- Health Insurance
- Business Health Insurance
Business health insurance
Every company is different, but all business works better with healthy and happy staff. A business health insurance policy can protect the health and wellbeing of your team and keep your business on track. Company sizes and requirements can vary enormously and there are many different options available, which is why it is always recommended to get advice from expert advisers, who will walk you through all the options and find the best solution for your individual needs.
Usay Compare is part of The Ardonagh Group of companies, a Group which brings together many of the UK’s leading insurance businesses in their respective fields. We have partnered with our sister company, Towergate Health & Protection, to give you the best advice and ensure you have a policy that is suited to your needs and budget. The service is completely free and impartial - just fill in the form and a Towergate Health & Protection consultant will be in touch shortly.
At Usay Compare we take your data security very seriously and we will not sell your data to third parties. By clicking search now you agree to a member of the Ardonagh Group contacting you regarding your free, no obligation quotation by email or phone. This contact will come from the most appropriate company within the Ardonagh Group. In the case of a corporate policy, Towergate Health are best suited to advise and will be contacting you by phone or email to discuss your requirements. Please see our Privacy Policy and general terms.
What is business health insurance?
Business health insurance, also referred to as private medical insurance (PMI), is an insurance policy held by a company, to cover the cost of private medical treatment for their employees, should they need it. It is a highly valued staff benefit, as well as a practical way to keep the workforce at their best.
If a member of staff were to fall ill or become injured, they can avoid lengthy NHS waiting times and access private hospitals, treatments and consultants, to return to fitness and work as soon as possible.
What are the main benefits of private medical insurance?
One of the most valued advantages of a private medical health insurance policy is the ability to side-step long NHS waiting times and get diagnosis and treatment underway much quicker. This can significantly reduce the time employees spend unable to work while suffering pain or discomfort.
Another key benefit is the access to better medicines and treatments, which may not be readily available on the NHS. For example, the very latest cancer treatments may be available privately before they are widely available on the NHS.
What conditions does private medical insurance cover?
Private Medical Insurance policies vary and there are different levels of cover available. All policies though, are intended to cover acute conditions of employees. These are injuries or illnesses that can be treated, and which you will recover from, such as a knee replacement or treatment for cancer. The policy will not cover the routine management of chronic conditions; these are long-term issues that cannot be permanently cured, for example diabetes or asthma. Subject to the chosen benefit levels, a private medical insurance policy may provide cover for:
- Cancer including diagnosis, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgery
- Heart disease including aftercare cover
- Stroke aftercare
- Recreational sports injuries (though not professional sports injuries)
- Mental health issues including counselling and psychiatric care
- Complementary therapies such as physiotherapy and osteopathy
- Musculoskeletal conditions, including hip, knee and back conditions
Health emergencies are not covered by private medical insurance, as these would always be treated by the NHS. Private medical insurance policies will typically not cover:
- Accident and emergency care
- Chronic conditions such as asthma and diabetes
- HIV & Aids
- War, riots and terrorism
- Dangerous sports such as base jumping, snowboarding, etc.
- Each insurer has its own list of exclusions, and our expert advisers will happily talk you through what is and isn't included for any policy we sell.
Core cover
Health insurance policies will have a core cover at the heart of the policy. This usually includes the following:
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| In-patient cover | Cover for when you are admitted to hospital and stay overnight. |
| Day-patient cover | Covers you when you’re admitted to hospital and discharged the same day and includes the same benefits as in-patient cover. |
| Out-patient cover | Covers you when you visit a hospital and return home the same day without being admitted – in other words, you’re not given a hospital bed. The amount of out-patient cover included within core cover can vary quite a lot. Some don’t include any as standard. |
| Cancer cover | Most private medical insurance policies will offer cancer cover within their core cover. It is one of the most valued benefits of private medical insurance policies. |
| Digital GPs and health support | Most policies offer Digital GPs and telephone support within their core cover offering, to allow you access to prompt and convenient health advice. This is a particularly popular benefit among busy directors. |
Digital GPs
Digital GPs are a popular benefit of health insurance for employees. Digital GPs offer prompt and convenient access to medical advice, some even have 24 hour access from anywhere in the world. Many of the providers offer same day appointments which can be incredibly reassuring. They can usually provide advice as they would in person, as well as providing prescriptions and referrals if necessary. More on Digital GPs here.
Cancer cover
Cancer cover is usually included within the core cover of all policies. It is one of the most valuable benefits of health insurance policies; according to Macmillan’s latest research, cancer is the disease we fear the most in the UK. Health insurance allows you the peace of mind that should you ever be affected by the disease you can have access to breakthrough cancer treatments and superior comfort and choice throughout treatment. It is important to compare cancer cover between policies as what is included within the core cover can vary. However, most policies will include the following within the core cover:
- radiotherapy
- chemotherapy
- surgery
- consultants’ fees
- out-patient treatment
- home nursing
- cash benefits if treated by the NHS
More on cancer cover here.
*Towergate Health & Protection, a trading name of Health and Protection Solutions Limited, is an independent intermediary, authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).
Registered in England and Wales No: 4907859. Registered office: West Park House, 23 Cumberland Place, Southampton, SO15 2BB.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Small Business Health Insurance?
Small Business Health Insurance provides private cover should you or your employees fall ill. Business health insurance is not a legal requirement, however is a key investment in helping you and your employees receive diagnosis and treatment, whilst avoiding long waiting lists. Many businesses purchase cover as it helps their business run more efficiently as employees are likely to be out of work for less time.
Can I cover my family on a business plan?
Yes – in fact, it is normally cheaper to add your family to your business plan as opposed to having your own family plan.
Can you cover my pre-existing condition?
Unlike individual plans, it is possible to obtain cover for your pre-existing condition on a business plan. Certain insurers will provide cover for your pre-existing condition providing there are 15 or more employees on your plan.
One of my employees are leaving and would like to continue cover – is this possible?
Yes, we can assist with transferring an employee onto their own individual plan at any point throughout the year. The level of continued cover would depend on the individual’s needs.
How many employees do I need to have a Company Healthcare Policy?
Policies are available from as little as one employee however, to access higher discount rates we recommend having at least 2-3 people on your policy.
Will my premium be affected if I add more employees?
You tend to pay a premium per employee on your plan, however the more employees on your policy, the less you will pay per person as insurers offer higher discounts based on group size.
Can I add and remove employees throughout the year?
Yes, the plans are flexible in this manner. We can assist with the administration for you – just notify us when necessary.
Is it a taxable benefit?
Yes – however we recommend speaking to your company accountant about how this will work for your company.