Real costs
My child broke a bone — what it actually costs a UK family
The treatment is free. The disruption is not. Here is where the money actually goes when a child breaks an arm, wrist, leg or collarbone — and how a cash payout covers it.
Where the money goes
| Cost | Typical range | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Unpaid or reduced time off work | £0 – £1,200 | Depends on sick pay; several days to three weeks is typical |
| Hospital and physio travel | £40 – £200 | A&E, fracture clinic, cast removal, follow-ups |
| Hospital parking | £20 – £100 | Charged per visit at many trusts |
| Food and drink on hospital days | £20 – £80 | Meals out when the routine breaks down |
| Childcare for siblings | £0 – £300 | Extra after-school or holiday cover |
| Private physiotherapy | £0 – £400 | Optional, usually £40 – £60 per session |
Ranges are illustrative estimates of common household costs, not insurer data. Your own costs depend on your job, travel distance and childcare needs.
What ChildShield pays
A broken bone pays a cash lump sum — £100 for a minor break or £300 for a major one on the Standard plan, £200 or £600 on Plus — straight into the parent's bank account, with no excess. If your child is admitted, hospital stays pay £50 (Standard) or £100 (Plus) per 24 hours in the UK and Europe. Broken bones are covered anywhere in the world, and one plan at £6 or £11 a month covers every child in the family from birth to age 23. There is no cap on valid claims, and claiming does not increase your premium.
The money is unrestricted. Most families use it for lost income, travel and parking, food and childcare — but it is yours to spend however you need.
Frequently asked questions
Does the NHS charge for a child's broken bone?
No. Diagnosis, X-rays, casting and follow-up are free on the NHS. The cost to a family is everything around the treatment: unpaid time off work, travel and hospital parking, food on hospital days, childcare for other children, and private physiotherapy if you want a faster recovery.
How much does a child's broken bone cost a family in the UK?
It depends on your job and how far you are from hospital, but families commonly report several hundred to a couple of thousand pounds. The largest single item is usually lost income where a parent has little or no paid leave, followed by repeated hospital and physio trips, parking and fuel.
Can I get insurance that pays out for a broken bone?
Yes. ChildShield pays a cash lump sum for broken bones — £100 for a minor break or £300 for a major one on the £6 plan, £200 or £600 on the £11 plan — straight into the parent's bank account, with no excess. Broken bones are covered anywhere in the world, and one plan covers every child in the family from £6 a month.
Is a broken bone at school or playing sport covered?
Yes. Accidents at home, at school, at the park or playing any sport are covered. Sport injuries are one of the most common reasons parents claim.
Is my child covered if the accident happens abroad?
Broken bones are covered anywhere in the world. Hospital stays are covered in the UK and Europe, and the 24/7 virtual private GP works worldwide, so you can speak to a UK-qualified doctor while you are away.
How quickly is a broken bone claim paid?
Once the claim form and medical evidence are in, MetLife assesses the claim and pays the benefit as cash into the parent's bank account. There is no excess to pay and claiming does not increase your premium.
Can I claim more than once?
Yes. There is no cap on the number of valid claims, which matters when you have several children or an active one.
Can I take cover out after the accident?
No — insurance only covers events that happen after the plan starts, so an injury that has already happened cannot be claimed for. If you are reading this because a break has just happened, taking cover out now protects you for the next one, and one plan covers all your children.
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