Members First
What is Members First?
Get even more out of your insurance when you choose our expert care
With our Members First treatment options, we’re making it easier to get more out of your insurance. If you use Bupa’s own mental health talking therapies we’ll waive your excess and leave your outpatient allowance and no claims discount untouched.
Members First gives you a fast, seamless and simple way to access quality care, at no extra cost to you. And now, it’s included as standard in your policy for selected therapies - with more to come.
It’s our way of making sure that costs don’t hold you back when you need support.
Is Members First included in my cover?
I pay for my own cover
Anyone covered on your policy has access to Members First at no extra cost. This includes children.
I’m covered through work
Members first is included in our small business cover for everyone at no extra cost. This includes children.
For corporate customers part of the Bupa Evolve Master Trust, Members First is included in the cost of your scheme.
What services are available with Members First?
Members First is a treatment option available for mental health talking therapies. Appointments for talking therapy can be on a phone or video call with our Talking Therapies team. They can also be in person at a Bupa Mindplace, our dedicated mental health centres.
This new treatment option comes with all new policies and renewals from 30 March 2026.
Counselling
Counselling helps you to manage specific life challenges such as:
- Grief
- Stress
- Divorce
It’s often short-term and used when someone is mentally well overall, but is going through a difficult time.
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
CBT is a talking therapy that can improve your mental health. It combines:
- Cognitive therapy which focuses on how you think about things
- Behavioural therapy which helps you cope with problems by changing how you behave
It can be recommended as an effective treatment for many mental health problems.
Psychology
This involves working with a psychologist or mental health professional to help with issues including, but not limited to:
- Anxiety
- Depression or low mood
- Trauma
- Stress and burnout
- Phobias
It’s often short-term and used when someone is mentally well overall, but is going through a difficult time.
Psychotherapy
This treatment can help you to address:
- Mental distress
- Emotional issues
- Behavioural problems
How do I get treatment with Members First?
Get a referral
You’ll need a referral from a healthcare professional to book a talking therapies appointment through Members First.
You can book a digital appointment with a mental health specialist or GP in the My Bupa app. Alternatively, you can speak to your NHS GP about getting a referral.
Getting your Bupa treatment approved
Once you get a referral, we will pre-authorise your treatment in the My Bupa app.
You can also contact us on webchat or by calling us on 0345 604 0623^ and we'll confirm your pre-authorisation number and treatment options.
Book your appointment
If there's a Mindplace clinic near you, you can get in person therapy or you can get your therapy over the phone or on a video call.
Your sessions will be fully covered by Bupa with no impact on your outpatient allowance and we’ll waive your excess.
Do I have to use Members First?
You can still choose to have your treatment with other mental health therapists in our network. Your excess, outpatient allowance and no claims discount or low claims bonus will apply as normal.
^ Lines are open 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday and 8am to 4pm on Saturdays. We may record or monitor phone calls.
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Bupa health insurance is provided by Bupa Insurance Limited. Registered in England and Wales with registration number 3956433.
Bupa health insurance is provided by Bupa Insurance Limited. Registered in England and Wales with registration number 3956433. Bupa Insurance Limited is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority.
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The My Bupa App is provided by Bupa Insurance Services Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Registered in England and Wales at 1 Angel Court, London, EC2R 7HJ. Its company number is 3829851. VAT Registration Number: 239731641.
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Last reviewed: 31/03/2026
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