Child-Only Health Insurance Plans A 2026 Guide
As an FCA-authorised expert in UK private medical insurance, WeCovr has helped arrange over 900,000 policies, giving us unparalleled insight into what families need. This guide is designed to give you a clear, comprehensive understanding of child-only health insurance, helping you make an informed decision for your family's future.
WeCovr's guide for parents seeking cover specifically for their children
Nothing matters more to a parent than their child's health and wellbeing. In an ideal world, whenever your child feels unwell, they would see the right specialist straight away. While the NHS provides exceptional care, especially in emergencies, the reality of 2026 is that waiting lists for non-urgent consultations and treatments can be a source of significant worry for parents.
This is where child-only private medical insurance (PMI) comes in. It's a dedicated policy designed to work alongside the NHS, giving you fast access to private paediatric specialists, diagnostic tests, and treatments when your child needs them most.
In this definitive guide, we will explore:
- What child-only PMI is and why it's gaining popularity.
- What is—and crucially, what is not—covered.
- The costs involved and how to manage them.
- How to choose the right policy for your child's unique needs.
Let's navigate the world of children's health cover together, providing you with the clarity and confidence to protect your little ones.
What is Child-Only Private Medical Insurance (PMI)?
In simple terms, child-only private medical insurance is a health insurance policy taken out specifically for a child, without the parent(s) being on the same plan. It is a standalone policy that provides a fund to cover the costs of private healthcare for your son or daughter.
Think of it as a safety net. If your GP refers your child to a specialist for a new, eligible medical condition, a PMI policy allows you to bypass potential NHS waiting lists and see a private consultant quickly. This can lead to a faster diagnosis and a quicker start to any necessary treatment.
Key Features of a Child-Only Policy:
- Standalone Cover: The policy covers only the child. This is different from a family policy where parents and children are insured together.
- Focus on Acute Conditions: This is the most critical point to understand. UK private health insurance is designed to cover acute conditions—illnesses or injuries that are new, unexpected, and likely to respond quickly to treatment.
- Complementary to the NHS: PMI is not a replacement for the National Health Service. The NHS remains the first port of call for accidents, emergencies (A&E), and the management of long-term chronic conditions.
A common question we hear at WeCovr is whether it's better to add a child to a parent's policy or buy a standalone one. We'll explore this later, but the key takeaway is that having a dedicated policy for your child is a viable and increasingly common option.
Why Are UK Parents Considering Child-Only Health Insurance in 2026?
The decision to invest in private health cover for a child is driven by a desire for peace of mind and control. While the NHS is a national treasure, parents are increasingly concerned about the time it can take to access specialist paediatric care.
1. NHS Waiting Times
Recent years have seen significant pressure on NHS services. According to NHS England data from late 2024, the referral-to-treatment (RTT) waiting list remains a major challenge. For parents, this translates into anxious waits for key services:
- Specialist Consultations: Waiting weeks or even months to see a paediatric dermatologist for a severe skin condition or an ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) specialist for recurring tonsillitis.
- Diagnostic Scans: The wait for non-urgent MRI or CT scans can delay a definitive diagnosis.
- Elective Surgery: Common childhood procedures like tonsillectomies, adenoid removal, or the insertion of grommets for glue ear can have lengthy waiting times. In some NHS trusts, waits can exceed 18 weeks, the official target.
- Mental Health Services: Accessing Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) is a particular pain point. Reports consistently show that thousands of children are waiting for their first appointment, with waiting times varying drastically across the country.
A PMI policy can shorten these waits from months to mere days or weeks.
2. Fast Access to Paediatric Specialists
When your child is in pain or discomfort, every day counts. Private medical insurance UK allows you to quickly get an appointment with a consultant paediatrician or a specialist in a particular field, ensuring your child is seen by an expert in children's medicine without delay.
Real-Life Example: The Grommets Scenario A 4-year-old boy suffers from recurrent ear infections and "glue ear," affecting his hearing and speech development. His GP refers him to an NHS ENT specialist.
