Aviva has unveiled a product allowing grandparents the chance to buy specialist health insurance for their grandchildren.
Child Health Solutions, gives grandchildren access to diagnosis and cover for treatment at private facilities for a fixed premium.
The scheme also includes dentistry, physiotherapy and speech therapy, specially chosen to complement paediatric services available on the NHS.
Assistance to help parents finance sundries such as travel expenses and parking costs if their child has to stay in hospital is also available.
Recent research from Aviva has shown that over half of grandparents (51%) now look after their grandchildren with the vast majority (88%) saying this extra time has brought them closer together. Over a third (34%) of grandparents say they help teach them hobbies and life skills and almost a quarter help with homework (23%).
Rebecca Paterson, head of marketing at Aviva, said: "Whilst the NHS is particularly good at providing paediatric care, especially for the very young, we recognise that there are some services which can be complemented by the private sector.
"A growing number of grandparents are playing a more active role in their grandchildren's lives and helping to protect their health is another way they can provide support and peace of mind for their own children."
Available via a simple quote and apply facility through specialist insurance broker Sure Insurance Services, Child Health Solutions also has an information portal giving access to information on children's health and developmental needs, parenting and education. The portal also details the hospitals available.
