TL;DR
As an FCA-authorised broker that has helped arrange over 900,000 policies, WeCovr offers expert guidance on private medical insurance in the UK. This article explores child-only private health cover, helping you protect what matters most and make informed decisions for your family's health and wellbeing. Private health insurance options for child-only cover Thinking about your child’s health is a natural part of being a parent.
Key takeaways
- Speed of Access: The main advantage is bypassing long NHS waiting lists for specialist consultations, diagnostic tests (like MRI or CT scans), and elective surgery.
- Choice and Control: PMI gives you more control over your child's healthcare. You can often choose the specialist, consultant, and hospital where your child is treated.
- Comfort and Privacy: Private hospitals typically offer a more comfortable environment, including private en-suite rooms, making a hospital stay less daunting for a child (and for you).
- Access to Specialist Drugs and Treatments: Some policies provide access to newer, licensed drugs or treatments that may not yet be available on the NHS due to cost or other guidelines.
- Peace of Mind: Knowing you have a plan in place to get your child seen and treated quickly provides invaluable reassurance.
As an FCA-authorised broker that has helped arrange over 900,000 policies, WeCovr offers expert guidance on private medical insurance in the UK. This article explores child-only private health cover, helping you protect what matters most and make informed decisions for your family's health and wellbeing.
Private health insurance options for child-only cover
Thinking about your child’s health is a natural part of being a parent. While the NHS provides excellent care, long waiting times for certain treatments can be a significant worry. This has led many UK parents to explore private medical insurance (PMI) specifically for their children.
Child-only PMI is a dedicated policy that provides private healthcare cover just for your son or daughter, without needing to include yourself or a partner. It offers peace of mind, knowing your child can access prompt diagnosis and treatment for eligible conditions, bypassing potential NHS queues.
In this guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know about PMI for children in the UK, from how it works to what it covers and how to find the best policy for your family's needs.
Why Consider Private Health Insurance for a Child?
The National Health Service (NHS) is a cornerstone of UK life, offering comprehensive care to everyone. However, the system is under immense pressure. Recent figures from NHS England show that waiting lists for consultant-led elective care remain at historic highs, with a significant number of patients, including children, waiting many months for treatment.
For a parent, watching a child wait in discomfort or pain for a routine procedure like having grommets fitted or a tonsillectomy can be incredibly stressful. This is the primary reason families turn to private health cover.
Key Benefits of Children's PMI:
- Speed of Access: The main advantage is bypassing long NHS waiting lists for specialist consultations, diagnostic tests (like MRI or CT scans), and elective surgery.
- Choice and Control: PMI gives you more control over your child's healthcare. You can often choose the specialist, consultant, and hospital where your child is treated.
- Comfort and Privacy: Private hospitals typically offer a more comfortable environment, including private en-suite rooms, making a hospital stay less daunting for a child (and for you).
- Access to Specialist Drugs and Treatments: Some policies provide access to newer, licensed drugs or treatments that may not yet be available on the NHS due to cost or other guidelines.
- Peace of Mind: Knowing you have a plan in place to get your child seen and treated quickly provides invaluable reassurance.
NHS vs. Private Care for Children: A Quick Comparison
| Feature | NHS Care | Private Care (with PMI) |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free at the point of use | Monthly/annual premium |
| Waiting Times | Can be long for non-urgent care | Significantly shorter for eligible conditions |
| Emergencies | The only option for A&E and critical care | Not for emergencies; you must use the NHS |
| Choice of Hospital | Limited; usually based on your location | Wide choice from a pre-approved hospital list |
| Choice of Specialist | Referred to an available specialist | You can often choose your consultant |
| Accommodation | Usually a shared children's ward | Private en-suite room often standard |
| Mental Health | Long waits for CAMHS are common | Faster access to private therapists/psychiatrists (if covered) |
It's vital to remember that PMI is designed to work alongside the NHS, not replace it. The NHS is always the right and only choice for accidents, emergencies, and 999 calls.
Understanding Child-Only vs. Family PMI Policies
When looking to cover your child, you generally have two main routes: a 'child-only' policy or adding them to a family policy.