- NHS Pathway: He is placed on a waiting list, which could be several months long, for both the initial consultation and the subsequent minor surgery to insert grommets. During this time, his hearing and social development at nursery could be impacted.
- PMI Pathway: With a child-only policy, his parents can book a private consultation within a week. If surgery is recommended, it can often be scheduled within a fortnight at a private hospital of their choice.
3. Choice and Comfort
Private health cover gives you more control over your child's care journey. You can often choose:
- The specialist or consultant who treats your child.
- The hospital where the treatment takes place.
- A time for the procedure that minimises disruption to school and family life.
Furthermore, private hospitals typically offer a more comfortable environment, such as a private room with an en-suite bathroom and a bed for a parent to stay overnight. This can significantly reduce the stress of a hospital stay for both the child and the parent.
The Critical Distinction: Acute vs. Chronic Conditions
This is the single most important concept to grasp when considering private health insurance. Failure to understand this distinction is the primary source of confusion and disappointment for policyholders.
Standard UK PMI is for short-term, curable conditions. It is NOT for long-term, incurable conditions.
Acute Conditions (Generally Covered)
An acute condition is a disease, illness, or injury that is likely to respond quickly to treatment and lead to a full recovery. PMI is designed to cover the diagnosis and treatment of these conditions when they arise after you've taken out the policy.
Examples of Acute Conditions Covered by Child PMI:
- Infections (e.g., severe tonsillitis requiring removal)
- Broken bones (treatment after initial A&E visit)
- Hernias requiring surgery
- Diagnosing lumps and bumps
- Acute skin conditions (e.g., a severe rash that is not pre-existing)
- Conditions requiring diagnostic tests (MRI, CT scans, X-rays)
Chronic Conditions (Generally NOT Covered)
A chronic condition is a disease, illness, or injury that has one or more of the following characteristics:
- It needs long-term monitoring and management.
- It has no known "cure."
- It is likely to recur.
- It requires ongoing medication or check-ups.
Examples of Chronic Conditions NOT Covered by Child PMI:
- Asthma
- Diabetes (Type 1 or 2)
- Eczema
- Allergies
- ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Cystic Fibrosis
The management of these conditions remains with the NHS. While a PMI policy might cover the initial diagnosis of a condition that is later classified as chronic, it will not cover the long-term management.
What About Pre-existing Conditions?
Insurers will not cover conditions your child had, or had symptoms of, before the policy start date. There are two main ways they assess this:
- Moratorium Underwriting: This is the most common type. You don't declare your child's full medical history upfront. The insurer applies a blanket exclusion for any condition that existed in a set period (usually the 5 years) before the policy began. However, if your child then goes for a continuous 2-year period after the policy starts without any symptoms, treatment, or advice for that condition, it may become eligible for cover.
- Full Medical Underwriting (FMU): You provide your child's full medical history at the start. The insurer reviews it and lists specific conditions that will be permanently excluded from cover. This provides more certainty but is more intrusive upfront.
An expert PMI broker like WeCovr can explain these options in detail to help you decide which is best for your situation.
What Does a Typical Child-Only PMI Policy Cover?
Policies are structured with a core foundation of cover, with the option to add extra benefits for a higher premium.
Core Cover: In-patient and Day-patient Treatment
This is the foundation of every policy and is generally included as standard.
- In-patient: Your child is admitted to a hospital and stays overnight.
- Day-patient: Your child is admitted for a procedure but does not stay overnight (e.g., grommet surgery).
Core cover typically includes:
- Hospital accommodation and nursing fees.
- Surgeon's and anaesthetist's fees.
- Specialist consultation fees while in hospital.
- Diagnostic tests like scans and X-rays while in hospital.
- Cancer cover (this is often comprehensive, but check the policy details).
Optional Add-Ons for Comprehensive Cover
To create a more comprehensive policy, you can add out-patient benefits. This is highly recommended as most healthcare journeys begin with out-patient consultations and tests.
- Out-patient Cover: This covers specialist consultations and diagnostic tests that do not require a hospital admission. For example, seeing a paediatric dermatologist and having allergy tests done in an out-patient clinic.
