News and insights
UK Employers See An Average £7+ ROI For Every £1 Spent On EAPs
Does your organisation currently offer an Employee Assistance Programme, or EAP? If not, what are the reasons? While many businesses won’t have considered offering EAPs because they don’t fully understand the benefits they can afford, others will have overlooked them because of a perceived cost barrier. However, as we have written before, Employee Assistance Programmes are high impact and cost effective. But don’t just take our word for it. New research underlines just how much ROI businesses can get from EAPs.
‘Lost’ GP Appointments Triggers Need For Virtual GP Services
Enormous drop in GP appointments significantly deteriorating patients’ health. Nearly 27 million GP appointments have been lost since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, new figures from the NHS show. According to NHS Digital data, there were 26.7 million fewer GP appointments in England between March and August this year than there were during the same period in 2019. This stark reality, Cancer Research UK says, could result in a significant number of additional cancer deaths.
AXA Health Encouraging Brits To Lead Healthier Lifestyles
AXA Health has announced a new campaign designed to encourage more Brits to lead healthier lifestyles, as well as research on what being ‘healthy’ really means to Brits. To launch the campaign and help boost awareness, AXA Health has teamed up with comedian Jack Whitehall.
How Employers Can Better Support Their Employees’ Financial Health & Wellbeing
Whether they’ve been furloughed for the last few months, working reduced hours or carrying on with their jobs as best they can, your employees will have been significantly impacted — in a variety of ways — by the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. Right now, they need you as an employer to be more supportive than ever.
Leading Insurer Expects Jump In CI Cancer Claims In 2021
Protection specialist LV= has predicted a surge in cancer diagnoses and claims in 2021 following screening backlogs. Back in April when the coronavirus lockdown began, LV= saw a significant drop in critical illness claims, with 45% less recorded than the year before. According to Cancer Research UK, around 2,700 fewer people were diagnosed with cancer each week. In fact, cancer screening was paused in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, and few invitations were sent out in England.
Making The Most Of Employee Benefits: Communication Is Key
Communication is vital for employee benefits adoption but many employers are missing the mark. At a time when many people are unable to see their GPs — either because they are scared to attend face-to-face appointments for fear of catching coronavirus, or simply due to a lack of available GP appointments — the role of employee benefits has perhaps never been more important.
Covid Pandemic Increases Interest In Protection Products
Two separate pieces of research have highlighted how the Covid-19 pandemic has caused people to rethink their attitudes towards life and health risk, sparking increased interest in protection products. Gen-Z most influenced by pandemic The first piece of research: ReMark Global’s seventh annual Global Consumer Study (GCS) into life and health insurance, found that Generation Z (the demographic cohort born …
How Does Private Healthcare Work?
As NHS waiting lists continue to lengthen, more and more people are exploring how private healthcare can complement our treasured health service. But if you’ve never had private healthcare before, figuring out what’s what can be a little daunting. But don’t worry we’ve got you covered and in this short guide on how does private healthcare work, we are going to provide you with everything you need to make an informed and confident decision.
Why We Need To Talk About Mental Health In The Workplace
With more and more people facing mental health challenges, providing mental health and wellbeing support as part of the employee benefits you offer is a must nowadays. But unless these benefits are clearly and accurately communicated and the stigma associated with discussing mental health in the workplace is broken, even the best-laid plans can prove ineffective.
More People Choosing Private Healthcare As NHS Waiting Lists Hit Record Highs
An increasing number of Brits are turning to private healthcare for their medical needs as NHS waiting times continue to increase. But for some without private medical insurance, the cost of going private means getting into debt.
PMI Provides Safety Net, Peace Of Mind Amid Growing NHS Waiting Times
With the NHS under considerable pressure because of the COVID-19 pandemic and waiting lists hitting record highs, the case for taking out Private Medical Insurance (PMI), which allows access to private healthcare, is stronger than ever.
The Future Of Health Insurance Post-COVID
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused nothing short of a healthcare revolution. With significantly more emphasis now being placed on the role of 'digital' and health and wellbeing being placed at the top of most organisation’s agendas, the future of health insurance will be decidedly different.
10 Reasons To Consider Private Healthcare In The UK?
With the fantastic services provided by the NHS, not to mention most of which are free, is private healthcare in the UK really necessary? We’re here to give you 10 reasons and some food for thought as to why private healthcare is more than just a financial decision for many.