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Child-Only Policies: As the name suggests, this is a standalone policy that covers a single child. Not all insurers offer this, but it can be a great option if you don't need or want cover for yourself. It's particularly useful for grandparents wishing to buy a policy for a grandchild or for separated parents wanting to ensure their child has cover.
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Family Policies: This involves adding your child (or children) to your own or a joint policy with a partner. This is often the most common and can sometimes be more cost-effective, as many insurers offer discounts for adding family members. Some even offer incentives like covering a newborn for free for the first year.
Which is Right for You?
| Consideration | Child-Only Policy | Family Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Who is Covered? | Just the child. | You, your partner, and your child(ren). |
| Cost | Can be cheaper if you have no need for cover yourself. | Often has multi-person discounts, but the total premium is higher. |
| Simplicity | One simple policy for your child's needs. | One policy and one renewal date for the whole family. |
| Provider Availability | Fewer insurers offer this as a standard option. | Offered by all major private medical insurance UK providers. |
Deciding between the two depends on your personal circumstances. If you already have PMI through your employer, a child-only policy might make sense. If you have no cover at all, a family policy could be a more streamlined and economical solution. An expert PMI broker can help you compare both scenarios to see which offers better value.
What Does Children's Private Medical Insurance Typically Cover?
A private health insurance policy is designed to cover the diagnosis and treatment of acute conditions. An acute condition is a disease, illness, or injury that is likely to respond quickly to treatment and lead to a full recovery. Think of things like infections, joint pains that need investigating, or hernias that require surgery.
Crucially, standard UK PMI does not cover chronic conditions or pre-existing conditions. We'll explore this in more detail in the next section, as it's the most important concept to understand.
Here’s a breakdown of what a typical child's PMI policy includes:
Core Cover (Usually Included as Standard)
- In-patient and Day-patient Treatment: This covers costs if your child is admitted to hospital for treatment. It includes hospital accommodation, surgeons' and anaesthetists' fees, nursing care, and specialist consultations while in hospital.
- Cancer Cover: Most policies offer comprehensive cancer cover as standard. This includes chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgical procedures. It often provides access to breakthrough drugs and treatments not always available on the NHS.
Out-patient Cover (Often an Optional Add-on)
This is one of the most valuable parts of a policy and covers services your child receives without being admitted to hospital.
- Specialist Consultations: The initial appointments with a consultant paediatrician, dermatologist, ENT specialist, etc., following a GP referral.
- Diagnostic Tests and Scans: This includes MRI, CT, and PET scans, X-rays, and blood tests, allowing for a swift diagnosis.
- Therapies: Cover for physiotherapy, osteopathy, and chiropractic treatment is often included, usually up to a set number of sessions per year. This is ideal for sports injuries or musculoskeletal issues.
Optional Extras to Consider
You can tailor your child's policy with additional benefits for more comprehensive cover:
- Mental Health Cover: With NHS Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) facing overwhelming demand, this is an increasingly popular add-on. It provides faster access to psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists.
- Dental and Optical Cover: This can help with the costs of routine check-ups, dental treatments, and prescription glasses or contact lenses. It's usually a cashback benefit, where you pay upfront and claim a portion back.
- Extended Hospital Lists: Basic policies cover a certain network of hospitals. You can pay more to get access to a wider range, including more expensive central London hospitals.
What is Not Covered by Children's PMI? The Critical Exclusions
Understanding the exclusions is just as important as knowing what's covered. It prevents surprises and disappointment if you need to make a claim.
The Golden Rule of PMI: No Cover for Pre-existing or Chronic Conditions
This is the single most important limitation to grasp. Private medical insurance in the UK is designed for new, treatable (acute) conditions that arise after you take out the policy.
- Pre-existing Conditions: Any illness, disease, or injury your child had symptoms of, received advice for, or was treated for before the policy started. For example, if your child has a history of eczema, you cannot use PMI to see a private dermatologist for that specific condition.
- Chronic Conditions: Long-term conditions that cannot be cured, only managed. This includes things like asthma, diabetes, cystic fibrosis, and cerebral palsy. While the initial diagnosis of a chronic condition might be covered, the ongoing, long-term management will not be. The NHS will manage this care.
Other Standard Exclusions Include:
- Accidents and Emergencies: All emergency care (A&E, 999 calls) is handled by the NHS.