- Therapies: This can cover a set number of sessions with physiotherapists, osteopaths, and sometimes speech and language therapists.
- Mental Health Cover: An increasingly vital add-on. It can provide cover for consultations with psychiatrists and sessions with psychologists or therapists.
- Dental and Optical Cover: This is less common and usually covers accidental dental injuries or provides a contribution towards routine check-ups and glasses.
| Benefit Type | Included in Core Cover? | Included in Comprehensive Cover? | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| In-patient Hospital Stay | Yes | Yes | Covers costs when your child is admitted overnight for treatment. |
| Day-patient Procedure | Yes | Yes | Covers procedures where your child is in and out the same day. |
| Cancer Treatment | Yes (usually) | Yes (often enhanced) | Covers chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and specialist cancer care. |
| Out-patient Consultations | No | Yes (as an add-on) | Covers seeing a specialist without being admitted to hospital. |
| Out-patient Diagnostics | No | Yes (as an add-on) | Covers MRI, CT, PET scans, and X-rays on an out-patient basis. |
| Therapies (e.g., Physio) | No | Yes (as an add-on) | Covers a set number of sessions for physical rehabilitation. |
| Mental Health Support | No | Yes (as an add-on) | Covers access to psychiatrists and therapists. |
What is Generally Excluded from Child-Only Health Insurance?
Understanding exclusions is as important as knowing what's covered. All policies will have them.
- Pre-existing conditions (as discussed above).
- Chronic conditions (asthma, diabetes, eczema, etc.).
- Emergency Services: You must always call 999 or go to A&E in an emergency. PMI is for planned, non-emergency treatment.
- Developmental or Learning Difficulties: Conditions like ADHD, autism, and dyslexia are not covered.
- Normal Childhood Development: Routine check-ups, vaccinations, and developmental milestones.
- Unproven or Experimental Treatment: Only recognised and evidence-based treatments are covered.
- Cosmetic Surgery: Unless required for reconstructive purposes after an accident or eligible surgery.
How Much Does Child-Only Health Insurance Cost in the UK?
The cost of a policy is highly individual and depends on several key factors. There is no "one size fits all" price.
Factors That Influence Your Premium:
- Age of the Child: Younger children often have lower premiums, which increase with age.
- Location: Premiums are typically higher in London and the South East due to the higher cost of private medical care in these areas.
- Level of Cover: A basic, in-patient-only policy will be much cheaper than a comprehensive plan with full out-patient, therapies, and mental health cover.
- Policy Excess: This is the amount you agree to pay towards a claim. A higher excess (e.g., £500) will lower your monthly premium, while a lower excess (£100) will increase it.
- Hospital List: Insurers offer different tiers of hospital lists. A list that includes only local private hospitals will be cheaper than one that provides nationwide access, including expensive central London facilities.
Illustrative Monthly Premiums for Child-Only PMI
The table below provides a rough guide to potential costs. These are for illustrative purposes only. For an accurate quote based on your child's needs, you should speak to an expert.
| Child's Age | Location | Level of Cover | Estimated Monthly Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | Manchester | Core (In-patient only) + £250 excess | £25 - £40 |
| 5 | Manchester | Comprehensive + £250 excess | £45 - £65 |
| 12 | London | Core (In-patient only) + £250 excess | £35 - £55 |
| 12 | London | Comprehensive + £250 excess | £60 - £90 |
Disclaimer: These are estimated costs as of late 2025 and can vary significantly between providers and based on underwriting. They should not be considered a formal quote.
Leading UK Providers for Child-Only Private Health Cover
The UK private medical insurance market is mature and competitive, with several excellent providers offering strong child-only plans. The "best PMI provider" is the one that best matches your specific needs and budget.
Here’s a brief overview of some leading names:
- Bupa: As one of the UK's most recognised health insurance brands, Bupa has an extensive network of hospitals and specialists. Their policies are known for being straightforward and they often provide strong cancer and mental health cover.
- AXA Health: AXA is a global insurance giant. Their health policies are highly rated for customer service and often include excellent digital GP services and a streamlined pathway for muscle, bone, and joint problems.
