Health Insurance for Kids: Securing Essential Coverage for Your Family

Between painful growth spurts, orthodontic treatments, and the whirlwind of emotions that come with puberty—being a kid isn’t always as carefree as we’d like to think.

Without the right health coverage, these challenges can turn into bigger issues that might follow your child into adulthood—a reality no parent wants to face.

So, how can you ensure your kids have the support they need to navigate childhood, puberty, and beyond? Invest in a health insurance plan that covers all their bases. Not sure where to start? You’re in the right place. We’ll guide you through everything you need to know about health insurance for kids, from the coverage they need to selecting the right plan.

What is Health Insurance for Kids?

With easy access to social media and unhealthy food choices, raising a healthy kid in today’s world can be a challenge. While provincial and territorial healthcare plans provide basic coverage for routine doctor visits and hospitalizations, these plans haven’t caught up with the evolving needs of Canadian youth. 

Supplementary health insurance ensures your children can access the extended medical care they need as they grow. From psychological counselling to nutritional support to prevent and treat chronic diseases like diabetes, these plans cover medical services not included in provincial or territorial coverage.

By investing in health insurance for your kids, you're not just protecting their health today—you're setting them up for a healthier future.

Benefits of Health Insurance for Children

In Canada, our public healthcare system covers a lot of essential services, like doctor visits and hospital stays. But there are still some gaps, like prescription drugs, orthodontics, and mental health services, for example. That's where private health insurance comes in.

With this extra coverage, you won’t have to worry about unexpected medical expenses. It helps with things the public system might not cover, so your child can get the care they need without a hitch.Think of it as a way to avoid surprises. Instead of facing big bills for things like medications or dental work, your insurance can help cover those costs. Over time, the cost of this extra coverage is usually much less than what you’d pay out-of-pocket for these services.

So, by investing in health insurance for your child, you’re not just taking care of their health, you’re also keeping your finances in check.

How to Choose the Best Health Insurance Plan for Your Kids

Choosing the best health insurance plan for your kids involves more than just picking the first option that comes your way. It's about finding a plan with comprehensive coverage that meets their needs now and into the future. 

Not sure where to start? Here are two main buckets to consider when choosing a health insurance plan for your kids:

1. Coverage for Additional Needs: Ensure the plan covers medical costs that your provincial or territorial plan doesn’t, like prescription drugs, orthodontics, and mental health services.

2. Affordability: Compare premiums, co-pays, and out-of-pocket maximums to ensure the plan is within your budget while still offering comprehensive coverage.

Coverage Options in Health Insurance for Children

When exploring various health insurance programs for children, it's essential to ensure the plan meets your child's comprehensive health needs. Here are some key coverage options to consider:

• Specialist Visits: While Canadian provincial and territorial plans cover many essential services, they often don’t include nutrition counselling (as an example). With 25% of boys in Canada classified as obese or overweight, having coverage for specialist visits, like seeing a nutritionist, can be really beneficial for managing and improving your child’s health.
• Chronic Condition Management: It’s important to choose a plan that covers the ongoing medications and care needed for managing chronic conditions, such as diabetes.
• Mental Health Services:  Since up to 70% of mental health issues start during childhood or adolescence, access to mental health services is essential. Look for a plan that includes support for your child’s emotional well-being, ensuring they have the resources they need to thrive.

How to Purchase Health Insurance for Your Children

Purchasing a health insurance plan that provides for your children's evolving needs might seem overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. With the right approach, you can find and secure the perfect plan that fits your family's needs and budget. Here's a simple step-by-step process to get a quote with PolicyMe:

1. Answer a Few Quick Questions: Provide basic information about your child and coverage needs. This helps the insurance provider offer a personalized recommendation that aligns with your budget and requirements.
2. Review and Compare Plans: Within 60 seconds, you can receive a quote and compare plans with varying levels of coverage, so you can confidently select the one that suits your child's healthcare needs, without the guesswork.
3. Choose Your Plan: After reviewing your options, select the plan that fits your needs. With clear and straightforward choices, you can easily pick a plan that provides the right coverage for your child.
4. Apply Online: Once you've chosen a plan, securing coverage is fast and hassle-free. The process takes less than five minutes, and you can apply online without answering any medical questions.
5. Seek Help if Needed: If you prefer, you can also speak with an advisor over the phone to get personalized assistance. This step ensures you have all the information you need to make the best decision for your child's health insurance.

Summary: Health Insurance for Kids

• Assess Your Child’s Needs: Carefully consider your child’s current healthcare needs and anticipate future ones to make sure they have comprehensive coverage as they grow.
• Choosing the Right Plan: Choose supplemental plans that cover services not included in your provincial or territorial healthcare plan, such as dental, vision, and mental health services.
• Easy Enrollment: Getting health insurance for your kids is straightforward with tools like PolicyMe, which allow you to compare plans and enroll online effortlessly.

Frequently Asked Questions