5 Reasons Why Now Is The Perfect Time To Look Into Private Medical Insurance
The Covid-19 pandemic has caused many individuals to consider their health, their family’s health and mortality in general. It’s a reality that has led many to investigate the benefits of private healthcare in the UK and review whether private medical insurance would be a smart investment for themselves and their family.
How To Manage & Reduce Stress In 2021
Even though 2020 is over and most of us are pinning our hopes on 2021 being a marked improvement, the topic of stress is still never far away as this New Year unfolds. While the UK’s Covid vaccine rollout will inevitably provide reassurance for many, the thought of returning to work and the associated risks remain a concern for Brits, a new study shows.
The Benefits Of Private Medical Insurance In 2021
With 2021 now in full swing and our health firmly at the forefront of our minds, there is no better time to reflect on everything we learnt during the past unprecedented year. With few areas of our lives receiving as much of our attention as health and wellbeing over the past 12 months, this won’t change in 2021. As such it is worth considering the priority and role that health insurance can play in peoples’ lives.
Mental Health: Supporting Each Other Through Times Of Crisis
Back in October, I wrote about how the Covid-19 pandemic is hammering mental health. I also highlighted in that piece how despite the detrimental impact of the current situation, many businesses are responding and supporting their employees as best they can. However, there is no getting away from the fact that Covid-19 is fuelling nothing less than a surge in work-related stress across the globe. Indeed, recently published research from AXA shows exactly what is happening in this regard across
More People Going Private As NHS Waiting Lists Continue To Grow
NHS waiting lists are at their highest level since records began and now concerns are growing that we could end up with a two-tier healthcare system here in the UK, as more people look to the private sector to accommodate their health needs.
Private Medical Insurance: Creating Choice & Reducing The NHS Burden
Individuals who earn above a certain amount should pay for private healthcare to help relieve pressure from the NHS, a leading eye surgeon has said. According to Dr Allon Barsam, co-owner of Ophthalmic Consultants of London in the Harley Street area, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the NHS could be eased with greater private funding, helping the industry as a whole recover from the crisis.
Positive Developments In Group PMI
It is a word that is often overused, but the fallout from the coronavirus pandemic has been ‘unprecedented’. One of the sectors in particular that has experienced a significant amount of upheaval has been the group medical insurance industry.
Employers Increase Health & Wellbeing Offerings During Pandemic
Almost half of employers have increased their focus on employee health and wellbeing as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, new research shows. According to research by Employee Benefits, which surveyed 200 HR decision-makers, 46% of organisations said they have boosted their employee health and wellbeing offerings in light of the COVID-19 outbreak.
Mental Health: Insurance & Support
People with mental health issues have a clear desire to get access to insurance, new research reveals. However, the vast majority of people with poor mental health do not know where to go to get independent advice on how mental health issues can potentially impact an insurance application.
Mental Health: Workplace Wellbeing Initiatives
Research shows that emotional and physical wellbeing are closely linked. Therefore, to stand the greatest chance of having happy, healthy and productive staff, employers need to be taking a holistic approach to employee wellbeing.
Why Employee Wellbeing Is Crucial To Business Success
Even before the coronavirus outbreak occurred, UK productivity was slowing at an alarming rate. Figures from the Office for National Statistics show that productivity in the UK has pretty much flatlined since the 2008 recession. In fact, research from academics at Loughborough University and the University of Sussex shows that the productivity growth slowdown since the 2008 financial crisis is unprecedented in more than two centuries.
What is executive income protection?
Executive income protection protects businesses and their employees against the financial impact of a staff member being unable to work due to illness or injury. When a successful claim is made, the policy will pay a monthly cash amount based on the employee’s salary to the business.
The Benefits Of Protection Products In 2021
The uncertainty and unease caused by the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic has meant that 2020 will go down in history as one of the most unprecedented in living memory. Now, as we enter 2021, health and wellbeing is going to remain high on people’s agendas as they reflect on the events of the past year.
Income Protection: Safeguarding Your Income When The Unexpected Happens
How long could you and your family survive financially if you suddenly became unable to work? Would state benefits be enough to support you? How long would any savings you’ve accumulated last? If your answer to any of those questions was “I don’t know” then Income Protection (IP) might be something you want to find out more about.
