In an era where life expectancy is steadily climbing, improving the quality of those extended years is paramount. Recent studies, such as the McKinsey Health Institute¹ report, reveal a troubling disconnect: while we are living longer, much of our extended lifespan is compromised by poor health. This insight highlights the critical need for early health interventions including life and health insurance to enable you to achieve the quality of life you desire. Living a long health span—not just a long lifespan— can be promoted by nurturing well-being from young. 

Health insurance coverage and access to high-quality health care, starting early in life, is a cornerstone of one’s long-term plan to make the best of life as we grow older. Here, the role of health insurance is invaluable, particularly for children. This proactive approach not only enhances individual and familial well-being but also sets a foundation for healthier future generations. 

Why is it important to get an insurance for your child?

Young Asians' attitude towards health insurance presents a paradox of high awareness and low engagement. The Manulife Asia Care Survey 2024 reveals that a substantial 71.6% of Singapore respondents under age 29 acknowledge the importance of insurance for their future physical well-being. However, this high level of awareness does not translate into action, as 36.8% of young Singaporean respondents remain without any form of insurance coverage. Even more striking is that among those who do have insurance, only 7% are under the age of 29.

This discrepancy points to significant gaps in insurance coverage that could impact future health outcomes for this demographic. Despite these challenges, there is a notable trend towards health consciousness, with 77.6% of Singapore respondents actively engaging in behaviours to prevent illness. This indicates a proactive approach to health management among the youth. Yet, the low uptake of insurance suggests potential barriers such as the premium amount, the difficulty in measuring the intangible value of health insurance, or the lack of tailored insurance products that reflect young people's lifestyles and needs. Young Asians need more information and guidance to protect themselves from the potential costs of developing a critical illness. 

Tips for Choosing the Right Insurance for Children

Given the importance of health insurance for children's well-being, it is crucial for parents to carefully select the right plan that provides comprehensive coverage and meets their family's unique needs. Here are three essential tips to guide you in choosing the best children's insurance plan:

Tip 1 Start Young

Starting health insurance coverage at a young age for your child carries undeniable benefits beyond basic health security.

Early health insurance provides the benefit of financial safety. For children and parents, getting health insurance early not only secures lower premium costs but also ensures long-term savings. Insurance premiums are typically lower when taken out at a younger age2. They can be locked in at favourable rates, avoiding the higher costs associated with purchasing a new insurance plan later in life when health risks are higher. This approach also allows for better financial planning, as it helps prevent unexpected healthcare expenditures from depleting savings, ensuring financial stability through the years.

For Gen Z and new parents, investing in health insurance is also a decision to prioritise and safeguard their future health and financial well-being. By protecting themselves early, they mitigate the risks of significant health-related financial challenges, such as cancer cost (Read more about "The hidden cost of cancer in Singapore & How it risks your savings") and ensure that they and their families are better positioned to handle whatever health issues may arise as they age.

Embracing early health insurance for your children is not just a prudent financial decision but a proactive measure supporting a healthier, more secure life.

Tip 2 Assess Your Child's Healthcare Needs

Health insurance for child serves as an essential safety net, financial protection and well-being from infancy through adulthood. It enables young ones to access reliable, timely, and appropriate medical attention whenever necessary.

'Children with health insurance are more likely than those who are not covered to receive early care for health problems, and they are at lower risk for hospitalisation.'

David Murphey, PhD ²

This finding highlights the crucial role of insurance in promoting early medical intervention, which safeguards against the high potential costs of treating any severe health issues in the future.

With 76% of Singapore respondents in the Asia Care Survey 2024 actively altering their lifestyles for better health, the demand for comprehensive health support is evident. By securing insurance early, parents can ensure that their children's future health needs are accounted for, easing the burden of unexpected medical costs.

Moreover, health insurance protects children's health and shields families from the financial strain of unforeseen medical expenses. This financial protection allows families to focus on recovery and care rather than the cost of treatment.

In essence, having health insurance for your child is investing in a child's long-term health and well-being. It supports a proactive approach to healthcare, encouraging regular medical supervision and timely treatment of illnesses, which are fundamental for a child's healthy development into adulthood. This forward-thinking strategy ensures that children grow up with the best possible health outcomes, fortified by a foundation that early health insurance coverage can provide.

Tip 3 Integrate into Future Planning

Integrating health insurance into a family's future plans is the best practice. Family planning isn't just about deciding when to have children; it is also about ensuring that every family member has health protection. This approach safeguards individual family members and protects the family unit against financial uncertainties from health issues. For example, if a family member suffers from a sudden accident or illness requiring immediate and expensive medical treatment, health insurance can protect the family's savings.

'Children without insurance coverage were more likely than children with child-only coverage to lack a usual source of care and to have decreased use of health care.'

Health Services Research ³

This statistic underscores the advantages of comprehensive insurance plans that cover all family members, ensuring that everyone, especially children, has regular access to healthcare and preventive services such as regular screening tests and checkups. Such plans are not just crucial for managing health-related financial protection; they are a cornerstone in promoting continuous health monitoring and intervention, which can prevent minor health issues from becoming severe.

Insuring children as part of the plan for family insurance provides peace of mind that a family can afford the potential costs of illnesses covered under the plan, contributing to their sense of security towards the future.

Start a Health Insurance Plan for Your Children Early

Early health insurance is crucial in enhancing long-term health and financial stability. Starting young with health insurance ensures lower premiums and access to preventative healthcare services such as regular screening tests and checkups that support lifelong health and health span. The benefits extend from individual well-being to family financial security, underpinning the necessity of proactive health management. It's vital for young people to reflect on their current and future health needs. By taking action today, you can secure a more financially stable future for yourself and your loved ones. 

References

1. Coe, E. et al. (2022) Adding years to life and life to years, McKinsey & Company. Available at: https://www.mckinsey.com/mhi/our-insights/adding-years-to-life-and-life-to-years (Accessed: 02 May 2024). 

2. https://www.straitstimes.com/business/invest/why-younger-people-need-to-look-into-health-insurance

3. Murphey, D. (2017) Health Insurance Coverage Improves Child Well-Being. rep. Child Trends. 

4. Guendelman, S. et al. (2005) ‘The effects of child‐only insurance coverage and family coverage on health care access and use: Recent findings among low‐income children in California’, Health Services Research, 41(1), pp. 125–147. doi:10.1111/j.1475-6773.2005.00460.x.