Private Health Insurance for Children in the UK
As an FCA-authorised broker that has helped arrange over 800,000 policies, WeCovr specialises in helping UK families find the right private medical insurance. Your child's health is your absolute priority. This guide explores child-only private health insurance, offering peace of mind and fast access to treatment when you need it most.
Child-only health insurance options for fast access to treatment
When your child is unwell, any delay in diagnosis or treatment can feel like an eternity. While the NHS provides incredible care, increasing pressures mean waiting lists for specialist consultations and non-urgent procedures can be long. This is where private medical insurance (PMI) for children comes in, offering a direct and speedy route to the UK's leading paediatric specialists and private hospitals.
Child-only health insurance is a specific type of policy designed to cover just your son or daughter, without needing to be attached to an adult's plan. It’s a focused and often more affordable way to secure private healthcare for the youngest members of your family.
Why Consider Private Health Insurance for Your Child?
Parents in the UK are increasingly exploring private options for their children's healthcare. The reasons are often a blend of practical concerns and the desire for peace of mind.
Key Motivations for Choosing Children's PMI:
- Shorter Waiting Times: This is the primary driver for most parents. As of early 2025, NHS waiting lists in England remain extensive, with millions of treatment pathways pending. For children, this can mean long waits for services like ENT (ear, nose, and throat) consultations, allergy testing, or orthopaedic procedures. PMI can reduce this wait from months to weeks.
- Choice and Control: A private policy gives you more control over your child's care. You can often choose the specialist or consultant who treats your child and select a hospital that is convenient for your family.
- Access to Specialist Paediatric Care: The private sector has a network of renowned paediatricians and state-of-the-art facilities designed specifically for children, ensuring they receive care from experts in their field.
- Comfort and Privacy: Private hospitals typically offer private, en-suite rooms, making a hospital stay less stressful for both the child and the parents. Unrestricted visiting hours and a bed for a parent to stay overnight are common benefits.
- Access to Newer Treatments: Some policies may provide access to drugs or treatments that are not yet available on the NHS due to funding decisions or slower approval processes.
- Mental Health Support: With growing concerns over children and young people's mental health services (CAMHS) waiting times, many PMI policies now include valuable mental health support, offering faster access to counsellors and psychologists.
A Note on the NHS: Private medical insurance is designed to work alongside the NHS, not replace it. Emergency services (A&E), for instance, will always be provided by the NHS. PMI is for planned, non-emergency care for acute conditions.
What is Child-Only Private Health Insurance?
Traditionally, children were added to a parent's or a company's health insurance policy. While this is still a popular option, a growing number of UK insurers now offer "child-only" or "standalone" policies.
- Child-Only Policy: This policy exclusively covers a child (or multiple children in a family) without an adult policyholder. This can be a great option for single parents, grandparents who wish to provide cover, or families where the parents have corporate cover that doesn't extend to dependents.
- Adding to a Family Policy: This involves adding your child as a dependent to your existing private medical insurance plan. It can sometimes be more cost-effective, especially if you have multiple children, as some insurers offer discounts for the second or third child.
Comparing both options with a specialist broker is the best way to determine which route offers the best value and coverage for your family's specific needs.
How Does Private Medical Insurance for Children Work?
Navigating the world of health insurance can seem complex, but the process is quite straightforward.
The Patient Journey:
- Visit Your GP: The journey almost always begins with your NHS GP. If your child has a symptom, your GP is the first port of call. They provide an initial assessment.
- GP Referral: If your GP believes your child needs to see a specialist, they will write an 'open referral' letter. This letter outlines the medical need without naming a specific private consultant.
- Contact Your Insurer: You call your insurance provider's claims line, explain the situation, and provide the GP referral.
- Claim Authorisation: The insurer checks that the condition is covered under your policy. If it is, they will authorise the claim and provide you with a list of approved specialists and hospitals.
- Book Your Appointment: You can then book a private consultation with the specialist of your choice from the approved list, often within days.
- Treatment and Billing: If treatment is required, the insurer must pre-authorise it. After the treatment, the hospital and consultant bill the insurance company directly. You are only responsible for paying any 'excess' you chose on your policy.
Crucial Point: Acute vs. Chronic Conditions
This is the most important concept to understand in UK private medical insurance.
