Does Insurance Cover My Travel Expenses for Mental Health Treatment?
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a topic that’s deeply important to us at The Insurance People. Supporting mental health isn’t just something we talk about; it’s a core part of what we do every day. We work closely with hundreds of mental health providers across Illinois and see firsthand how access to care can affect someone’s quality of life, relationships, and overall well-being.
Health insurance can feel complicated, especially when you’re trying to focus on your mental health. That’s where we come in. A big part of our role is helping clients use their insurance to get the care they need, without confusion, delays, or unexpected costs. We regularly help clients find in-network mental health providers based on their specific needs, preferences, and location, and compare plan options to make sure mental health is covered in the ways they need. Additionally, we love to help clients understand their copays, deductibles, and out-of-pocket costs before they schedule care.
Most Affordable Care Act (ACA) health plans include robust mental health benefits, including therapy and counseling, Inpatient and outpatient treatment programs, and preventive mental health services. In Illinois, these services are protected under mental health parity laws, meaning they’re covered similarly to physical health care, with comparable copays, deductibles, and access standards.
There have also been some recent updates in Illinois aimed at improving access to care, such as Illinois House Bill 3019, which expands protections for mental health services. This bill requires insurance providers to reimburse for travel expenses to access mental health care, such as transportation and lodging, if you are unable to find care within standard network distances. Network adequacy distance in Illinois is generally designated as no more than 60 minutes or 60 miles from your residence. These reimbursements are based on federal daily and mileage standards. Now effective in 2026, it’s a meaningful step toward addressing provider shortages and helping people access care when local options are limited.
Our work doesn’t stop with individual clients; we also work directly with mental health practices across the state, helping them not only access benefits for their employees but also provide information and education for their patients. In the past, we have hosted presentations for patients of therapy schools and practices, providing education on mental health benefits, understanding therapy costs, and more. Many of the mental health practices we work with will refer their clients directly to us when they need insurance, so we can help them find a plan that covers their therapeutic needs. This kind of partnership helps ensure that both providers and patients are on the same page, leading to smoother access to care and fewer surprises.
At the end of the day, mental health care is more accessible than many people realize, and your insurance plan likely includes more support than you think. Whether you need help finding a provider, understanding your costs, or navigating your coverage, we’re here to help every step of the way. If you have questions about your mental health coverage or want help getting started, don’t hesitate to reach out! We’re always here to help you make the most of your benefits and get the care you deserve.
