No-one likes to think about their children needing medical treatment, but it’s always good to be prepared. Children’s health insurance helps pay for private healthcare for your kids if they need it, but what should you look for?
Different types of policy
You can choose to take out family health insurance only for your child. This will give you peace of mind that they’re covered should anything happen, and it may be that the adults in your household are already covered by other policies. It is also possible to include children on a plan that covers your whole family.
Child health care plans can also work in a number of ways. There’s the standard insurance model in which you pay a monthly premium and then pay an excess should you make a claim. You could also choose a cash plan, in which you make a small payment each month and will be paid a small sum to cover events like a trip to the dentist, for example.
Different levels of cover
For those on a tight budget, a basic policy generally covers treatment and associated costs when your child has been admitted to hospital. A mid-level child insurance policy is likely to also cover outpatient costs. Comprehensive cover includes all of the above plus extra treatments such as physiotherapy, homoeopathy and mental health treatment.
Be aware of exclusions
Many health care plans will have certain exclusions – things that are not covered. It could be that a policy does not cover treatment for pre-existing conditions, or for conditions such as diabetes. It’s important to check all of this before you choose a policy.
Dental cover and optician costs
Most plans will not include dental cover and optician costs as standard, but will offer these on as optional extras. Before adding extras like these, make sure you compare them with alternative quotes to make sure you’re getting the best deal.
Comparing child health insurance plans is easy thanks to Compare Insurance’s comparison tool. Simply tell us a bit about you and we’ll show you the best health care plans for your kids.