Income Protection: More Than Just Insurance
Figures show that income protection (IP) sales are healthy. In fact, according to data released by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), IP sales in the first half of 2019 reached their highest level since FCA records began in Q2 of 2005.
What does group critical illness insurance cover? A guide for UK companies
Group critical illness insurance provides financial protection for employees diagnosed with serious medical conditions, offering a lump-sum payment to support them financially during difficult times. In this guide, we’ll detail what group critical illness insurance covers, its importance for businesses, and how to effectively incorporate it into your employee benefits package.
What is group life assurance?
Group life assurance, sometimes referred to as death in service benefit, will cover employees against their death. If an insured employee passes away and a valid claim is made, a cash lump sum or regular pension payments will be made to their beneficiaries.
Is It Time To Review Your Group Risk Policies?
The Group Risk industry paid out over £2 billion during 2021, a significant increase over 2020 and testimony to the level of help it provides, research shows. Yet many employers are missing out on better deals on the employee benefits they offer as they are simply not taking the time to regularly review them.
Income Protection For Small Businesses
For many small business owners, when it comes to protection, the focus is often on the company and not the founder. But such an approach risks leaving the small business owner vulnerable should they become seriously ill or injured. Without them at the helm, how would the business inevitably fare and for how long? That’s why income protection for small businesses is absolutely something that should be considered if the business owner wants to afford total peace of mind.
Group Risk Products Recognised By Government In Employee Health Consultation
Employee benefits packages, which usually include Group Risk benefits, play an important role in helping support employee health and wellbeing. That is one of the conclusions made by the government in response to its 2019 consultation on how to reduce ill-health related job loss.
Group Risk Cover Protection Market Displaying ‘Gender Paradox’
New research reveals the Group Risk market is displaying a ‘gender paradox’, highlighting the need for providers and employers to better facilitate adoption among every gender. According to the Legal & General (L&G) study of over 1,000 UK employees, a gender paradox exists when it comes to group risk protection benefits, with more women than men being aware of the limitations of state health and welfare support. However, fewer women than men actually fully engage with group protection benefits and services.
It Took A Global Pandemic To Highlight The Real Value Of Group Risk Employee Benefits
The Covid-19 pandemic has made most workers consider their financial situations and security, as well as emphasise the importance of Group Risk employee benefits. In fact, Group Risk employee benefits have never been so highly valued (by both employers and employees).
The Benefits Of Group Risk Products In 2021
After months of either being furloughed, working from home or carrying out their jobs in a totally different way, employees from organisations across every sector need to be supported by their employers. As a result, there has never been a more important time for employers to look at their duty of care to their employees as now.
Group Risk: Managing & Preventing Sickness Absence
In July 2019, the UK Government published a consultation paper: Health is everyone’s business: proposals to reduce ill health-related job loss. It outlined, among other things, how the government and employers can take action to reduce ill health-related job loss. In response to the publication of this consultation, the industry body for the group risk sector, GRiD, set up the Workplace Public Policy Committee (WPPC), with the aim of promoting workplace health and wellbeing matters to...
How Group Risk Products Can Be Pivotal During A Pandemic
As if employee benefits needed any more reasons to be at the top of every employer’s agenda, the coronavirus pandemic has firmly underlined their importance once more. Here we take a quick look at how three group risk products can be pivotal during a pandemic, providing reassurance, faster access to healthcare and direct financial support.
Employee Wellbeing & The State Benefits Gap
UK workers overestimate state benefits, yet few companies have any protection in place. Research has shown that workers overestimate how much support they would receive from the government if they found themselves unable to work due to an illness or disability. Yet only a tiny proportion of UK SMEs have suitable protection in place to safeguard their employees financial security. This suggests that both a huge protection gap and enormous opportunity exist.
Third Of Employers Failing To Fully Support Their Long-Term Absent Employees
According to the study by Opinium on behalf of GRiD Group Risk Development (GRiD), the industry body for the group risk protection sector, 31% of employers do not make early intervention services available to help staff who have been absent for six months or more return to work. Almost the same number of employers again (32%) don’t have any financial support in place for staff if they are absent long term.
