Engage Health Group

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Navigating healthcare & health insurance on the Isle of Man
If you have staff visiting or relocating to the Isle of Man, you’ll want to know how its healthcare system works – and whether health insurance is necessary.

Our international consultants at Engage Health Group have expertise covering more than 70 countries worldwide, including the three ‘Crown Dependencies’ dotted around the UK: Jersey, Guernsey and Isle of Man.

The Isle of Man may have the King and Queen’s head on its money, but like the other Crown Dependencies, it’s not part of the UK – it governs itself. Consequently, the Isle of Man has its own healthcare system separate from the NHS.

In this guide, we walk you through what you should expect from the island’s healthcare system as a short or long-term visitor, and consider the health insurance options available to you.

If you’re a company seeking to arrange health insurance for employees living on – or travelling to – the Isle of Man, you can contact our team for a free consultation. Our experts will happily talk you through your options and arrange quotes free of charge. Call 01273 974419 or enquiries@engagehealthgroup.co.uk.

How the healthcare system works in the Isle of Man

The Isle of Man has its own equivalent of the NHS called Manx Care. Like the NHS, it’s funded through taxes and offers healthcare free at the point of delivery. However, it’s only available to Isle of Man residents.

Nonetheless, if you’re a UK resident, you may be able to access free emergency treatment under the “reciprocal healthcare agreement” made between the UK and Isle of Man all the way back in 1948.

This agreement allows UK residents to receive necessary medical treatment while visiting or working on the island. The following is important to know:
- Eligibility: UK residents visiting the Isle of Man for up to six months are covered for emergency medical treatment.
- Coverage: The agreement covers treatment for conditions that are diagnosed after arriving or if an existing condition worsens while on the island.
- Limitations: The agreement only covers emergency care. Non-emergency treatments, like dental treatment and repatriation back to the UK, are not covered.
There are a couple of things to pick out here.

Firstly, if you stay for more than six months you can register as a resident and get free access to the island’s public health system.

Secondly, for the purposes of emergency care, a clinician will decide whether or not the treatment can reasonably wait until you return to the UK.

Related reading: Exploring health insurance in Jersey: a guide for employers

When to buy health insurance on the Isle of Man

There are two main circumstance where you might consider buying group private health insurance for staff on the Isle of Man:

Short-term stays:

If you’re an employer sending UK staff on a short-term assignment to the Isle of Man then it’s certainly worth considering purchasing health insurance. While emergency care is covered on the island, it does not cover all eventualities, and the definition of what constitutes emergency care can be very strict. The Isle of Man government recommends visitors take out an “appropriate level of health insurance” during their stay.

Another thing worth saying is that the healthcare agreement between the UK and Isle of Man does not cover medical repatriation. This means that if you receive emergency care on the island but thereafter require ongoing treatment that’s no longer considered an emergency, then you will need to relocate back to the UK – and this travel will come at your own cost.

Longer-term stays:

If your staff will be living on the island for more than 6 months, they can register as a resident and therefore get full access to its free healthcare system. Locate Isle of Man is a useful resource for anyone planning to relocate to the island. Here it provides a useful overview of all the health services included for residents.

You might still consider buying private health coverage on the island even if you’re eligible for free healthcare as a resident. Access to private health facilities can give your employees faster access to treatments and consultations. You might even get access to services you wouldn’t find within the public healthcare system.

You should also consider it from a talent acquisition perspective. Health and wellbeing benefits are a key tool in making your company attractive to would-be applicants, which is particularly important on the Isle of Man where competition for talent is fierce.

Do you need help exploring health insurance options for staff working in the Isle of Man? Engage Health Group will talk you through your options and provide pricing tailored to your needs. Call 01273 974419 or enquiries@engagehealthgroup.co.uk to find out what’s possible.

What Company Health Insurance can I get on the Isle of Man?

You can purchase Group Private Medical Insurance as part of a wider global health policy or as a one country policy. Insurers operating in the Isle of Man include AXA, Bupa and Aviva – but most will only cover the Isle of Man as part of an international health plan.

It’s best to first liaise with one of our consultants who can discuss your options and give impartial advice. Our team can find the policy that best meets your needs and budgetary constraints. We’ll also consider your wider employee benefits policies, and gather tailored quotes without any obligation to buy.

What does Engage Health Group offer for the Isle of Man?

Choosing the right Isle of Man health insurance policy for your team can be challenging. Every provider will promise they have the best solution, so it’s vital to get impartial advice from experts like those at Engage Health Group.

Here are some of the things we will do for you:
- Assess your needs: We’ll take the time to understand your business, your employees’ needs, and how everything links with your wider employee benefits strategy.
- Customise solutions: We’ll deliver health insurance policies designed to meet your business’s unique needs, covering emergency care, non-emergency treatment, and repatriation where applicable.
- Provide impartial advice: Our advice is unbiased, helping you understand the different insurers and policies available, so you can choose the best option for your business.
- Give clear communication: We make sure you and your employees fully understand how the health insurance policies work, from coverage terms, to medical services covered and how the claims process works.
- Provide ongoing support: Should you proceed with buying a Group Health Insurance plan for the Isle of Man, we’ll take care of the admin and continue to support you throughout the life of your policy.
Ready to cover your employees in the Isle of Man?

