First of all, if you have health insurance, is it a good idea to extend your cover to your child? In a word - yes. While many health services for kids are great (and no one disputes the skill and care of the medical practitioners involved), the fact is that children sometimes face waiting lists, just like adults do. Whether this happens depends on staffing and funding levels in your local health area. These can be unpredictable, as a number of people in Wanganui found recently (MidCentral to the rescue of Whanganui). Health insurance means that waiting lists are no longer a problem – you can choose the time, place, and health provider for your child. This means that treatment can be organized quickly and smoothly, without the uncertainty that a waiting list can bring.

The other major reason to get health insurance as early as possible is “pre-existing” health issues (basically health issues that occur before the insurance is set up). Most plans don’t cover these – so getting a plan started before anything emerges makes sense. Obviously no one likes to think about their child developing a health issue – but we all know that life’s unpredictable.

The only downside? Cost. This will vary depending on the plan, but child’s premiums start from under $10 a month (and there are some tips and tricks for lowering premiums that we’ll look at soon). Also, there are a few pointers on www.inform.co.nz.

Next week, what kind of plan to get, what to avoid, and how to save money

www.inform.co.nz
0508 INFORM (46 36 76)

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