Whether you already have children or are planning to start a family, it’s only natural to hope for the best. When taking on any new responsibility let alone bringing a new life into this world, it’s also important to consider the potential challenges. Financially, physically, and emotionally.
Infant mortality, although much less common today, remains a concern. In 2020, the infant mortality rate in the UK (for children up to 1 year old) was 3.6 per 1,000 births, thankfully this number continues to decrease annually. Various factors, including maternal age, family financial circumstances, ethnicity, and other variables, can influence this statistic. You can find more information on this topic at the Office for National Statistics (ONS).
In the unfortunate event of a traumatic situation, parents naturally want to provide their child with a deserving funeral without being burdened by financial constraints. Thankfully, most insurance providers offer options like terminal illness benefits or funeral coverage specifically designed for these circumstances.
Although infant mortality is rare, the chances of contracting critical illnesses in children are more significant. Often overlooked, critical illness diagnosis for children regularly features in the more common reasons for claims from insurance providers. No parent wishes to contemplate the possibility of their child falling seriously ill. The financial and emotional strain such a situation can cause, reinforces the importance of having protective measures in place. We will explore the advantages of critical illness coverage for children and why families should seriously consider it.
Time commitment: Taking care of a child with a severe illness requires a considerable time commitment, research suggests as much as 60 hours per week. Balancing household management and caregiving for the child involves numerous doctor appointments, hospital stays, and other responsibilities. Parents often need to be in multiple places at once, will your employer be accommodating?
Financial considerations: While the NHS and various charitable organisations provide valuable support for children and their families, there may be additional financial burdens to consider. These costs may include accommodations during hospital stays, medical equipment, home adaptations, private therapies, specialised toys, assistive equipment, and educational materials.
Additional Coverage: Many insurance providers offer standard or enhanced coverage options, providing a more tailored solution to suit your needs.
Extra care coverage: Enhanced coverage options may offer increased benefits for certain conditions, with some even providing an add-on for international treatment when superior to local options beating waiting lists or offering a greater chance of treatment.
Pregnancy complications: Some insurance policies also cover a range of pregnancy complications, including those affecting either the mother or the baby.
Hospitalisation benefit: Many policies include or offer the option to cover accommodation costs for parents when their children need to stay in the hospital, allowing them to remain close by.
Conversion options: At the end of the term (typically up to the age of 23, if the child pursues full-time education), children’s coverage can be converted into adult coverage without the need for medical underwriting. This can be a valuable option, especially if a family has a history of specific conditions.
Value-added services: Numerous insurers offer additional benefits such as 24/7 GP appointments or access to dedicated nurses who can provide information and support during challenging times. This well-being benefit can help the whole family.
Peace of Mind: While it is impossible to predict or prevent critical illnesses in children, or adults for that matter, having critical illness coverage provides parents with peace of mind. Knowing that there is a financial safety net in place can alleviate the stress and anxiety that often accompanies a child’s illness. This peace of mind enables parents to focus on their child’s well-being without the added worry of financial concerns or passing financial burdens onto others. In some situations, we see parents ensuring the children are covered before themselves.