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.
Why Employers Need To Follow Healthcare’s Digital Transformation
The pandemic has triggered many people to rethink how they access healthcare services. With lockdowns and social distancing requirements, popping to a GP surgery to be seen was, suddenly, no longer a viable option. Now, as employees return from furlough and working from home, we are tasting a sense of normality once more. But what is sure is that people will continue wanting to access healthcare services in innovative ways. That’s why employers need to ensure any health-related employee benefit
Remote Working Boosts Health And Wellbeing Of Older Employees
Employees aged 50 and over who switched to remote working as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic have reported improved health and wellbeing. That’s one of the key findings to emerge from recent research from the Office of National Statistics (ONS). Is remote working part of the employee benefits you offer?
Workplace Wellbeing: What Employers Think vs. What Employees Want
Sadly, many senior business leaders 'assume' they know what their employees want when it comes to a wellbeing programme. But without actually asking, organisations risk being seen as not listening to their employees’ needs and end up with low adoption rates of the programmes (such as Group Risk benefits) that they actually implement.
Pandemic Prompts UK Adults To Consider Their Mortality, Think About Life Insurance
The COVID-19 pandemic has triggered millions of UK adults to think about their mortality, especially in terms of how their loved ones would cope financially in the event of their death, new research shows. According to insurer Canada Life, since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, 11% of UK adults (c. 5.8 million people) have thought about or taken out life insurance.
Research Finds 10 Million UK Adults Not Financially Resilient
A significant proportion of UK adults have witnessed their financial resilience deteriorate as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, new research shows, highlighting the need for employers to place more emphasis on employee financial wellbeing initiatives.
Employees’ Life Satisfaction Declining, Research Suggests
Employees’ life satisfaction has declined sharply over the past year and most are now neglecting their physical health because of work demands, new research has found. For employers, supporting their employees, including offering the right mix of group benefits, has never been more important.
Cash Plan Eyecare Claims Down As Employees Fail To Maintain Optician Appointments
Many individuals have failed to keep up with routine eye appointments during the Covid-19 pandemic, according to data from one healthcare cash plan provider. It’s a reality that could risk deteriorating eyesight among employees in the future, potentially leading to more significant interventions being required.
Impact Of Covid-19 Pandemic On Future Health, Wellbeing Of Employees Could Be Significant
The Covid-19 pandemic and associated lockdowns will have a significant impact on the future health and wellbeing of employees, a new report suggests, further highlighting the importance of having an employee wellbeing strategy.
Pandemic Or No Pandemic, Virtual Healthcare Is Here To Stay
The Covid-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on our attitudes to health and the way we access healthcare. Lockdowns, social distancing guidelines and the risk of infection have caused many people to think twice about visiting their GP, choosing to remain home and take advantage of virtual healthcare solutions instead.
‘Always On’ Culture Exacerbating Workplace Presenteeism & Leaveism - CIPD
Without an employee wellbeing strategy in place, many organisations run the risk of experiencing employee presenteeism and leaveism, both of which negatively impact productivity, morale and financial position. Focussing on the financial, physical and psychological wellbeing of your workforce, an employee wellbeing strategy is designed to support your staff and help them thrive.
More Than A Quarter Of Organisations Struggling To Justify Wellbeing Spend
Even though many UK businesses are now focusing more on employee wellbeing initiatives — especially in light of the Covid-19 pandemic — over 1 in 4 are struggling to come up with a business case to demonstrate wellbeing ROI.
How To Choose A Health Insurance Broker
With so many different insurers and policies on the market, looking for health insurance can be a minefield if you’re not aware of the right approach and best cover for you. That’s why many people decide to partner with an intermediary. But how to choose a health insurance broker is still something that has long been asked and provides many benefits.
How To Promote Wellness In The Workplace?
With millions of employees having been furloughed or working from home for over a year now, many employers will be seeking answers on how to promote wellness in the workplace. New research shows that wellbeing initiatives could be one of the answers.
Employers Need To Introduce Financial Wellbeing Programmes For Employees - CIPD
The Covid-19 pandemic has had a negative impact on many organisations’ finances, yet many employers do not have suitable financial wellbeing programmes in place. That’s one of the main findings from new research by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD).
Why Employers Need To Focus On Wellbeing Initiatives In 2021
The Covid-19 pandemic has totally transformed the way we all live and work. As a result, our physical and mental health has been under significant pressure for more than a year. Isn’t it time wellbeing initiatives were placed higher up on employers’ agendas?
How The Pandemic Has Changed Private Health Perceptions Forever
The Covid-10 pandemic has noticeably changed our attitudes towards healthcare, especially how we view private health in the UK. As a result, private medical insurance will be at the forefront of many people’s minds as this year continues to unfold.
Many Employers Not Prioritising Financial Wellbeing At Work
The COVID-19 pandemic has made financial wellbeing at work one of the hottest topics for both employers and employees. As a result, the importance of employee benefits -- particularly protection products -- has never been greater. However, new research reveals that many employers are not prioritising financial wellbeing at work.
Employees Want Better Benefits In The Wake Of Covid
The nature of the relationship between employers and employees has changed during the course of the ongoing pandemic. Once it’s all over, employees will expect better benefits, including protection products like Group Risk and Health Insurance, to be part of employer offerings.
Workplace Absenteeism Rising Due To Lack Of Mental Health Support
According to Westfield Health’s Coping with Covid report, mental health-related workplace absenteeism costs rose by £1.3 billion during 2020. This represents an increase of 10% over 2019. Travel restrictions, furlough, working from home and pay cuts were all indicated as having brought radical changes for millions of UK employees.
Financial Vulnerability Concerns For Over Half UK Adults
According to the FCA’s Financial Lives Survey, more than half of UK adults are in some sense considered vulnerable. As a result, these individuals are at greater risk of harm because of low financial resilience and negative life events. How can employers balance productivity with financial security for their staff? With the right employee benefits.
Employees Want Better Mental Health Support At Home
Three in five employees want their employers to spend more on supporting mental and physical wellbeing as a result of the Covid crisis, new research by health insurer Aetna International shows. Meanwhile, a separate study shows that almost one in two employers are failing to adequately address issues of staff wellbeing.
Brits Dedicated To Improving Their Long-Term Health This Year
One in five Brits wants to make smarter decisions when it comes to their personal health, new research has revealed. With this in mind, we believe that health protection products, such as Private Medical Insurance (PMI), are going to be more relevant than ever as 2021 unfolds.
Reappraising Employee Benefits
Back in November, Premier Choice MD, Claire Ginnelly, wrote about how the Covid-19 pandemic has triggered increased interest in protection products. Now, new research shows that a significant proportion of employees are reappraising the value of the benefits employers offer.
UK Businesses: Benefits Of Partnering With An Employee Benefits Broker
Most businesses already know the advantages of offering the right employee benefits to their workforce. However, some businesses overlook the importance of such products and beneficial role an intermediary can play when securing cover. With that in mind, here are four key benefits for businesses when partnering with a broker who can offer a full range of employee wellbeing solutions, including employee benefits, insurance and occupational health services:
Providing The Right Staff Benefits In Times Of Crisis
What employers need to consider when it comes to staff benefits in the face of the Covid pandemic and beyond. The ongoing Covid-19 pandemic is having a dramatic impact on businesses and employees alike. But one area in particular where its effects are being felt is employee benefits. Two separate pieces of research highlight what employers need to be looking at when it comes to employee benefits in the face of the Covid pandemic.
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.
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 …
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.
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