released today, highlights the increasing demand and appetite for a variety of mental health services. Since the pandemic, our members are increasingly willing to seek help for their mental wellbeing, and our research has shown that our members understand the importance of seeking help in a timely fashion.”

Vhi Healthcare members have access to a wide range of benefits and supports for emotional wellbeing and mental health. Vhi’s pioneering model of patient focused care includes a range of primary care services such as GP visits, Talk Therapy, Counselling and other Alternative and Complementary Therapies. In addition, a full suite of digital and hybrid health services, including Vhi Positive Mind, a hybrid programme delivered by Vhi clinical psychologists, provides effective and timely mental health support when people need it.

For more information on Vhi’s Mental Health services, please visit: https://www1.vhi.ie/members/mental-health.

ENDS/