Can You Claim Hypnotherapy on Your Health Cash Plan?
Hi - My name is Andy Selway-Woolley (he/him) and I’m a Clinical Solution-Focused Hypnotherapist. I run HeadFirst Hypnotherapy, based in Upper Heyford (near Bicester), Oxfordshire and also work online nationally.
What Is a Health Cash Plan and How Does It Work?
A health cash plan is a benefit offered by many UK employers as part of their employee benefits packages or flexible benefit schemes. These plans allow you to claim back the cost of everyday healthcare such as dental treatment, eye tests, physiotherapy, and in many cases, complementary therapies like hypnotherapy.
Some schemes also allow employees to top up their allowance for extra coverage.
Does My Employee Benefits Package Cover Hypnotherapy?
Does hypnotherapy count as a complementary therapy?
Yes. Hypnotherapy is usually listed under complementary therapies, alongside treatments like reflexology or acupuncture. To claim, you’ll normally need to see a CNHC-registered hypnotherapist or another recognised professional body member i.e NCH. I am member of both the CNHC and NCH.
Can I claim back the full cost of hypnotherapy?
It depends on your provider and plan level. Some cover 100% of the session fee up to your annual allowance, while others cover a percentage (often around 50%).
Why Hypnotherapy Fits Busy Professionals and Workplace Wellbeing
Solution Focused-Hypnotherapy isn’t counselling, and it isn’t traditional coaching either. It’s a structured, short-term approach that blends the actionable focus of coaching with the emotional support of therapy- without the long-term cost or time commitment.
Why this works in professional settings:
✅ Goal-led like coaching, but with more emotional depth
✅ Supports anxious thoughts, stress, imposter syndrome, fears, confidence, adapting to change, limiting beliefs to name a few.
✅ Fast-acting - many people notice results within 4–6 sessions
✅ Can be done online, making it easy to integrate into busy schedules and working days.
Which UK Health Cash Plan Providers Cover Hypnotherapy?
The following providers frequently include hypnotherapy (delivered by a registered practitioner) as part of their plans:
Paycare – covers 100% of hypnotherapy costs, typically up to £150 per year
Health Shield – reimburses up to 100% depending on plan level
Westfield Health – includes hypnotherapy on certain employer-paid plans
Medicash – reimburses around 50% of costs up to allowance
Elect (via Health Shield) – similar complementary therapy coverage
How Much Can I Claim Back for Hypnotherapy Sessions?
What’s the average allowance for complementary therapies?
Most health cash plans cover between £100–£200 per year for complementary therapies, depending on provider and plan tier.
Can I top up my health cash plan allowance?
Yes. Some schemes allow employees to add optional cover or increase their allowance if they need more sessions.
Do health cash plans cover children and dependants?
Often, yes. Many plans extend the same level of coverage to children and dependants, making it a valuable family benefit.
Are Health Cash Plans Enough to Cover All Sessions?
While cash plans make hypnotherapy more affordable, it’s worth remembering:
Hypnotherapy is not a “magic wand.”
Some issues may require more sessions than your allowance covers.
Many clients choose to continue privately after using up their plan allowance.
What Are the Benefits for Employers and HR Teams?
For employees, this means accessible wellbeing support they may not have realised was already available.
For HR professionals and business leaders, promoting hypnotherapy through cash plans is a powerful wellbeing strategy. It’s cost-effective, already budgeted for, and demonstrates commitment to employee health and performance.
✨ Hypnotherapy helps people reset stress responses, regain clarity, integrate healthier habits, and build momentum - all of which ripple into productivity, engagement, and workplace culture.
Next Steps: How to Access Hypnotherapy Through Your Cash Plan
Employees: Check your plan documentation. You may already be entitled to claim back hypnotherapy sessions.
HR Professionals: Make employees aware of this benefit—it could significantly improve take-up and wellbeing outcomes.
📩 To explore how Solution-Focused Hypnotherapy could support you - or your team - I offer a quick 10-minute conversation to see how this fits alongside your existing benefits.
For employees: Contact me Here
For employees: Contact me Here
Disclaimer
The information in this article is for general guidance only and is based on publicly available details from UK health cash plan providers at the time of writing. Coverage varies by provider, employer, and policy level. Always check your specific scheme documentation or contact your provider directly for accurate, up-to-date information.
Book your 60-minute Initial Consultation today and start your journey towards better well-being
In-person at my Oxfordshire Therapy Room (Upper Heyford, near Bicester or Online via Zoom).
My name is Andy Selway-Woolley (he/him) and I am a fully qualified Clinical Solution Focused Hypnotherapist and Psychotherapist. I run HeadFirst Hypnotherapy®, based in Upper Heyford (near Bicester), Oxfordshire.
I assist people in regaining control of their lives by retraining their brains to overcome limiting thought patterns, master their emotions, and cultivate resilient behaviours for a brighter and more positive future.. I know… It’s awesome!
a nutshell, I ‘get you out of your own way’. Because, let’s face it, a lot of us are.
Solution Focused Hypnotherapy taps into the power of your subconscious mind so you can move forward towards the life you’ve always wanted to live. It’s a quick, practical way to address thought patterns, emotions and behaviours that are holding you back in life.
I’m a registered and accredited member of the Complementary & Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC), Association for Solution Focused Hypnotherapy (AfSFH) and National Council for Hypnotherapy (NCH).
I service the main towns and cities around Upper Heyford, including Bicester, Banbury, Oxford, Kidlington, Witney, Brackley, Charlbury, Northampton, Buckingham, Chipping Norton, Thame, Didcot, Abingdon, Henley-on-Thames, and Aylesbury, along with other local areas.
I also work nationally and offer remote hypnotherapy services online, so no matter where you're based, support is just a click away!