- Aviva: Aviva is the UK's largest general insurer. Their health insurance proposition is robust, often praised for its "Expert Select" process which helps guide customers to high-quality specialists.
- Vitality: Vitality has a unique model that rewards healthy living. By encouraging activity through wearable tech and partners, both parents and children can earn rewards. This proactive approach to health appeals to many families.
- The Exeter: A friendly society known for its flexible underwriting and excellent customer service. They are often a good choice for individuals with more complex medical histories, though pre-existing conditions will still be excluded.
Comparing these providers and their dozens of policy variations can be overwhelming. This is where an independent PMI broker like WeCovr adds immense value, doing the hard work for you.
The WeCovr Advantage: More Than Just a Policy
Choosing the right private medical insurance can feel complex, but you don't have to do it alone. At WeCovr, we pride ourselves on our customer-centric approach, which has earned us high satisfaction ratings across review platforms.
- Expert and Impartial Advice: Our team are specialists in the private medical insurance UK market. We are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), and our advice is always impartial, focused solely on finding the right fit for you. And our service is completely free for you to use.
- Whole-of-Market Comparison: We work with a wide panel of the UK's leading insurers. We'll compare policies, benefits, and prices to find the optimal combination of cover and value for your child.
- Exclusive Value-Added Benefits: When you arrange a policy through us, you get more than just insurance.
- Complimentary CalorieHero App: All our PMI and life insurance clients receive free access to CalorieHero, our AI-powered food and calorie tracking app. It's a fantastic tool to help the whole family learn about and maintain a balanced diet.
- Multi-Policy Discounts: If you take out PMI or life insurance with us, we can offer you exclusive discounts on other types of cover, such as home or travel insurance, saving you money across the board.
A Parent's Guide to Promoting Child Wellness
While insurance provides a safety net for when things go wrong, fostering a healthy lifestyle is the best preventative medicine. Here are some tips for promoting your child's physical and mental wellbeing.
A Balanced Diet
Encourage a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Limit sugary drinks and processed foods. Use tools like the CalorieHero app to make learning about nutrition fun and engaging for older children and teenagers.
Quality Sleep
Establish a consistent bedtime routine. The Sleep Foundation recommends 9-12 hours of sleep per night for school-age children (6-13) and 8-10 hours for teenagers (14-17). Good sleep is vital for growth, learning, and mood regulation.
An Active Lifestyle
Children should aim for at least 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity each day. This doesn't have to be structured sport—it can be playing in the park, riding a bike, or a family walk.
Mental Wellbeing
Create an open and supportive environment where your child feels comfortable talking about their feelings. Acknowledge their worries and stresses, and don't hesitate to seek support from your GP if you have concerns about their mental health.
Step-by-Step: How to Get Child-Only Health Insurance with WeCovr
We make the process simple, transparent, and stress-free.
- Initial Chat: Contact us for a free, no-obligation discussion. We'll listen to your needs, what's important to you, and your budget.
- Market Research: Our experts will then research and compare policies from the UK's best PMI providers, shortlisting the ones that best match your requirements.
- Clear Recommendations: We'll present you with the top options in plain English, explaining the differences in cover, benefits, and cost. We'll answer all your questions so you feel completely confident.
- Application Support: Once you've chosen a policy, we'll help you with the application process from start to finish.
- Ongoing Support: Our relationship doesn't end there. We're here to help if you have questions about your policy or need to make a claim in the future.
Can I buy health insurance for my child if I don't have a policy myself?
Is it cheaper to add my child to my own policy or get a standalone one?
Does child-only private medical insurance cover assessments for ADHD or autism?
What happens to a child-only policy when my child becomes an adult?
Your Next Step to Peace of Mind
Investing in your child's health is one of the most important decisions you can make. A child-only private health cover plan provides a powerful sense of security, ensuring that should they need specialist medical care, they can access it quickly and comfortably.
Navigating the market can be complex, but our expert team at WeCovr is here to provide the clarity and support you need. Let us help you find the right protection for your family.
