How to Submit a Superbill

Written By Jessie Mastrangelo

If you’re seeking therapy with a provider that is out-of-network with your insurance company, it can often feel daunting. Sure, you understand that therapy is an investment in yourself… but paying out of pocket can add up quickly! Many therapists can provide you with a Superbill - and here is your guide to everything you need to know about getting reimbursed by your health insurance company using a Superbill.

First of all, what is a Superbill? Great question! A Superbill is essentially an itemized receipt. It shows each of your therapy sessions, the diagnosis you’re seeking services for, the billing code, and the amount you’ve paid for each session. Below you’ll see a snapshot of what a Superbill looks like.

Sample of a Superbill.

If your therapist is out-of-network with your insurance company, you can ask them if they provide Superbills. Below is a step-by-step guide to having your out-of-network therapy sessions reimbursed using Superbills.

Step One: Call your insurance company

Many health insurance companies will reimburse you for therapy sessions, but it’s important to learn ahead of time how you will be reimbursed! On your health insurance membership card you can call the Member Services phone number (usually listed on the back). When talking to Member Services, a few important questions you should ask them are:

  • Do you reimburse for therapy sessions with out-of-network providers?

  • How much do you reimburse per 50-minute session?

  • Is there a maximum number of sessions you will reimburse?

  • What paperwork do I need to submit in order to receive payment?

It’s important to remember that your insurance company may not reimburse for the full amount of your therapy sessions.

Step Two: Chat with your therapist

Once you find out if your insurance company will reimburse you and what you will need, be sure to chat with your therapist! Let your therapist know that you will need a Superbill to submit for reimbursement and ask your therapist how frequently you will get one. Most therapists can automatically generate a Superbill on a monthly basis to be sent directly to you, just ask them to set it up that way in their electronic health record!

Step Three: Start therapy

Now that you know how to submit to your insurance company, you can go ahead and start therapy! Expect to pay for your sessions out-of-pocket. Depending on your therapist, this can mean using your credit card, debit card, cash, HSA, or FSA. You will begin to receive Superbills on a monthly basis either to your email or your client portal. Remember to check for them and if you don’t see one, let your therapist know.

Step Four: Submit to insurance

Once you receive your first Superbill, it’s time to submit! Each insurance has their own way for submitting Superbills, but most are happy to receive your Superbill through email or an insurance portal.

Step Five: Get reimbursed!

Once your insurance company processes your reimbursement paperwork, you’ll be reimbursed for the amount your insurance company initially told you.

Remember that when you choose to pay out-of-pocket, your therapist does not work directly with your insurance company, but will work through you to make sure you have what you need for reimbursement.

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Jessie Mastrangelo