- Acute Condition: A disease, illness, or injury that is likely to respond quickly to treatment and lead to a full recovery. Examples include infections, joint injuries, hernias, or cataracts. PMI is designed to cover acute conditions.
- Chronic Condition: An illness that cannot be cured but can be managed through ongoing treatment and monitoring. Examples include asthma, diabetes, eczema, and epilepsy. Standard PMI policies do not cover the ongoing management of chronic conditions.
- Pre-existing Conditions: Any illness or injury your child had symptoms of, or received treatment for, before the policy start date. These are typically excluded from cover, at least for an initial period.
What Does Children's Health Insurance Typically Cover?
Cover levels vary between insurers and policies, but most offer a 'core' level of cover with the option to add extra benefits.
| Coverage Type | What It Typically Includes | Is It Standard? |
|---|---|---|
| In-patient Care | Covers costs when your child is admitted to hospital overnight. This includes hospital fees, specialist fees, and surgery. | Yes, this is the core of all PMI policies. |
| Day-patient Care | Covers scheduled surgery or procedures where your child is admitted to hospital but does not stay overnight. | Yes, almost always included in core cover. |
| Out-patient Care | Covers specialist consultations, diagnostic tests (like MRI/CT scans), and therapies that don't require hospital admission. | Often an optional add-on or a capped limit. |
| Cancer Cover | Comprehensive cover for the diagnosis and treatment of cancer, including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery. | Yes, comprehensive cancer cover is a key feature. |
| Mental Health Cover | Access to counsellors, therapists, or psychiatrists. Cover can range from limited sessions to more extensive support. | Increasingly offered, but often as an add-on. |
| Therapies | Physiotherapy, osteopathy, and chiropractic treatment, often for post-operative recovery or sports injuries. | Usually an optional add-on with a set limit. |
| Digital GP | 24/7 access to a virtual GP via phone or video call, allowing for quick consultations and prescriptions. | Yes, now a standard feature on most policies. |
Common Exclusions (What's NOT Covered):
- Pre-existing conditions
- Chronic conditions (like asthma or diabetes)
- Emergency treatment (A&E)
- Routine check-ups, vaccinations, and developmental assessments
- Allergies (testing is often covered, but ongoing management is not)
- Uncomplicated infectious childhood diseases (e.g., chickenpox)
- Cosmetic surgery
- Dental and optical treatment (unless added as an optional extra)
Comparing Top UK Providers for Child-Only Health Insurance
Several major UK insurers offer excellent health insurance plans for children. While costs and specific benefits change, here’s a high-level overview of what some of the leading providers are known for.
An expert PMI broker like WeCovr can provide a detailed comparison based on your specific needs and budget, helping you navigate the options from these providers and more.
| Provider | Key Strengths for Children's Cover | Potential Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Bupa | Strong brand recognition, extensive network of hospitals and specialists. Known for comprehensive cancer cover and mental health support. | Can be one of the more premium-priced options. |
| AXA Health | Flexible policies with a "Guided" option to help reduce costs. Good digital tools and a focus on proactive health support. | The guided option limits your choice of specialists. |
| Aviva | Often competitively priced. Their "Expert Select" hospital list can lower premiums. Good core cover with flexible add-ons. | Their standard hospital lists may be more limited. |
| Vitality | Unique wellness programme that rewards healthy habits with discounts and perks. Engaging for older children and families. | The wellness programme requires active participation to see benefits. |
Disclaimer: This table is for illustrative purposes only. Features and benefits are subject to change and specific policy terms.
How Much Does Private Health Insurance for Children Cost?
The cost of a child-only PMI policy can vary significantly. In 2025, you might expect to pay anywhere from £25 to £70+ per month for a child.
Several key factors influence the premium:
- Age: Premiums are generally lowest for young children and increase slightly as they get older.
- Location: Costs are higher in areas where private medical fees are more expensive, such as Central London and the South East.
- Level of Cover: A comprehensive policy with full out-patient cover, therapies, and mental health support will cost more than a basic in-patient only plan.
- 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 or £0) will increase it.
- Hospital List: Insurers offer different tiers of hospital lists. A list that excludes expensive Central London hospitals will result in a lower premium.
