Context
The Association of British Insurers (ABI) has published a new survey report, which evaluates public attitudes towards the role of health and protection insurance, alongside NHS services, in helping people to live healthier lives and preventing ill health longer term. The study also investigates how people feel about access to independent healthcare and whether this differs if it is through insurance provided by an employer.
Key points to note
The survey, commissioned by the ABI from Public First, found that health insurance and income protection offered through the workplace are important factors for over half (57%) of employees and almost half (49%) of people when they are choosing a job. Seven out of ten (69%) people would also consider taking out health insurance if their employer offered it to them.
Its recent analysis of the health outcomes of 16,365 people highlights some of the benefits of independent healthcare for employers too. The research found two-thirds people (65%) who accessed vocational rehabilitation services through their insurer didn’t need to take sick leave and a fifth (21%) were supported to return to work.
The ABI are calling on employers to use the Day One Statement to inform staff about the benefits available to them on their first day of a new job and then on an annual basis so they can make best use of the support their employer offers.
The survey findings also highlight that over half (54%) of people think the government should provide tax incentives to employers who offer their staff health and protection benefits. This further emphasises the growing importance of these products to people and the role they play in supporting a healthy, productive workforce. The ABI continues to call on the government to cut the rate of Insurance Premium Tax (IPT) on health insurance to allow more employers and individuals to access it and view this as a key route to improving workplace health.
Next actions
None – for information and awareness.