Health insurance for kids: what to consider

In New Zealand, we’re fortunate to have a generally strong public health system. Emergency care is free and of a high standard. If your child needs urgent treatment, they’ll be looked after. Children under 14 are also entitled to free GP visits, free prescriptions, and funded routine vaccinations.
But when it comes to non-urgent care like specialist appointments or procedures that affect day-to-day life but aren’t classed as emergencies, waiting lists can be long. For some families, this raises the question of whether health insurance for children might be worth considering.

What children’s health cover can include

Policies vary, but health insurance for kids may provide:

• Specialist care: Faster access to appointments for things like allergies, asthma, skin conditions, or ENT (ear, nose, throat) issues.
• Diagnostic tests: Cover for scans, blood tests, or X-rays that can otherwise involve long public wait times.
• Elective surgery: Quicker treatment for procedures like grommets for recurring ear infections, tonsil removal, or dental surgery.
• Dental and optical options: Some policies offer add-ons to help with vision checks or dental care not fully covered by the public system.

Having access to these services through the private system may mean fewer school days missed and less disruption to family routines.

Why some families choose it

• Reduced wait times: Insurance can give faster access to diagnosis or treatment, which can be important if a condition affects school, sleep, or wellbeing.
• Peace of mind: Parents may feel reassured knowing they have more options if their child becomes unwell.
• Lower premiums for kids: Cover for children is often less expensive than for adults, which makes it easier on the budget.
• Future continuity: Taking out cover while children are young and healthy may make it easier to keep that cover in place as they grow older. When your children are older, and ready to take over the policy themselves, they may be able to do so on the terms that were offered when you took out their policy. This means they may have cover for any medical conditions that developed in that time. It’s important to confirm with your insurance provider how continuity works under different policies.

Balancing costs and priorities

While health insurance is an additional cost in the budget, policies can often be tailored to suit different budgets and family needs. For some, it’s about balancing the cost of premiums with the peace of mind of quicker access to treatment when needed.

Putting it in perspective

Many factors contribute to children’s wellbeing (such as healthy food, active play, sleep routines, and regular check-ups). Health insurance doesn’t replace these, but it can complement them by providing financial support and faster access to care when needed.

While health insurance for children might not be a must-have for every family, understanding the pros and cons can help you make an informed decision. If you’d like to talk through whether cover might make sense for your family, get in touch.

Disclaimer: Please note that the content provided in this article is intended as an overview and as general information only. While care is taken to ensure accuracy and reliability, the information provided is subject to continuous change and may not reflect current developments or address your situation. Before making any decisions based on the information provided in this article, please use your discretion and seek independent guidance.