A private medical insurer has announced the launch of a new policy designed specifically for children.

AXA PPP healthcare's First Healthcare plan, which is available for children aged up to 18, is thought to be the first policy of its kind.

Children can currently get private medical insurance through family policies or they can have an adult policy taken out for them, but there are not thought to be any policies designed and priced for children.

The plan, which costs £9.99 a month, covers consultations with specialists, out-patient tests and scans to establish early diagnosis.

It will also pay for private hospital treatment if a child cannot be seen through the NHS within six weeks of needing treatment.
Additional features include covering the cost of accommodation for parents if they need to stay with a child aged under 11 in hospital overnight, and access to a 24 hour telephone line staffed by healthcare professionals.

Geoff Salter, head of product management at AXA PPP healthcare, said: "First Healthcare is for people who may not be able to afford private healthcare cover for their whole family but who want to make sure their children are covered.
"It will give parents peace of mind knowing that their children can be seen promptly as a private patient."