- Underwriting: The method used to assess your child's medical history will affect the price and coverage.
| Example Scenario | Estimated Monthly Premium |
|---|---|
| 5-year-old, outside London, £250 excess, core cover | £25 - £40 |
| 12-year-old, outside London, £250 excess, comprehensive | £40 - £60 |
| 8-year-old, London, £100 excess, comprehensive | £60 - £85+ |
Note: These prices are estimates for 2025 and for illustrative purposes only. For an accurate quote, it's essential to speak with an adviser.
Understanding Underwriting: The Key to Your Cover
Underwriting is how an insurer assesses risk and decides what it will and won't cover. For children's PMI, there are two main types:
- Moratorium (Mori) Underwriting: This is the most common and simplest option. You don't need to declare your child's full medical history upfront. Instead, the insurer automatically excludes any condition your child has had symptoms of, or treatment for, in the last 5 years. However, if your child then goes for a continuous 2-year period after the policy starts without needing treatment, advice, or medication for that condition, the exclusion may be lifted.
- Full Medical Underwriting (FMU): This involves completing a detailed health questionnaire about your child's medical history. The insurer then reviews this information and tells you upfront exactly what is excluded from the policy. It provides certainty from day one but can be more complex. Any pre-existing conditions identified will be permanently excluded.
Choosing the right underwriting is crucial. A broker can advise which method is most suitable based on your child's health history.
Adding Value: What Else Comes with a Child's PMI Policy?
Modern health insurance is about more than just paying for treatment. Insurers now offer a suite of value-added benefits designed to support your family's overall wellbeing.
- Digital GP Services: Speak to a GP by video 24/7. This is incredibly useful for parents needing quick advice about a child's fever at night or a rash on a weekend.
- Mental Health Support Lines: Confidential helplines staffed by trained counsellors to discuss any worries, from school anxiety to exam stress.
- Wellness Programmes: Providers like Vitality actively encourage healthy living through points and rewards systems, which can be a fun way to engage the whole family in being active.
- Discounts and Perks: Insurers often partner with health and wellness brands to offer discounts on gym memberships, fitness trackers, and healthy food.
When you arrange a policy through WeCovr, you also get complimentary access to our partner AI calorie and nutrition tracking app, CalorieHero, helping you and your family make informed choices about diet. Furthermore, clients who purchase PMI or Life Insurance often receive exclusive discounts on other types of cover, such as home or travel insurance.
Beyond Treatment: Promoting a Healthy Lifestyle for Your Child
While insurance provides a safety net, fostering a healthy lifestyle is the best preventative medicine.
- Balanced Diet: Encourage a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. Limit processed foods, sugary drinks, and snacks. Making mealtimes a fun, family affair can help build positive eating habits.
- Quality Sleep: Children need more sleep than adults. The NHS recommends 9-12 hours for school-age children (6-12 years) and 8-10 hours for teenagers. A consistent, screen-free bedtime routine is key.
- Stay Active: Aim for at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity every day. This doesn't have to be structured sport; it can be playing in the park, cycling, dancing, or a brisk walk.
- Screen Time Balance: While digital devices are part of modern life, it's important to set clear boundaries around screen time to encourage physical activity and face-to-face interaction.
- Open Communication: Create a safe space for your child to talk about their feelings and worries. Good mental health is just as important as good physical health.
By combining a proactive approach to wellness with the security of a private medical insurance plan, you create a comprehensive health strategy for your child, ensuring they have the support they need to thrive.
Can I get private health insurance for a child with a pre-existing condition?
Is dental and optical cover included in a child's health insurance policy?
What is an 'excess' on a health insurance policy?
Ready to find the right health cover for your child? The UK private medical insurance market can be complex, but you don't have to navigate it alone.
Get a free, no-obligation quote from WeCovr today. Our expert advisers will compare leading insurers to find a policy that fits your family's needs and budget, ensuring your child has fast access to the best care.
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:
Our Group Is Proud To Have Issued 800,000+ Policies!
We've established collaboration agreements with leading insurance groups to create tailored coverage
How It Works
1. Complete a brief form
2. Our experts analyse your information and find you best quotes
3. Enjoy your protection!
Any questions?
Learn more
Who Are WeCovr?
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.
Just a quick and simple form and an easy conversation with one of our experts and your valuable insurance policy is in place for that needed peace of mind!