Well-baby and well-child visits

Under the Affordable Care Act (opens in new tab), you get one free annual physical with your primary care doctor (opens in new tab) to make sure everything’s in working order. But babies and children need routine check-ups, too.

Well-baby visits happen every few months for children under the age of 2. During these visits, the pediatrician will track your baby’s growth, screen for potential developmental issues, give preventive immunizations, and answer any questions you have on your baby’s health.

Well-child visits happen annually for children ages 2 to 18. They’re just like well-baby visits, but for older kids.

Most health insurance plans fully cover these visits, meaning you pay nothing out-of-pocket (opens in new tab) unless your doctor recommends additional diagnostic (opens in new tab) tests or procedures.