Health Insurance for Toddlers

Toddlers need regular check ups and medical care. The frequency of the visits makes health insurance a necessity. There are several options available to help you find insurance for your toddler, even if it is difficult to afford health insurance. Taking your child in for regular treatments can help to catch serious problems early.

Importance of Health Insurance

• Health insurance is important at any age, but especially for young children. If you have insurance, you will not need to worry when to take your child in for both sick and well visits. Illness can suddenly become very serious in young children, therefore, the important of insurance. Not only can you can visit a doctor at the early signs of sickness, but you can also pay for medical expenses associated with your child should they become more serious. Well visits can help to spot problems in growth and development to help you catch and treat any problems before they become more serious.

Private Health Insurance

• An independent health insurance policy, for just your child or for your whole family, is typically considered private health insurance. There are traditional and high-deductible plans available. A high-deductible plan will cover all of your toddler's medical care once you have reached your deductible. When you choose a private health insurance policy, be sure that it covers well care visits, since it is especially important for a toddler to have routine care. You can find more information about this type of plan online or with an independent insurance agent.

State Insurance Programs

• There are insurance options available for low-income families. The government will help you through Medicaid and other insurance programs offered by your state. Medicaid usually costs nothing, and will cover all of your toddler's medical bills, and may cover any type of therapy she may need. States also offer a low-cost insurance plan that has a low annual premium of around $100 per year, as of 2011, as well as low co-payments. Contact your local human services department to learn how to apply in your area.

Insurance Through Parents

• Many parents choose to insure their children through the plan they receive from their jobs. This insurance may be subsidized by their employer, reducing the cost of premiums. Since the insurance is a group policy, a toddler with pre-existing conditions should be accepted to the policy automatically. A toddler can also qualify for COBRA insurance if access to the primary health insurance policy is lost for any reason.