New research has found that Employee benefit Private medical insurance has become the most important perk that employees look for in their benefits package.
Employee benefits technology company Zest sees a third (32%) of employees rank private medical insurance ahead of other well-known benefits such as increased pension contributions (30%), high street discounts (21%) and a company car (17%).
In June, NHS waiting times rose to 7.5 million people in England, with nearly one in seven on a waiting list for routine treatment.
The findings highlight the challenges in the UK around access to healthcare, as more people look to a private provision.
The wait for treatment has meant significant growth for the UK’s insurance industry and initiatives to better meet current customer needs. One of Britain’s biggest insurers, Aviva, announced it had gained 170,000 health insurance customers in the past year either directly or through their employer.
Matt Russell, CEO at Zest, said: “Over the last year we’ve seen the UK’s National Health Service face some of its toughest challenges ever, from strike action over pay to record waiting times for routine treatment.
“It’s no surprise that more people are considering private healthcare, but with the significant cost that accompanies this, many are now putting medical insurance at the top of their list for benefits they want to see from their employer.
“Employers need to take note of this demand and look at how they can adapt their benefits offer to meet the current needs of employees, if they are to attract and retain talent.”
For more information about employee benefit medical insurance and quotes please contact Stefan at Medical Made Easy Ltd – stefan@mmefs.co.uk https://www.medicalmadeeasy.co.uk/contact/