Almost three times the amount of companies are now offering their employees a permanent form of private medical insurance than this time last year. That is according to some of the latest research from Hewitt Associates who found that over two thirds (67 percent) of companies now offer private health cover as part of a flexible benefits scheme for their staff compared to just 23 percent in 2008. The annual flexible benefits survey found that health screenings was the top employee benefit, followed by dental care. These results show that despite the recession, employers are still recognising the importance of looking after the health of their staff as a long term investment rather than a short term cost. Just some of the advantages to a company of providing health benefits like private health insurance are attracting a higher calibre of staff and reducing the cost of days lost to sickness each year.


Some people do not realise that there are many types of private medical insurance, as well as different levels of policy on offer. Cash plan private health cover pays out a cash lump sum to the patient to put towards the cost of private healthcare, or if they wish to be treated on the NHS they can use the money to cover other costs like travel expenses. But why decide to opt for cash plan private health insurance for your employees? Firstly, it is the most cost effective form of health cover so a company can still provide their staff with this highly regarded and appreciated benefit but at a low premium. Secondly, there are no hospital lists which means that if your employees commute in to work from further afield they will have an even wider choice as to whether they would rather be treated nearer to home or work. By making this more convenient choice they may be able to recover in a quicker time in a more comfortable environment to them.