- Organ Transplants
- Routine GP Services
- Uncomplicated Pregnancy and Childbirth
- Developmental or Learning Difficulties: Conditions like ADHD or autism are generally not covered for treatment, although diagnosis may sometimes be included.
- Cosmetic Surgery (unless required for reconstructive purposes after an accident or eligible surgery).
Always read your policy documents carefully to understand the full list of exclusions.
How Does Underwriting for Children's PMI Work?
'Underwriting' is the process an insurer uses to assess risk and decide what they will and won't cover, based on your child's medical history. There are two main types:
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Moratorium (Mori) Underwriting: This is the most common type. You don't have to declare your child's full medical history upfront. Instead, the insurer applies a general exclusion for any condition that existed in a set period (usually the 5 years) before the policy started. 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. It's a "wait and see" approach.
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Full Medical Underwriting (FMU): With FMU, you complete a detailed health questionnaire about your child's medical history when you apply. The insurer reviews this and states clearly from day one what will be excluded from the policy. This provides more certainty but can be more time-consuming. Any conditions listed as exclusions are usually permanent.
Moratorium vs. Full Medical Underwriting
| Aspect | Moratorium (Mori) | Full Medical Underwriting (FMU) |
|---|---|---|
| Application Process | Quick and simple, no health forms. | Requires a detailed health questionnaire. |
| Clarity on Exclusions | Exclusions are general; clarity comes at the point of a claim. | Exclusions are clearly defined and listed in your policy from the start. |
| Cover for Pre-existing | A condition may become eligible for cover after a 2-year clear period. | Exclusions are typically permanent. |
| Claim Process | Can be slower as the insurer may need to check medical history. | Generally faster as cover is already defined. |
For children with a clean bill of health, moratorium underwriting is often the simplest and quickest option. If your child has a more complex medical history, FMU can provide valuable upfront clarity.
Comparing the Best PMI Providers for Children in the UK
The UK has a competitive market for private health cover, with several major providers offering excellent options for children and families. While "best" is subjective and depends on your specific needs and budget, here is a general overview of the leading names.
| Provider | Key Strengths for Child/Family Cover | Potential Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Aviva | Highly comprehensive core cover. Often praised for their straightforward claims process and strong cancer cover. Good digital GP service. | Can be one of the more premium-priced options. |
| AXA Health | Flexible and modular policies, allowing you to build the cover you need. Strong mental health pathways and excellent customer service. | Their 'guided' options, while cheaper, restrict your choice of specialists. |
| Bupa | The most well-known health insurance brand in the UK. Extensive network of hospitals and facilities. Often offers direct settlement of claims with hospitals. | Premiums can be higher due to brand recognition. Some policies have limits on out-patient diagnostics. |
| Vitality | Unique approach that rewards healthy living with discounts and perks. Can be very engaging for active families. Often includes benefits for children's activity. | The rewards programme can be complex. You need to actively engage with it to get the best value. |
| The Exeter | A Friendly Society known for excellent customer service and a more personal approach. They are one of the few who actively promote child-only policies. | May have a smaller hospital network compared to the biggest providers. |
Navigating these options and their subtle differences can be a challenge. This is where an independent, FCA-authorised broker like WeCovr provides immense value. We can compare the entire market for you, explain the nuances of each policy, and find the one that best fits your child's needs and your budget, all at no cost to you.
How Much Does Child-Only PMI Cost?
The cost of private medical insurance for a child can vary significantly based on several factors. On average, you might expect to pay anywhere from £25 to £70 per month for a comprehensive child-only policy. (illustrative estimate)
Key Factors Influencing the Premium:
- Age: Premiums are lowest for young children and increase with age.
- Location: Healthcare costs are higher in certain areas, particularly London and the South East, so policies for children living there will be more expensive.
- Level of Cover: A basic policy covering only in-patient treatment will be cheapest. Adding comprehensive out-patient cover, therapies, and mental health options will increase the price.
- Excess (illustrative): This is the amount you agree to pay towards the cost of a claim. A higher excess (£250, £500, or £1,000) will lower your monthly premium.
- Hospital List: Choosing a more restricted local hospital list will be cheaper than a policy that includes premium central London hospitals.
