Tick insurance for children: is it worth getting such coverage?

In recent years, tick activity has increased. Similarly, the number of medical visits due to tick bites has been on the rise. Children playing in grassy areas, parks, and squares or eagerly handling animals are more likely to suffer from tick bites compared to adults.

There are numerous recommendations available on what to do if bitten by a tick, but often these can be conflicting. The most effective and reliable advice comes directly from a doctor. Insurance allows you to be in contact with the insurance company's coordinating doctor around the clock, receiving necessary informational support whenever it is needed most.

The "Schoolchild" insurance policy was introduced back in 2008. For 12 years, "Misto" Insurance Company has been insuring children against injuries, poisonings, animal, snake, and insect bites, including tick bites.

The insurance provides parents and their children with comprehensive assistance: highly qualified coordinating doctors are available 24/7 to offer support in the event of an insurance case; quick and correct actions promote better recovery for children; and prompt payments provide financial support to parents during treatment.

The action plan for a tick bite is quite simple:

Contact a doctor and remove the tick as quickly as possible. Remember: if ticks are attached for less than 24 hours, the likelihood of infection is low (but still possible). If they are attached for more than 48 hours, the risk of infection significantly increases.

What should you avoid doing when bitten by a tick?

1. Do not "smother" the tick with oil, nail polish, or gasoline! This only increases the likelihood of infection after the bite.
2. Do not crush, squeeze, or puncture the tick (Borrelia and other pathogens may be present in all of its biological fluids).
3. Ticks should be removed with tweezers (or special tools) while wearing gloves if possible, gripping the tick as close to the skin as possible and gently pulling it out with vertical movements.
4. You can also use ordinary thread, but do not twist the tick as this increases the chance of breaking off its parts.
5. If parts of the tick's mouthparts remain after removal, do not panic; they are not infectious. Try again, and if unsuccessful, see a doctor.
6. After removing the tick, treat the bite site with an antiseptic (or wash it with soap and water). The person who removed it should also wash their hands.

Since many recommendations are not always practical and may not always be applicable, especially for children, it is important to thoroughly inspect their bodies daily. Focus on skin folds, behind the ears, the navel, the groin and its folds, and the hair-covered areas of the head.

Keep in mind that ticks are unlikely to be present in well-maintained areas with mowed grass. Conversely, areas rich in greenery (both decorative and natural) are preferred by ticks. The highest concentration is observed in forests.

To protect against tick bites, we recommend applying repellents containing diethyltoluamide (DEET) to the skin and clothing. The higher the concentration of DEET, the longer-lasting the protection. However, remember that products containing more than 10% DEET are not recommended for children due to increased absorption and toxicity. Do not apply repellents to children’s hands to avoid potential contact with mucous membranes.

If your child has been bitten by a tick and is insured under the "Schoolchild" insurance program, call our doctors at the hotline 0-800-211-118 for prompt advice and instructions to help your child as quickly as possible.

What does the insurance cover?

• Coverage of expenses for doctor consultations, diagnostics, surgical, and medicinal treatments.
• A call center providing 24/7 assistance from the best doctors: free of charge from any operator within Ukraine at 0-800-211-118.
• Extended insurance coverage: the policy is valid 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, worldwide.
• Guaranteed payouts in the event of an accident: prompt compensation within up to 6 business days.
• A transparent payout system based on the type of injury, as per a compensation table.

Calculate the annual insurance cost online on the website.

Insurance duration: one year.

Coverage area: worldwide.

Age of coverage: 5 to 18 years

Take care of your children in advance!