The evolving world of health cash plans
As well as providing cashback on everything from dental check-ups and tooth whitening to eye tests and contact lenses, providers are going the extra mile to offer additional benefits and provide new channels to deliver services that can help to improve health, reduce absenteeism, prevent illness and save time and money.
Here’s a quick guide to some of the new health cash plan benefits offered by providers that can make a real difference and help employees to proactively manage their health and wellbeing.
Health cash plan benefits
1) Physio triage
Musculoskeletal problems are a big cause of workplace absenteeism. These triage services enable employees to talk to professionals over the phone to get an initial assessment and treatment advice before being referred to a physiotherapist.
2) Cancer screening
Unfortunately around half of the people in Britain will get cancer at some point in their lifetime. It’s a serious issue for individuals and companies. Discounts on cancer screening services can help detect the early signs of breast, bowel, lung, prostate and skin cancer, so employees can seek treatment.
3) 24/7 counselling & support helplines
Employees worrying about debt, housing and family matters can benefit from telephone counselling, therapy sessions and practical support from trained professionals.
4) 24/7 virtual GP surgery
Employees may have to wait two weeks or more and take time off work to get an appointment with a GP. This benefit provides peace of mind, as employees can talk to a qualified doctor on the phone any time of the day or night. They can even provide webcam consultations during the week.
5) Private prescription services
GPs who talk to employees as part of the 24/7 Virtual GP Surgery can send a private prescription electronically to a pharmacy, authorised with a digital signature. The pharmacist will then arrange for payment and the medicine can be delivered to the employee’s home or workplace.
6) Employee assistance programmes
This benefit provides employees with a 24/7 counselling and support helpline and can also include face-to-face counselling sessions to help improve mental health.
7) Home assistance cover
After a pre-arranged hospital stay of two or more nights, employees can receive paid personal care or domestic assistance ranging from bathing and cleaning to cooking and even feeding or walking household pets.
8) Fitness & exercise
To help improve health and wellbeing and maintain fitness, employees can take advantage of special discounted rates at a variety of fitness clubs and gyms across the UK.
9) Online health assessments
Combined with personal coaching services, online health portals can provide instant access to a wealth of health information, videos and advice, including emotional support and health assessments.
10) Online reward portals
Many employers are keen to promote a good work–life balance. A rewards portal can help employees to make the most of their leisure time with a wide range of exclusive deals, discounts and cashback offers.
These benefits can help organisations look after their most important resource — their workforce.
Whatever the size of your organisation, take a closer look at some of the surprising benefits a health cash plan can offer your business and employees.
This article was supplied by Health Shield.
Supplied by REBA Associate Member, Health Shield
At Health Shield we're passionate about improving people's everyday health.
