Private health insurance for a child?

[Lam23]

I have the opportunity to opt into private medical insurance through work for me and 4yo dd, paying a small amount of tax annually only- but this would take the place of other benefits I could get through work including a higher pension contribution of life assurance contribution. We live in London close to a major hospital and I haven’t previously had issues getting her seen fairly quickly on the NHS due to her age (though we have been very lucky so far and she hasn’t had any serious illnesses or any health conditions).
Should I go for the insurance or not? Any thoughts?

Personally I would go for the pension contribution.

I'm assuming the op should have read 'pension or life assurance' - I take it you already have life insurance or death in service? If you don't this would 100% be a priority - in order to protect/look after your daughter if, god forbid something happens to you. Assuming you already do.....

The reason I would take the pension benefit is that the NHS is pretty good at dealing with serious illnesses. And there is no guarantee you would use the benefit. The pension you will definitely benefit from.

My youngest had to have an MRI when he was about 4. I called my insurance (it covers all four of us) to see if they could expedite it and they called every private hospital within a 100 mile radius. There wasn't a single private hospital that would agree to giving a 4 year old an MRI (since obviously he needed a general anaesthetic to keep him still) As it happens, the NHS appointment came through very quickly.

So I think that private medical insurance is potentially a bit restrictive for children whereas the NHS is comparatively quick (compared to adults) for children.

User yes that’s what I meant-typo!
Thanks— agree regards life assurance and pension having more peace of mind/longevity value.

I have found it really useful for my ds.

He had to be circumcised and then needed a further small op. Having them done quickly, and in half term was really convenient.

I have medical insurance for me and children until they are 25. in the last 4 years, one child has had 3 MRI scans plus ankle ligament rebuild, another child had shoulder rotator cuff repair and ankle ligament rebuild. Both were late teens when this happened so its been well worth it.

As they clearly weren't life threatening issues, if we had used the NHS kids would have had to give up all sports for months if not years. Both fine now and enjoying all sport again as they got physio covered as well.

If you can afford it, then its worth it and clears up an NHS place for someone who isn't lucky enough to be able to afford it.