Baby Health Insurance Without Health Questions: Baby Option Explained

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Baby Insurance Without Health Questions: Is It Possible?

The short answer: Yes, but only with the baby option. This must be taken out before birth. After birth, the same rules apply to babies as to adults – including health questions and possible exclusions. For a comprehensive overview, see our Health Insurance Guide.

What Is the Baby Option?

Definition

The baby option is a clause in private health insurance that guarantees you:

• Acceptance guarantee: Your baby is insured without health assessment
• Immediate coverage: From the first day of life
• No waiting period: Full benefits available immediately
• No exclusions: Even with premature birth, complications, or congenital conditions

Why Is This So Important?

Scenario without baby option: Your baby is born with a heart defect. If you apply for insurance after birth:

• Heart defect is recorded as a pre-existing condition
• Insurance can reject or exclude heart treatments
• Higher premiums or risk surcharges possible

Scenario with baby option: You took out insurance with baby option before birth:

• Baby is automatically insured
• Heart defect is fully covered (was not known at contract signing)
• Normal premium, no exclusions

How Does the Baby Option Work?

Step 1: Before Birth

1. Take out health insurance during pregnancy
2. The insurance must include the baby option
3. Some insurers require that you yourself are insured (not just the option)

Step 2: Report the Birth

1. Inform the insurer after birth
2. Usually within 30-60 days
3. Submit form with birth certificate

Step 3: Child Is Insured

1. The child is insured retroactively from birth
2. Full benefit entitlement without health assessment
3. Premium is calculated from birth

Timing	Action	Important
Before Pregnancy	Take out insurance with baby option	Ideal timing
During Pregnancy	Take out insurance with baby option	Still possible
After Birth	Report birth (30-60 day deadline)	Meet the deadline!
After Deadline	Baby option expires	Normal application needed

What Happens Without the Baby Option?

Normal Application After Birth

If you don't have the baby option and apply for insurance for your child after birth:

Health questions must be answered:

• Existing diagnoses (e.g., heart defects, metabolic diseases)
• Complications at birth
• Premature birth
• Stays in neonatal intensive care

Possible consequences:

• Rejection of application
• Exclusion of certain conditions
• Risk surcharges
• Waiting periods

When Is a Normal Application Not a Problem?

If your baby:

• Was born on time and without complications
• Has no notable findings
• Passed the first check-ups without issues

In this case, a normal application can also work – but you don't have the security of the baby option.

Which Insurers Offer the Baby Option?

Most major Austrian insurers offer the baby option. For a detailed comparison of two of the largest providers, see our article UNIQA vs. Merkur Health Insurance:

• UNIQA
• Merkur
• Wiener Städtische
• Generali
• Allianz
• Donau
• Grawe
• Muki

Note the differences:

• Reporting deadline (30-60 days after birth)
• Whether a parent must be insured themselves
• Whether the option is free or costs extra

Costs of Baby Insurance

Premiums for Children

Tariff Type	Monthly Premium (Baby/Child)	Benefits
Private Room Basic	approx. €25-40	Hospital private room
Private Room + Private Doctor	approx. €40-60	Hospital + outpatient treatment
Premium Full Coverage	approx. €60-80	Comprehensive coverage incl. dental

Family Discounts

Many insurers offer discounts for families:

• Second child: Often 50% discount
• Third child and more: Often included free
• Family tariffs: Flat rate for the whole family

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the baby option even if I'm not insured myself?

It depends on the insurer. Some only offer the baby option if at least one parent is insured themselves. Others allow "individual insurance" for the child.

What if I miss the reporting deadline?

Then the baby option expires. You must submit a normal application for your child – with health questions and possible restrictions.

Does the baby option apply to twins or multiples?

Yes, the baby option applies to all children from the pregnancy. With multiples, all children are insured.

Can I take out the baby option "in advance"?

Yes, you can take out insurance with baby option before you're pregnant. The option then applies to all future children (as long as the contract is active).

What's the difference from co-insurance with parents?

• Statutory co-insurance (ÖGK): Free, basic care, until age 27
• Private baby option: Paid, premium benefits, lifelong possible

The baby option is private supplementary insurance, not the statutory co-insurance. More on private health insurance monthly costs.

Checklist: Using the Baby Option Correctly

Before pregnancy or during:

• [ ] Take out insurance with baby option
• [ ] Check: Must I be insured myself?
• [ ] Note reporting deadline (30-60 days after birth)

After birth:

• [ ] Report birth to insurer (deadline!)
• [ ] Submit birth certificate and any other documents
• [ ] Receive confirmation of child insurance

Ongoing:

• [ ] Pay premiums on time
• [ ] Use benefits when ill
• [ ] Check annually: Does the tariff still fit?

Conclusion

The baby option is the only way to privately insure your child without health questions. It offers:

• Acceptance guarantee regardless of health status
• Immediate coverage from the first day of life
• No exclusions even with complications or congenital conditions

The ideal timing: Before pregnancy or at the latest during pregnancy. After birth is too late for the baby option.

Tip: If you're already pregnant and don't yet have insurance with baby option, act now. The sooner, the better.

Related Articles:

• Private Health Insurance Austria – Main Page
• Is Private Room Insurance Worth It?
• Private Room With or Without Deductible?

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Disclaimer: The conditions of the baby option vary by insurer. Check the exact conditions in the contract terms. For binding information, contact your insurer.