Group Risk Industry Paid Out Record Amount In Claims In 2019 – GRiD
In 2019, the Group Risk industry paid out a record £1.76bn in claims, new data shows. According to the figures released by Group Risk Development (GRiD), the industry body for the Group Risk protection sector, the total amount of claims paid last year was £75m more than the year before, with cancer claims making up the majority.
How Digital Services Have Transformed Primary Care
One of the few silver linings to come out of the pandemic was the accelerated adoption of digital healthcare, particularly for the delivery of primary care services. Now that patients have embraced such technologies and are using them in anger, it’s time for more organisations to offer them as part of the employee benefits they offer, such as private medical insurance.
The Great Resignation: Employees Want Better Benefits
As my colleague Gill Adams recently highlighted, most workers value employee benefits above pay. With the so-called Great Resignation showing few signs of abating, organisations need to ensure they are doing everything in their power to retain their best talent, and that means, among other things, offering the right mix of employee benefits.
Employees Want More Wellbeing-Focused Benefits
Workers want employee benefits that better support their wellbeing, yet a significant proportion of organisations are failing to offer the right mix, particularly when it comes to women’s health. These are two of the main findings from two separate pieces of recent research.
Supporting Employees Better With Tailored Benefits
Employees need customised support which is tailored to their individual needs and circumstances. That’s one of the main findings to come out of two separate pieces of recent research. For organisations, this reality should act as a wake up call to review the group risk benefits they offer.
Are Your Health And Wellbeing Benefits Flexible Enough?
UK working adults value their health over their careers, according to new research, a reality that should highlight to organisations the potential of Private Medical Insurance (PMI). However, not all employee benefits packages are equal and some are far too inflexible, according to one nursing support services provider.
How Much Is Poor Financial Wellbeing At Work Costing You?
Poor financial wellbeing at work is costing UK businesses billions of pounds every year, yet half of companies do not currently offer extra financial support to their staff. By not providing such support through employee benefits and value-add services like Employee Assistance Programmes, organisations are literally leaving money on the table.
What Flexible Employee Benefits Do Your Staff Really Want?
What flexible employee benefits do your staff really want? It might seem like a simple question, but research reveals that a significant proportion of employees do not know what benefits are on offer. If that’s the case, how can they assess which ones are right for them?
Financial Stress Impacts Employee Performance – Study
Financial stress can directly impact employee performance, according to one new study. So as the cost of living crisis continues, employers need to ensure they are doing everything they can to support financial wellbeing in the workplace, including offering the right employee benefits and value-add services like Employee Assistance Programmes.
More Flexible Working Benefits Revealed
Flexible working is now a core feature in many workplaces across the UK, reaping benefits for both employees and employers alike. Alongside traditional employee benefits, flexible working has enabled employees to enjoy better work-life balances and employers to benefit from more motivated and productive staff. Now, two separate pieces of research reveal how remote working is affording people higher salaries and how flexible working could help millions secure employment.
Most Workers Value Employee Benefits Above Pay
Two recent pieces of research have highlighted just how much value workers place on the employee benefits they receive through their jobs. The second piece of research, in particular, underlines why organisations need to carefully consider the employee benefits they offer and ensure all staff are getting the same opportunities.
Cost Of Living Crisis: The Role Of Financial Wellbeing In The Workplace
As the UK’s cost of living crisis comes sharply into focus, employers are increasingly needing to support their employees’ financial wellbeing. By offering the right employee benefits and value-add services like Employee Assistance Programmes – which routinely include financial counselling and support services – companies can demonstrate just how much they value their staff.
Employee Benefits Key To Addressing The Great Resignation
Employers have much to learn from the unprecedented rate of staff turnover we’ve witnessed in recent times. The Great Resignation has underlined the importance of organisations really looking after their staff’s needs, including their working arrangements, available support and employee benefits.
NHS Taps Private Hospitals To Deal With Waiting List Backlog
England’s beloved NHS continues to struggle as the impact of the pandemic stretches far and wide. But now leaked figures show that the situation is likely to get worse before it improves and that private healthcare groups are being called in to help ease the backlog.
What Employee Benefits Do Staff Want In 2022?