Contact WeCovr today for a free, personalised quote and discover how affordable peace of mind can be.
Related guides
Why private medical insurance and how does it work?
What is Private Medical Insurance?
Private medical insurance (PMI) is a type of health insurance that provides access to private healthcare services in the UK. It covers the cost of private medical treatment, allowing you to bypass NHS waiting lists and receive faster, more convenient care.How does it work?
Private medical insurance works by paying for your private healthcare costs. When you need treatment, you can choose to go private and your insurance will cover the costs, subject to your policy terms and conditions. This can include:• Private consultations with specialists
• Private hospital treatment and surgery
• Diagnostic tests and scans
• Physiotherapy and rehabilitation
• Mental health treatment
Your premium depends on factors like your age, health, occupation, and the level of cover you choose. Most policies offer different levels of cover, from basic to comprehensive, allowing you to tailor the policy to your needs and budget.
Questions to ask yourself regarding private medical insurance
Just ask yourself:👉 Are you concerned about NHS waiting times for treatment?
👉 Would you prefer to choose your own consultant and hospital?
👉 Do you want faster access to diagnostic tests and scans?
👉 Would you like private hospital accommodation and better food?
👉 Do you want to avoid the stress of NHS waiting lists?
Many people don't realise that private medical insurance is more affordable than they think, especially when you consider the value of faster treatment and better facilities. A great insurance policy can provide peace of mind and ensure you receive the care you need when you need it.
Benefits offered by private medical insurance
Private medical insurance provides numerous benefits that can significantly improve your healthcare experience and outcomes:Faster Access to Treatment
One of the biggest advantages is avoiding NHS waiting lists. While the NHS provides excellent care, waiting times can be lengthy. With private medical insurance, you can often receive treatment within days or weeks rather than months.
Choice of Consultant and Hospital
You can choose your preferred consultant and hospital, giving you more control over your healthcare journey. This is particularly important for complex treatments where you want a specific specialist.
Better Facilities and Accommodation
Private hospitals typically offer superior facilities, including private rooms, better food, and more comfortable surroundings. This can make your recovery more pleasant and potentially faster.
Advanced Treatments
Private medical insurance often covers treatments and medications not available on the NHS, giving you access to the latest medical advances and technologies.
Mental Health Support
Many policies include comprehensive mental health coverage, providing faster access to therapy and psychiatric care when needed.
Tax Benefits for Business Owners
If you're self-employed or a business owner, private medical insurance premiums can be tax-deductible, making it a cost-effective way to protect your health and your business.
Peace of Mind
Knowing you have access to private healthcare when you need it provides invaluable peace of mind, especially for those with ongoing health conditions or concerns about NHS capacity.
Private medical insurance is particularly valuable for those who want to take control of their healthcare journey and ensure they receive the best possible treatment when they need it most.
Important Fact!
We can look at a more suitable option mid-term!
Why is it important to get private medical insurance early?
👉 Many people are very thankful that they had their private medical insurance cover in place before running into some serious health issues. Private medical insurance is as important as life insurance for protecting your family's finances.👉 We insure our cars, houses, and even our phones! Yet our health is the most precious thing we have.
Easily one of the most important insurance purchases an individual or family can make in their lifetime, the decision to buy private medical insurance can be made much simpler with the help of FCA-authorised advisers. They are the specialists who do the searching and analysis helping people choose between various types of private medical insurance policies available in the market, including different levels of cover and policy types most suitable to the client's individual circumstances.
It certainly won't do any harm if you speak with one of our experienced insurance experts who are passionate about advising people on financial matters related to private medical insurance and are keen to provide you with a free consultation.
You can discuss with them in detail what affordable private medical insurance plan for the necessary peace of mind they would recommend! WeCovr works with some of the best advisers in the market.
By tapping the button below, you can book a free call with them in less than 30 seconds right now:
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WeCovr is an insurance specialist for people valuing their peace of mind and a great service.👍 WeCovr will help you get your private medical insurance, life insurance, critical illness insurance and others in no time thanks to our wonderful super-friendly experts ready to assist you every step of the way.
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