One of the most common stresses families face after an autism diagnosis is how to fund ongoing therapy services. Speech therapy, occupational therapy, and ABA can involve significant out-of-pocket costs — but a range of coverage options, funding programmes, and financial assistance pathways exist to help.
What Insurance Typically Covers
In many countries, private health insurance and government health programmes cover some or all of the cost of speech therapy, occupational therapy, and ABA when prescribed by a physician and deemed medically necessary. Key questions to ask your insurer: Does my plan cover ABA? Are there visit limits per year? Do I need a referral? Is the provider in-network? Getting answers in writing protects you if claims are later denied.
Government Programmes and Public Funding
Depending on your country and region, government-funded programmes may cover therapy costs. In the Philippines, PhilHealth and PCSO medical assistance programmes offer partial support. The DSWD also administers programmes for children with disabilities. For families in the United States, Medicaid covers ABA, speech, and OT for qualifying children, and IDEA mandates free therapeutic services within the school setting for eligible children.
Campion Foundation Scholarships
Campion International’s Foundation provides partial and full scholarships for therapy services to families demonstrating financial need. Priority is given to children under age 7, non-verbal or minimally verbal children, and families without access to public therapy services. To apply, email info@campioninternational.com with the subject line “Foundation Scholarship Application” and include your child’s diagnosis report and a brief description of your family’s situation.
Maximising Your Coverage
Keep a therapy binder with every session invoice, insurance explanation of benefits, and correspondence. Track your deductible progress and request a medical necessity letter from your child’s developmental paediatrician — this is often the key document needed for authorisation. If a claim is denied, appeal: first-level appeals are upheld in favour of the patient in a significant proportion of cases. Campion’s administrative team can provide supporting documentation to assist with appeals where we are the service provider.