Do kids need health screenings?

As children get older, they generally require fewer mandatory and routine doctors’ check-ups. But it’s a good idea to arrange health screenings to ensure that they’re growing and developing well. The team at UEX Global tells us more about why children’s health screenings are so important as well as the different types of health checks to consider.

Why children’s health screenings are important

Routine health checks are important for all ages, not only if we have existing health conditions or we’re in our senior years. School-aged children (so, the four-to-18-year age bracket) can benefit from regular health screenings. Doctors are able to pick up potential health problems in seemingly healthy children and treat them before they get worse. They can also correct issues early before they are brought into adulthood. This way, children can start developing healthy habits such as eating well and being active, playing a role in preventing serious and costly health problems in the future. For instance, an overweight child may work on having a healthier diet and having a regular exercise routine to prevent heart disease and diabetes later on.

As a parent, health checks are also good opportunities for you to speak with your child’s doctor. You can bring up concerns or questions that you have about his or her development, whether they are physical, mental or social.

Recommended health checks for children

#1 Obesity

This check is conducted once a year by measuring height and weight and calculating Body Mass Index (BMI). The physical examination is important for preventing conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes in the future. 

#2 Hearing

Hearing ability is tested through pure tone audiometry (checking if different volumes and pitches can be heard). This type of hearing test is typically done at older ages such as five and above to check if they are displaying signs of hearing loss.

#3 Vision

The test is done by a simple external inspection of the eyes, red reflex testing, corneal light reflex testing and testing of visual acuity using pictures or letters.

#4 Dental

Children should visit the dentist once or twice a year for cleaning and regular checking. During the appointment, cavities can be filled and missing or misaligned teeth can be dealt with. If your child has difficulties talking, sleeping, smiling or eating, it could be a dental issue.

#5 Mental health

If your child is displaying social problems and sleep issues (or even having thoughts of suicide), consult a professional therapist for help. Do not dismiss it as it could be something more serious than you think.

#6 Blood pressure and high cholesterol

These two tests are not just for adults. Early testing can help to pick up signs and help your child prevent serious health issues in the future. These are especially helpful and recommended if you have a family history of related conditions.

Besides health screenings, immunisations are also very important for building antibodies and protecting your child from potential diseases. Find out what vaccinations are recommended by the National Immunisation Registry in Singapore.

Cover children’s health screenings with UEX

With UEX’s international plans, children can be covered from when they are newborns to their teenage years. For children aged between four and 16 years, children’s health screenings related to evaluating medical history, physical and development assessments and school health checks are fully covered with plans that have higher levels of cover. They can be used one time within the period of insurance.

Vaccinations and other check-ups not listed are covered up to $2,500 with the highest outpatient coverage and $1,000 with a lower coverage. Not forgetting dental coverage, both minor and major dental treatment (including orthodontics) are included. For behavioural or developmental disorders, physicians, psychologists and psychotherapist consultation fees, diagnostic scans and medicines prescribed can be covered up to $3,000 (lifetime benefit). 

When more people are added to your plan with UEX, you can get a larger family discount. You can even opt for child-only policies – a fantastic option if you or your partner have existing health insurance coverage.

Written in collaboration with:
UEX Global
3158 3677 | hello@uexglobal.com | uexglobal.com

Read more at our Health and Fitness section.

Lindsay Yap

Living in Singapore all her life, Lindsay loves finding out what's on and fun around town. Besides binge-watching sitcoms and pigging out on her favourite hawker food, she enjoys exploring new places and is constantly adding to her travel wish list!