A lump sum paid if your child is diagnosed with a serious illness. Often the piece of the protection puzzle that parents forget until it is too late.
Children's cover pays a lump sum if your child is diagnosed with a specified serious illness. It works in the same way as critical illness cover for adults — but designed for children, and priced accordingly.
Most parents think about protecting their own income and their own life. That instinct is right. But the financial consequences of a child's serious illness — time off work, specialist treatment, home adaptations — are substantial and rarely planned for.
Children's cover exists so that if the worst happened, the financial side of the situation is already taken care of. You would be able to focus entirely on your child.
“Children's cover is often the piece of the puzzle parents forget until it is too late. It is typically very modest in cost — and significant in peace of mind.”
Because children are statistically less likely to suffer a serious illness, the cost of children's cover is typically modest. The peace of mind is disproportionate to the premium.
There are no restrictions on how you use the money. These are the most common ways families use it.
Private treatment, specialist consultations, and therapies not readily available on the NHS. The payout can be directed wherever it is most needed.
If your child is seriously ill, you will want to be there. The lump sum can cover lost income while you take time away from work — something most families simply cannot otherwise afford.
Some childhood illnesses require significant changes to the home environment. Ramps, specialist equipment, adapted bedrooms — the costs accumulate quickly. A lump sum means you can act.
There are no restrictions on how the money is used. Every family's situation is different. The payout is yours to deploy where it makes the most difference.
Children's cover can be structured in two ways. The first is as an add-on to your existing life or critical illness policy — often available at very modest additional cost. The second is as a standalone children's policy in its own right.
The right approach depends on what you already have in place and the level of cover you want for your child. Jack will look at both options and explain the difference in cost and coverage before making a recommendation.
Most parents who have it in place say the same thing: they hope they never need it, and they are glad it is there.
This is the product that most often comes as an afterthought in protection conversations. People come in thinking about their mortgage, their income, their own life. Children's cover tends to come up near the end.
But the financial impact of a child's serious illness is enormous. One parent — often both — will want to stop working while the child is unwell. Treatment costs accumulate. Home adaptations may be needed. None of this is planned for in a normal household budget.
The cost of children's cover is typically very modest. The reason is simple: children are statistically much less likely to suffer a serious illness than adults. The peace of mind it provides is disproportionate to the premium. Jack raises it with every parent because he has seen what happens when it is not in place.
“Children's cover is often the piece of the puzzle parents forget. The cost is modest. The protection is real. It is worth at least understanding your options.”
— Jack Eiles
Straightforward answers to the questions Jack hears most often about children's cover.
Both options exist. Children's cover can be added to an existing adult life or critical illness policy — often at very modest additional cost — or arranged as a standalone policy. Jack will explain the difference and which makes most sense in your situation.
Typically a defined list of serious childhood conditions — cancers, heart conditions, organ failure, meningitis, and many others. The list varies by policy and provider. Jack always reviews the actual conditions list, not just the headline description.
Children's cover is often one of the most affordable protection products available. The reason is actuarial: children are statistically unlikely to suffer a serious illness. The peace of mind is significant; the cost is typically modest. A personalised illustration will show you exactly what it costs.
Most policies cover children from birth up to age 18 or 21. The child does not need to be assessed medically in the same way an adult applicant would. Jack will confirm the specific terms of any policy he recommends.
Parents tend to think about insuring themselves — their income, their life. Protecting the children sits at the edge of a conversation that is already uncomfortable. But the financial impact of a child's serious illness is enormous: time off work, specialist care, home adaptations. It is genuinely worth considering.
The first conversation is free and carries no obligation. Jack will explain the options available, what they cost, and how children's cover fits alongside your existing protection — or as a first step towards it.