More than a quarter of companies will be increasing the range of employee health benefits in the next year a survey has revealed. The report, “Bothered Britain”, which was carried out by Simply Health, found that 26 percent of businesses are planning on increasing their budgets for the benefits which include corporate health insurance. This research is positive news for the health insurance industry, as it appears that companies are more than doubling their spend on healthcare benefits than in 2008 despite the recession. It seems that bosses are recognising the importance of offering rewards to their staff – giving many benefits including improved performance and efficiency.


While many companies are struggling through the credit crunch, it may have seemed an attractive option to cut down on expenditures that may not necessarily be a necessity to the everyday running of the business. Private medical insurance and other health benefits may have been among these costs but this latest report shows that attitudes among HR staff have changed. Six in ten of those who took part said that health benefits have are more important now than they were last year, and another four in ten said they are key in the recruitment process. This is just one of the main benefits of taking out a private health insurance policy for employees, as it can attract a higher calibre of candidates. It may be an immediate cost to a company, but in the long term a better performing staff who will have access to top quality healthcare to return them to work as soon as possible should they become ill, could save a lot of money.