Can you get health insurance for children & kids?

If you’re looking to cover your child for private medical services and treatments, you may be able to purchase a dedicated policy just for them. Children’s health insurance is only available through a select number of UK health insurance providers, while others will allow you to cover your child as part of a family health insurance policy.

We’ve answered this question and provided other information that may be useful for anyone who is considering private health insurance for their child. If you’d like to discuss this with a member of our team, just get in touch, and we’ll be happy to help.

What is children’s health insurance?

Children’s health insurance covers your child for acute and sudden medical conditions depending on the policy terms. There are two routes to cover your child for private medical cover:

1. Cover as part of your family health insurance plan - You may have the option to include cover for your children as part of your family health insurance plan. They’ll be covered under the same terms as all other policy members.
   
   
2. Dedicated child’s health insurance policy - Some providers offer policies that cover children only. They may only cover children up to 18 years old, or 24 if they’re in full time education. The cover and terms apply to a single child only.

What does children’s health insurance cover?

Child’s health insurance cover will vary for each person, and some may only be available at an additional cost. Your coverage depends on your provider, the policy level you choose, information unique to your child and more. This is why it’s important to compare policies so that you understand the different options available.

To help you understand what your policy may cover you for, we’ve listed some of the options that may be available to you through a children’s health insurance policy:

1. 24 hour helpline available all year round to speak to a trained medical professional about any concerns.
2. Inpatient treatments
3. Private accommodation for children and parents
4. Outpatient treatments
5. Mental health concerns
6. Treatment for acute medical conditions
7. Dental care
8. Optical care
9. Physiotherapy
10. Homoeopathy
11. Prosthesis
12. At home nursing care
13. Virtual GP appointments

What’s excluded from children’s health insurance?

Similarly to benefits, what’s excluded from your cover depends on several factors, however some exclusions are commonplace across all children’s health insurance policies. Some examples of exclusions that may exist include:

• Treatments for pre existing conditions
• Treatment for chronic conditions, such as asthma or diabetes
• Kidney dialysis
• Organ transplants
• Treatment required as a result of dangerous sports and activities
• Hearing aids
• Mobility aids
• Cosmetic treatment
• Gender reassignment

What are the benefits of children’s health insurance?

How you and your children benefit will be unique to you, but some examples of common benefits that you may experience include:

1. Fast access to medical support - Private health insurance may help you access the help you need quickly. For example, helplines allow you to speak to a medical professional instantly, and virtual consultations may reduce the time spent travelling or waiting for an appointment time.
   
   
2. Speedy diagnosis & treatment - As a private patient your child may be seen quickly by medical professionals.
   
   
3. Private medical facilities - Receive treatments and consultations at private medical facilities.
   
   
4. Additional benefits - Many policies will allow you to add additional cover that may otherwise not be included, such as optional therapies, optical treatments, dental and more.
   
   
5. Flexibility - You may have a choice over where and when you’re treated, allowing you to arrange treatments and consultations around your own and your children’s commitments.
   
   
6. New and experimental treatments - Your provider may cover you for treatments that are otherwise unavailable.
   
   
7. Members benefits - Many providers offer additional benefits to their members, such as discounts, health schemes medical resources and more.
   
   
8. Peace of mind - Knowing that your child has fast access to treatment at a private facility for a range of medical illnesses may provide you with peace of mind over their wellbeing should something happen.

How much does children’s health insurance cost?

The cost to cover your child will vary depending on many factors. To understand how much it would cost, please get in touch and we’ll work with you to understand the details required to generate a quote. Some of the factors that are taken into consideration include:

1. Policy type - Such as whether you have a dedicated insurance policy for your child, or if you cover them as part of a family health insurance plan.
   
   
2. Age - Health insurance gets more expensive for adults as they age due to the increased risk. While the risk may not be as great for children, it will still play a factor into the policy cost.
   
   
3. Medical history - If your child has experienced ill health prior to purchasing insurance, this may be factored into the price.
   
   
4. Location - Some areas may be more expensive than others due to increased operating costs. For example, London hospitals may attract a premium, which your providers pass down to you.
   
   
5. Excess level - Your excess is the amount you’re liable to pay when making a claim. Lower excess levels will increase your monthly cost, while higher excess amounts will reduce your policy cost.
   
   
6. Policy level - Policies are often available at varying levels. More comprehensive policies will cover more treatments and services up to a higher limit, while lower level policies will be more restrictive.
   
   
7. Provider - Some providers may be more expensive than others due to the various inclusions, members benefits, facilities and networks they have in place.
   
   

How do children’s health insurance claims work?

When your children are insured with private health insurance cover, it’s important to understand what process you follow when a medical issue arises. We’ve given an example of the steps below, but this may vary depending on your provider or the severity of the condition.

1. If your policy includes access to a 24/7 medical professional, you may wish to consult them first.
2. The next, or first step, will be to visit a GP to discuss your concerns. Advise them that you have health insurance for your child so that they know how to refer you.
3. If treatment is needed, contact your provider and inform them about the steps you’ve taken, the condition, and your GP’s referral. They will confirm whether you’re covered for treatment and approve the costs.
4. Following approval from your insurer, you’ll need to book your consultation or treatment with an approved provider. Your insurer can help guide you on this.
5. After receiving medical services, your insurer will handle all the costs involved, minus any excess amounts.

Compare children’s health insurance policies

There are many children’s health insurance policies available, and you should always consider whether you would benefit more from covering them as part of a family health insurance policy.

We recommend that you compare the options across the UK market to make an informed decision about which policy is best suited to you. However, this can be timely and confusing if you’re not familiar with the industry.

Our brokers are on-hand to help compare the options for you. This is a free service, and we’ll aim to find you the most comprehensive policy at the most competitive price. We’ll understand your reasons for purchasing health insurance from your child, review the options on the market, and present you with an appropriate option. You’re under no obligation to purchase, and to get started, just complete the form below.