Private Medical Insurance for Employees | Reduce Absence & Support the NHS

The pressure on the NHS continues, with hospitals and staff continuously operating at full capacity. Waiting lists are decreasing at an extremely slow rate and for millions of people- essential scans and checks remain on pause.

Photograph of an NHS waiting room. NHS waiting times could be reduced with PMI and Employee be

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NHS waiting times could be reduced with PMI and Employee benefits by clearing the waiting lists.

While providing healthcare for your employees is not a legal obligation for employers, there are meaningful steps you can take to support both your workforce and the NHS. Offering employee benefits packages that include Private Medical Insurance (PMI) can help reduce strain on public services, boost staff morale, lower turnover rates, and help reduce absenteeism. These are just a few benefits of the full picture of why you should provide employee benefits.

What is an Employee Benefits package?

PMI for Employees in the UK is a type of health insurance provided by employers as part of an employee benefits package. It provides employees access to private healthcare services, allowing them to bypass long NHS waiting lists and receive faster diagnosis and treatment. A PMI employee benefits package is more likely to attract and keep talent. Insights from the CIPD Good Work Index 2022 found that of a study of over 6,000 UK workers, most said their main reason for wanting to leave their jobs were for   better pay and benefits.

An increasing number of employee benefits packages now include PMI, as businesses and insurers acknowledge the rising importance of supporting employees’ healthcare needs.

The Benefits of PMI in Employee Benefits Packages

The primary reason people choose private health insurance is difficulty accessing timely care, with the biggest barrier being the cost. So, where do you come in?

Employees seeking healthcare may face long waits for doctor’s appointments, experience low morale due to ongoing health issues, and may be unable to attend work.

To offset this, PMI for employees can provide:

  • Quality Treatment – Many UK private healthcare providers offer fast access to consultant-led, personalised treatment.
  • Virtual GP – Face-to-face video appointments, often available the same day and within hours.
  • Shorter Wait Times – Spend less time waiting for an appointment and receive high-quality help with less of the wait.
  • Flexible Appointments – Appointments that fit around your employees’ work and personal lives, often with the option to choose their hospital.
  • Pre-existing Conditions – Some packages may offer coverage for pre-existing conditions, something that is often difficult to obtain individually.
  • Mental Health Support – Many PMI policies include access to mental health services as standard.

What do PMI policies cover?

Private Medical Insurance (PMI) policies typically cover a range of healthcare services that help employees access treatment more quickly and conveniently than through the NHS. Coverage can vary by provider and policy, and we can help assess your requirements.

Employee Retention

Retaining skilled employees is crucial, especially when they leave with specialist knowledge that is costly to replace. While salary increases are not always an option, offering a strong employee benefits package can make a real difference. It not only boosts morale but also reduces staff turnover and can help you build a more loyal, motivated team.

What Else Should be Included?

Offering a range of health-related employee benefits can help reduce absence rates and support employee retention and recruitment. Your employee benefits package can be tailored to also include:

  • Health Screening
  • Dental Insurance
  • Death in Service policy
  • Group income protection

How Much does PMI Cost for Employers

Cost can vary depending on your company size, function, and the general age of your employees. To find out more, speak to one of our UK-based advisors on 0117 325 2224 or contact us online to receive a no-obligation quote.