- Underwriting Type: Sometimes, a fully medically underwritten policy can be slightly cheaper if your child has no pre-existing conditions.
Example Monthly Costs for a Child-Only Policy
The following are illustrative examples for a healthy 8-year-old living outside London, with a £250 excess.
| Level of Cover | Estimated Monthly Premium | What it Might Include |
|---|---|---|
| Budget/Entry-Level | £25 - £40 | Core in-patient cover, limited out-patient diagnostics. |
| Mid-Range | £40 - £55 | Core in-patient, full out-patient cover, some therapies. |
| Comprehensive | £55 - £70+ | Full in-patient/out-patient, therapies, mental health, dental/optical. |
These figures are for guidance only. The only way to get an accurate price is to get a personalised quote.
Beyond Insurance: Promoting Your Child's Health & Wellbeing
While insurance is a safety net for when things go wrong, the best strategy is always prevention and promoting a healthy lifestyle. Here are some simple, effective tips for parents.
1. Encourage a Balanced Diet
A varied diet is the foundation of good health.
- The 5-a-Day Rule: Aim for five portions of fruit and vegetables daily. Make it fun with colourful smoothies, fruit kebabs, or adding hidden veg to pasta sauces.
- Limit Sugar: Be mindful of sugary drinks, breakfast cereals, and snacks. According to Public Health England, children consume far more than the recommended daily sugar limit.
- Healthy Fats and Proteins: Include sources like oily fish, nuts, seeds, lean meats, and beans for brain development and energy.
As a WeCovr customer, you get complimentary access to our AI-powered nutrition app, CalorieHero, which can make tracking meals and understanding nutrition simple and engaging for the whole family.
2. Prioritise Sleep
Sleep is vital for a child's physical growth, mental development, and immune system.
- Consistent Bedtime: Establish a regular, calming bedtime routine.
- Screen-Free Zone: Avoid screens (TVs, tablets, phones) for at least an hour before bed, as the blue light can disrupt sleep patterns.
- Recommended Hours: The NHS recommends 9-12 hours for school-age children (6-12 years) and 8-10 hours for teenagers (13-18 years).
3. Keep Them Active
Regular physical activity is crucial for strong bones and muscles, maintaining a healthy weight, and boosting mental health.
- 60 Minutes a Day: The UK Chief Medical Officers' guideline is for children to get at least 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity each day.
- Make it Fun: This doesn't have to be structured sport. Family walks, bike rides, dancing to music, or a trip to the playground all count.
- Limit Sedentary Time: Encourage breaks from sitting, whether it's doing homework or playing video games.
How WeCovr Can Help You Find the Right Cover
Choosing private medical insurance for your child is an important decision. With so many providers, policy options, and technical terms, it can feel overwhelming. That’s where we come in.
WeCovr is an independent, FCA-authorised insurance broker specialising in the UK health and life insurance market. Our service is designed to make your life easier:
- Expert, Unbiased Advice: Our specialists have deep knowledge of the market. We are not tied to any single insurer, so our advice is completely impartial and focused on your needs.
- Market-Wide Comparison: We compare policies from all the UK's leading insurers to find you the best possible cover at the most competitive price.
- Personalised Recommendations: We take the time to understand your family, your budget, and what's most important to you before recommending a solution.
- No Cost to You: Our service is completely free. We are paid a commission by the insurer you choose, so you get expert advice without any extra fees.
- High Customer Satisfaction: We pride ourselves on our service, which is reflected in our consistently high customer satisfaction ratings.
- Exclusive Benefits: When you arrange a PMI or Life Insurance policy through us, you get complimentary access to our AI nutrition app, CalorieHero, and may also be eligible for discounts on other types of insurance you need.
Let us handle the research and jargon, so you can have the peace of mind that comes from making a fully informed choice.
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Ready to explore your options and secure peace of mind for your child's health?
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Sources
- Office for National Statistics (ONS): Mortality, earnings, and household statistics.
- Financial Conduct Authority (FCA): Insurance and consumer protection guidance.
- Association of British Insurers (ABI): Life insurance and protection market publications.
- HMRC: Tax treatment guidance for relevant protection and benefits products.