The uncertainty and raft of changes brought about by the pandemic has seen many employees seriously questioning their roles and even seeking employment elsewhere to achieve better work-life balances, better employee benefits and better working arrangements. It’s a phenomenon that’s been dubbed the ‘Great Resignation’ by Anthony Klotz, an associate professor of management at Texas A&M University. Organisations would do well to take note of what’s going on or risk losing some of their most valuab
Tangible Benefits Of Supporting Staff Health & Wellbeing
Despite many hoping that 2022 would mark the end of the COVID-19 pandemic and we could draw a line under the events of the past c. two years, new coronavirus variants seem to have other ideas. With this in mind, supporting employee health and wellbeing should be a top priority (if it’s not already) for organisations as this year continues to unfold and the role of group risk products should not be underestimated in fulfilling this mission.
Employee Benefits Watch: Preventing An 'I Quit' Culture
The Great Resignation continues, with workers across the globe quitting their jobs in droves, mainly in response to the raft of drastic changes that were implemented because of the COVID-19 pandemic. For firms struggling to hang on to their talent or attract new staff, offering the right mix of employee benefits significantly helps both stem the churn and position them as a company that people want to work for.
1 in 5 Struggling To Secure GP Appointments As Long Covid Lingers
With a significant proportion of the UK population experiencing the effects of so-called long covid, the importance of being able to secure a GP appointment when needed is paramount. But, sadly, many people are unable to get one when they need it most. This reality further highlights how beneficial private medical insurance can be.
Supporting Employee Health & Wellbeing In 2022
As we welcome 2022 with anticipation of a better year than 2021, what better time than now to look at how organisations should look to improve their employees’ health and wellbeing over the next 12 months. The good news for employers is that there are a number of options in addition to employee benefits that can help boost their workforce wellbeing programs - physically, mentally and socially. Here are our top four New Year’s resolutions for employers to better support their employees’ health
5 Healthcare Trends For 2022
Following another year of pandemic-related disruption, it’s more important than ever for healthcare services, including private healthcare, to continue to provide patients with the best clinical outcomes possible. With that in mind, here are 5 healthcare trends we can expect to see in 2022.
Financial Wellbeing At Work: Is It Time To Review Your Benefits Package?
Two separate pieces of research have underlined the importance of financial wellbeing at work. With many employees saying they are not financially on track and a significant proportion unable to receive sick pay, the role of employer-provided protection should not be overlooked. In fact, employers should be reviewing the employee benefits they offer to ensure they are working in their employees’ best interests.
Organisations Risk Losing Employees Unless They Get Benefits Right
The advantages of offering the right employee benefits are well documented. But now new research has revealed how a significant proportion of employees would actually be prepared to quit their jobs and seek employment elsewhere if better perks were offered.
We Are Recruiting!
As our growth plans continue at pace, we have a vacancy for an administrator within our healthcare team. Experience of health insurance preferred. Whilst our office is in Paulerspury, Northants, remote working will be considered with travel to head office as required.
How Hybrid Working Can Deliver Better Employee Engagement
Having experienced a seismic shift towards more remote working as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, many employees would like hybrid working arrangements to continue into the future so they can benefit from improved work-life balances.. The smart employers will be the ones that embrace this sentiment with appropriate employee perks and benefits.
News Roundup: Critical Illness Claims Decline, Talk On Later Life, Care Funding & Money Management
Royal London data for 2019-2020 has revealed that critical illness claims declined by one fifth, with cancer claims in particular down as people delayed healthcare appointments at the height of the pandemic.
Could Employee Benefits Help Alleviate Stress In The Workplace?
A significant proportion of employees have experienced stress in the workplace, recent research has revealed. Meanwhile, separate research shows that in-work employee benefits can help alleviate dissatisfaction at work.
Financial Wellbeing At Work: Research Reveals Impact Of Pandemic & Top Incentive For Younger Employees
The Covid-19 pandemic has taken its toll on many UK adults’ financial security. Meanwhile, younger workers have expressed a preference for financial bonuses over many other incentives. For employers, there is a huge opportunity when it comes to providing financial wellbeing at work.
Premier Choice Healthcare Continues Its Growth Plans
Our growth plans continued this week with the acquisition of Equity Health Solutions. Equity will become the consumer specialist division of Premier Choice Healthcare and their excellent reputation in the market will see this area of our business continue to grow. We are very excited to have the team at Equity on board.
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