Find the right health cover for your team
Cash plan, private medical, or low-cost support for everyone? Answer a few quick questions and we will suggest a sensible starting point, in plain English. Free, no signup.
Answer the first four questions to see a suggestion.
The main options, in plain English
Health cash plan
A cash plan gives your team money back on everyday health costs like dental, optical and physiotherapy, up to set limits, and usually includes a virtual GP. It is low-cost and predictable, which makes it an easy benefit to offer to everyone.
Private medical insurance
Private medical insurance pays for private specialist treatment and operations, so people are seen faster than waiting on the NHS. It costs more per person, so many employers start with senior or key roles. A virtual GP is usually included.
Low-cost support: a virtual GP and an EAP
If you mainly want quick access to a doctor, or mental health support, the cheapest route is often a virtual GP and an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP). These cover the whole team for a low cost per person, and are commonly bundled together or included with a cash plan.
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Get your free benefits scoreHealth cover for employees: common questions
What is the difference between a cash plan and private medical insurance?
A health cash plan reimburses everyday costs like dental, optical and physiotherapy up to set limits, and usually includes a virtual GP. It is low-cost and suits cover for the whole team. Private medical insurance pays for private specialist treatment and operations, so people are seen faster than on the NHS. It costs more per person, so many employers offer it to senior or key roles first.
Do I need both a cash plan and private medical insurance?
Not usually, especially for a small team. Many employers start with one and add to it later. Larger employers sometimes run private medical insurance for senior roles and a cash plan for everyone else. The finder suggests a sensible starting point based on what you most want the cover to do.
What does a virtual GP cover, and do I need to buy one separately?
A virtual GP service gives your team same-day video or phone appointments with a doctor, plus prescriptions and referrals, without waiting for an NHS appointment. You rarely need to buy one on its own, because cash plans and most private medical policies already include a virtual GP. A standalone virtual GP mainly makes sense when fast access to a doctor is all you want and you want to keep costs low.
What is an Employee Assistance Programme?
An Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) gives your whole team confidential counselling, a 24/7 helpline, and practical legal and financial guidance, for a low cost per person. It is the usual starting point when mental health support is the main thing you want, and many EAPs now bundle a virtual GP as well.
Is this tool financial or insurance advice?
No. It is general educational guidance to help you understand the main options and pick a sensible starting point. Cover, pricing and terms vary by provider and change over time. Confirm what a policy covers, and what it costs, with the provider or a regulated broker before you buy.
Is private medical insurance taxable for my employees?
Yes. Employer-paid private medical insurance is a taxable benefit in kind, so it is reported to HMRC and the premium value is added to the employee's taxable income. Health cash plans are usually treated the same way. An Employee Assistance Programme is generally exempt. Check the current position with your provider or accountant.
