Safeguarding the health and well-being of your child stands as a cornerstone of parental responsibility. Unfortunately, due to circumstances and the high costs of living, many children remain uninsured or underinsured, leaving them vulnerable to many types of health risks. Discover the importance of medical insurance for kids as Bloom explains how access to quality healthcare services through Momentum Health4Me health insurance plans can help ensure a healthy and thriving future.
The importance of prioritising healthcare for children
Ensuring children have dedicated health insurance brings benefits that resonate throughout their lives. One primary benefit lies in the realm of preventive care. With dedicated cover, children have access to routine check-ups, screenings, and vaccinations that are crucial for maintaining their health. Regular check-ups allow healthcare providers to monitor growth and development, detect any potential health issues early on, and provide timely interventions that reduce the risk of more serious conditions later in life.
Vaccinations, in particular, are an important aspect of paediatric care. Dedicated health insurance often covers the cost of vaccines, ensuring that children receive essential immunisations against diseases such as measles, mumps, rubella, and polio. By safeguarding children against preventable illnesses, vaccinations not only protect their immediate health but also contribute to broader public health efforts by reducing the spread of contagious diseases within communities.
Having dedicated health insurance for children ensures prompt access to emergency services when needed. Accidents and unexpected illnesses will receive timely medical attention. Prompt treatment during emergencies makes a significant difference in recovery outcomes.
Benefits of health insurance for kids
Bloom’s Health4Me health insurance plans encompass a range of healthcare services focused on children.
Some of these benefits include the following:
- Access to preventive care: health insurance ensures that children have access to regular check-ups, screenings, and vaccinations. Preventive care helps identify health issues early, promoting timely interventions and minimising the risk of more serious conditions later on in life.
- Cover for vaccinations: these are crucial for protecting children from preventable diseases such as measles, polio, and influenza. While government clinics do assume responsibility for many vaccinations and immunisations, health insurance will cover the cost of other vaccines, like the flu shot.
- Emergency services: health insurance for kids provides coverage for emergency services, ensuring that children receive prompt medical attention in the event of a serious accident or illness.
- Hospitalisation cover: in the event of serious illness or injury requiring hospitalisation, health insurance covers the costs associated with emergency medical response, stabilisation and transportation, hospital stays, surgeries, and other related treatments.
- Prescription medications: many childhood illnesses and chronic conditions, like Type 1 Diabetes, require a prescription for chronic medications, such as insulin. Health insurance typically includes coverage for necessary medication.
- Access to specialists: children often require specialised care from paediatricians for medical issues related to delays in developmental milestones and child-related illnesses. Health insurance can provide access to these specialists as required.
- Mental health services: some children may also require mental health services, such as therapy or counselling, to address emotional or behavioural issues, like attention-deficit disorder. Health insurance can include coverage for mental health services, promoting overall psychological and behavioural well-being.
- Dental and vision care: children’s dental and vision needs need to be addressed early as they may require specialised services, like cleanings, fillings or extractions. Children also require vision screenings for conditions like myopia, in case they require glasses and a vision monitoring plan.
- HIV benefit: South Africa has a high HIV rate with an estimated 7.7 million people affected in our country. HIV can be passed from mother to child so children who test positive must be inducted into a management plan, including antiretroviral treatment, to ensure good health and development.
Types of Health4Me health insurance plans for children
As an advocate for the health and well-being of children, Health4Me recognises the importance of health insurance for children and strives for access to quality healthcare through our health insurance plans.
Our family-oriented, child-focused health insurance plans cover a wide range of services and treatments essential for maintaining children’s health and well-being.
- Health4Me Bronze. Premiums start at R570 per month. This affordable, entry-level option is designed to cover day-to-day needs and includes unlimited GP visits, acute medication and in-hospital cover.
- Health4Me Silver. The premiums start at R610 per month. This balanced option covers the essentials as well as additional benefits such as access to basic dentistry and optometry and an annual health assessment.
- Health4Me Gold. Our most comprehensive option starts at R658 per month and covers all the benefits offered on the Bronze and Silver options, plus specialist visits and an HIV benefit.
Our health insurance plans include routine check-ups and preventive screenings designed to monitor growth and detect any potential health issues early on so that your child can receive timely medical treatment. Additionally, our coverage extends to emergency services, hospitalisation, prescription medications, and specialist consultations as needed.
It’s possible to get health insurance exclusively for your child or to add your child to your healthcare plan as a dependent. However, parents need to be aware of the limitations or exclusions within each insurance plan. Some plans may have restrictions or waiting periods on certain treatments. In some instances, pre-existing conditions or chronic illnesses could be subject to specific coverage limitations.
Moreover, coverage may vary depending on the Momentum Health4Me network providers. We advise parents and primary caregivers to review the details of their child’s insurance plan carefully to understand what services are covered, any limitations or exclusions, and any requirements such as referrals or pre-authorisations. Being informed about the scope of your coverage can help you make informed decisions about your child’s healthcare needs while minimising unexpected financial burdens.
How to choose the right health insurance plan for children
Choosing the right health insurance for kids requires thoughtful consideration. It’s advisable to get comprehensive coverage that meets your child’s individual health needs and suits your budget.
These are the factors to consider when choosing the right health insurance plan for children:
- Consider the age and health needs of your children
Assess what kind of medical services your child is going to need. For instance, will they need to see a specialist or receive chronic medication? Infants and very young children (under the age of five years) may require frequent doctor visits for check-ups and vaccinations. Older children may have developed specific healthcare needs related to family history or chronic conditions, like myopia.
- Evaluate the family’s budget and financial capabilities
Find a balance between coverage and affordability. Consider factors such as monthly premiums, deductibles, co-payments, and out-of-pocket maximums. You could also consider getting gap cover to safeguard against unexpected medical costs and shortfalls.
- Pay attention to cover details and benefits offered
Look for key coverage areas that are critical for children, like preventive care, vaccinations, emergency services, hospitalisation, prescription medications, specialist consultations, and mental health services. It’s also worth exploring the exact nature of coverage for dental and vision care, as these areas require special attention for your child’s development.
- View the available plans and request quotes
Compare our health insurance plans to explore each plan in more detail. Review each plan’s details: consider coverage options, network providers, and costs. Pay attention to limitations or exclusions and the process for seeking medical care and submitting claims.
- Seek assistance
Once you’ve decided on the plan you’re interested in, you can request a quote online by entering your name and contact number. Our team of consultants will give you a call back to provide a more detailed quote.
Frequently asked questions on health insurance for kids
- What is the best health insurance for kids?
The best health insurance for kids depends on factors like the child’s medical needs, cover provided, budget and provider network availability in your area.
- Can you get health insurance only for your child?
Yes, Momentum Health4Me allows you to take out health insurance exclusively for your child or children.
- Which age is best for health insurance?
Obtaining health insurance for kids is crucial at any age, but securing cover early on ensures better access to preventive care and protection against unforeseen medical expenses.
- What are the factors affecting children’s health?
Factors affecting children’s health include genetics, access to healthcare, nutrition, physical activity and family dynamics.
Secure your child’s health and well-being with a health insurance plan
Securing health insurance for children is an important responsibility for a parent. It ensures access to quality and timely medical services for your child and safeguards against the financial burden of rising medical expenses costs. Invest in your child’s health and well-being with a Health4Me health insurance plan. Contact our offices to speak with a trained consultant to discuss your options.
