AXA has launched a private medical insurance (PMI) policy designed for children. The group's First Healthcare plan provides cover for children and young people up to the age of 18. Existing PMI family policies do cover children but this new policy is believed to be the first of its kind because the premium reflects the age group for which it is designed. The private medical insurance offered covers three main areas, in and day-patient treatment, out patient-treatment and additional PMI benefits.

In and day-patient treatment
This section of the policy covers hospital charges for any listed hospital in the United Kingdom. It also includes cover on consultation fees, diagnostic tests and radiotherapy/chemotherapy.
However, if these treatments are available on the National Health Service (NHS) within 6 weeks of the date on which the treatment should be undertaken, your child must use the NHS service available.

Out-patient treatment
This includes consultations with specialists, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, physiotherapy and other therapies. Also included are CT (computerised tomography), MRI (magnetic response imaging) and PET (positron emission tomography) scans.

Additional benefits
Help with the cost of medical care at home is one of the added bonuses as the cost of a nurse to administer treatment for cancer (antibiotics for example) can be covered. Private ambulance is also an added on benefit. The new healthcare policy also covers the accommodation costs for one parent who wishes to be near their child if the child is under 11 years of age. Related follow-up consultations or out-patient treatments are covered provided they are received within three months of the start of the claim. Finally, policyholders have access to healthcare professionals via a 24-hour help line.

There are a few main exclusions to the policy. Chronic (long term) illnesses are not part of the healthcare plan. The plan also excludes emergency/urgent treatment and dental costs. Psychiatric treatment is not covered by the policy. Cover for a first child costs 9.99 per month and for each additional child, 7.99 a month.

First Healthcare has also created an easier claims process that has been broken down into 4 simple steps.

Always visit your GP (general practitioner) first. He or she will refer your child to a specialist before any treatment can begin.

Contact First Healthcare before any specialised treatment has been arranged. Once the treatment has been confirmed a partially completed form will be sent out.

Visit the specialist with your claim form. He or she will complete the rest of the form and return it to First Healthcare for payment.

Contact First Healthcare first if your child needs further treatment. First Healthcare will confirm that your child's treatment is eligible and how to proceed.

Axa are currently running a promotion with this new under 18s healthcare policy that can be redeemed when purchasing the policy online. A month's free cover and a 20 voucher are being offered. If you are interested in this new healthcare policy or wish to find out more visit their website or call for more information.

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