There is no reason for me to believe I might have difficulty conceiving or carrying a child to term. However, my family history includes miscarriages and I want to ensure that both my baby and myself are covered for medical care, should it be necessary.
We are planning to try for a child together. However, we want the most protection possible before starting. Covid made us especially anxious after hearing the horrendous stories of being alone and pregnant during the pandemic.
Is such a policy possible? If so, would we be able to pay it for private insurance? Via email.
Coverage for pregnancy: What are the steps to get the most coverage?
Oliver Raynor, managing director at Caspian Insurance, responds: It’s important to note firstly that financial protection and private healthcare are two completely different types of cover.
Most insurance companies will allow you to include your children in your life policy for critical illnesses.
Royal London, an insurance company that offers this option, also provides Enhanced Children’s Illness Cover.
This type of cover would pay lump sums – for example – £5,000 standard for pregnancy complications such as ectopic pregnancy with surgery to remove the fallopian tube, fetal death in utero after at least 20 weeks’ gestation, stillbirth and more.
From birth, the baby will be covered for 44 conditions main and 24 other conditions such as Down Syndrome.
Oliver Raynor is the managing director of Caspian Insurance. He says that there are enhanced critical illness coverages available to pay for complications during pregnancy.
Extras
The policy would also cover conditions diagnosed at birth and beyond and would pay 50 per cent of the sum assured (the amount you are covered for on your own critical illness policy) between £30,000 to £50,000, depending on the condition.
It could be used to pay for living or treatment expenses if you are unable to work.
You and your partner will both have critical illness insurance to protect you should you become ill.
A critical illness policy, for example, could help you and your partner to take time off from work to recover.
While most providers won’t ask you any pregnancy-related questions in their medical applications, it is possible that they will need to know if there have been any hospitalizations or investigations following complications. A trained protection specialist can help with this.
Angelique Ruzicka from This is Money shares: Private medical coverage can also be taken into consideration in case of complications after or during birth.
Cavendish Online’s team leader Chris West said:“Although we are proud to call the NHS an institution, you still want to ensure that you have the best possible care. This is why private insurance policies really shine.
“These policies cover all types of medical treatment including outpatient treatments, diagnostics and therapies. They also provide many benefits to help you and your loved ones through what could be very difficult times.
Coverage for parents with no cost
Even though this coverage doesn’t protect against complications at birth, it is something that you should consider once your baby is born. Parent life protection is available for free from some providers.
Aviva offers this perk for free since 2009. There may also be other providers offering it after your birth. It may be worth looking online.
Aviva gives parents free life insurance from the day their child is born, up until their fourth birthday. It doesn’t last 12 months, and it won’t pay off major loans like mortgages. You should also consider other financial obligations that you may have.
Parent life insurance is free and both parents are eligible to take it out. It’s also quick and simple to get. Don’t think it will cover all of your financial obligations and debts if you are passing away.
Don’t forget work benefits
Last, make sure to check the coverage you offer at work.
You should check with your employer if you have any benefits, such as enhanced sick pay or death in service coverage (as part of a group insurance plan).
If this is not your work benefit, and you are looking to purchase critical illness or life cover for yourself and your family members, you should consider individual and joint coverage. Compare them and find the best one.
Don’t take out the cheapest life cover – it may not be the best for you and your family. If you are a parent, paying more may provide additional benefits such as 24/7 GP care which can prove to be invaluable.
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