Should You Insure Small Children on Your Health Insurance Policy

A common question from parents is whether they should include small children on their health insurance policy. The simple answer is yes. Adding a newborn to your policy means they are insured immediately, with no waiting periods, and for the first year, this cover is usually free. This ensures that if a child needs hospital treatment, they are fully covered right away.

Avoiding Waiting Lists

While children are treated for free in public hospitals, the reality is that around 8% of people on hospital waiting lists are children. Private health insurance allows families to skip these waiting lists, giving parents peace of mind and immediate access to care when it matters most.

Pre-Existing Conditions

One important factor to keep in mind is that pre-existing conditions are not covered for five years. This could include conditions such as asthma or other medical issues your child may have. Understanding this limitation is crucial when planning the best approach for your child’s health coverage.

Splitting Cover for the Family

Parents often assume that children must be on the same plan as themselves, but this is not necessary. In fact, it is often better to split the cover. Children can be on a lower-cost plan while still being fully protected, which allows families to manage costs more effectively without compromising care.

Current Deals and Options

There are some excellent options currently available. Certain policies offer free cover for a second child or provide free health insurance for children under the age of three. Exploring these lower-cost options can make it easier to keep your children insured without significantly increasing your premium.

Ensuring your children have private health insurance gives you the ability to choose the hospital and consultant if treatment is needed. This level of control can be invaluable in an emergency and provides parents with both reassurance and flexibility.