Many people in the UK do not have access to private medical insurance so it is important for the industry to do more to raise awareness of the benefit.
While some of the UK’s largest employers tend to offer group protection policies as a benefit to their staff, it is important to remember that there is a significant part of the population that does not have access to these benefits.
For those individuals who are working for an employer but who do not have access to group protection, there is a role for individual private medical insurance (PMI) to help employees keep their health on track.
After all, not all of us will be aware that an employer is entitled to put us on statutory sick pay after just four days, reducing our weekly income to just £88.45.
For many workers, this can mean a significant reduction in their monthly income, subsequently leaving them potentially unable to pay bills or even provide financial support for their family.
Coupled with this it can often be difficult for busy employees to find time to see their National Health Service GP, especially during working hours. For many people, the easy option is to put off dealing with any illnesses and soldier on regardless.
By having a PMI policy in place, dependent upon the policy terms, these individuals could be able to choose an appointment with a private doctor at a time more suitable to them, but also have access to a quick diagnosis, which could help them to get treated more swiftly and back to work as quickly as possible.
If an individual is continually falling ill and is not able to secure a GP appointment, there could be an underlying condition that needs to be investigated. With a PMI policy, there is a better chance of receiving a diagnosis and getting treatment sooner rather than later.
Many of us are also working longer, past state retirement age, to fund later life. As we age, we can be more susceptible to illness and injury, so it is important that in these circumstances we are adequately protected with healthcare solutions.
This can give us a good chance of quick diagnosis, treatment and recovery, should we injure ourselves or become ill during employment.
Talking to your clients about PMI and helping them access an appropriate policy can give older workers the comfort and security they need to get on with their working lives.
Illnesses and injuries can have a particularly devastating impact on older workers, so it’s important your clients have the most appropriate protection in place to respond to future health challenges.
Don’t rely on self-help if you’re self-employed