The healthcare system on the Isle of Man has its own unique character due to the way it runs its own free public healthcare system for long-term residents, but then has the reciprocal agreement with the UK to offer emergency care to short-term visitors.

As a business hub, the island is highly competitive too. This makes your employee benefits offering an important tool for ensuring your business is an attractive proposition to current and prospective employees. But it’s also about fulfilling duty of care to all the employees who work for your business – and making sure their health needs are protected wherever they are working.

To kickstart your search for the right Isle of Man Health Insurance policy, contact our award-winning team via 01273 974419 or enquiries@engagehealthgroup.co.uk.
April 14, 2025
Are these the most comprehensive health insurance policies for UK companies?
Every UK health insurer offers a wide range of plans aimed at different business sizes and budgets.

At the top end of the market you’ll discover schemes brimming with innovative features and extensive coverage options.

In this blog post, we explore the following comprehensive health insurance policies and break down what they offer to corporate customers:
- Aviva Optimum
- Bupa Select/Balance
- Freedom Corporate Health Insurance
- Vitality Corporate Healthcare
- WPA Absolute Health
- International Company Health Insurance
If you require personalised health insurance quotes for your business, then contact our award-winning consultants. As an impartial broker, we’re dedicated to finding you the most competitive price points for your business. Call 01273 974419 or email us at enquiries@engagehealthgroup.co.uk.

What do premium health plans typically cover?

Many comprehensive health plans cover similar territory. Some of the most common features include coverage for:

Acute conditions
Short-term illnesses or injuries that respond quickly to treatment with expectation of a full recovery

Hospital charges and specialist fees
Providing cover for out-patient consultations and treatment, as well as specialists’ fees and hospital accommodation.

Treatment for musculoskeletal conditions
Offering treatment for back, neck, muscle or joint pains and issues.

Cancer cover
Coverage for cancer treatment – including radiotherapy and chemotherapy – on referral from a specialist.

Diagnostic tests
Such as pathology tests (including blood, urine, stool and mouth swabs), X-rays, CT scans and physiological tests such as ECGs to check heart health.

Increased choice

Plans typically offer a choice of consultant, hospital and date of treatment, giving employees more control over how they access treatments.

6 comprehensive health insurance policies for UK businesses

1. Aviva Optimum

Aviva is an international insurance provider that is headquartered in the UK. Its health insurance policies provide the standard out-patient cover and cancer care, and treatments for acute medical conditions.

Optimum is their comprehensive health insurance cover, designed to cover 250+ employees with quality medical treatment at the right time and place to suit your staff’s needs.

Optimum also includes:
- Full cover for cancer treatment
- Mental health pathways with end-to-end services based on clinical need, clinical expertise, and a range of treatment options
- Dental and optical
- Hospital upgrade options – made possible by Aviva’s extended hospital list
- Family and fertility benefit
- Gender identity benefit – specialist support, advice, treatment and NHS Gender Identity Clinic Assessment
- Neurodevelopment pathway
- Digital wellbeing support tools courtesy of MyAviva
- Ability to tailor the policy according to your business need
Is Aviva’s Optimum policy the right fit for your business? Contact us one of our expert consultants to find out. We’ll perform a full market review to ensure you find the best policy for your company. Call 01273 974419 or click the Get Quote button in the top right.

2. Bupa Select/Balance

Bupa is an international healthcare and insurance provider in the UK. Bupa offer the classic health insurance options including in-patient and day-patient treatments, as well as an option to incorporate full out-patient cover (services and treatments which do not require a hospital stay).

Bupa has two main types of comprehensive health insurance for UK companies:

Bupa Select:

There are three variations in this product range: Select Key, Select Enhance and Select Complete. Key features vary, but depending on the package can include:
- Health insurance cover for 250+ employees
- Hospital charges and accommodation refunds for Bupa Partnership Network hospital stays
- Extensive cancer cover for every stage of cancer treatment
- Mental health and wellbeing cover – up to 28 days of treatment
- Musculoskeletal services
- Costs for consultations, treatment, diagnostic tests
- Choice of underwriting options
- Access to between 300 and 600 medical facilities nationwide
- Menopause helpline
Bupa Balance:
- Health insurance cover for 300+ employees
- Fast access to core services
- Specific health checks, including breast, prostate and testicular screening
- Fast access to diagnosis and treatments
- Cover for chronic health conditions, enabling access to long-term support
- Quick unlimited appointments via a digital GP service
- 24/7 access to Anytime Healthline
- Access to Family Mental Healthline
- Access to Everyday Rewards
- Menopause helpline
3. Freedom Corporate Health Insurance

Freedom Health Insurance is a specialist health insurance company based in the UK. Freedom’s private health insurance covers in-patient and day-patient treatments, with various options for cancer cover.

Freedom’s comprehensive plan includes the following features:
- Full cover for in-patient and day-patient treatment
- Comprehensive cancer cover
- Mental health cover
- NHS Cash Benefit: limits £200 per night for in-patient and £100 per night for day-patient
- Home nursing: limits full refund for up to 13 weeks
- Private road ambulance: limits full refund
- Pregnancy complications cover
- Maternity Cash Benefit: limits £150 for each child
- MRI, CT, PET scans: limits full refund
- Generous family health deals
- Alternative treatments, including osteopathy, acupuncture and homeopathy
- Dental and optical coverage
4. Vitality Corporate Healthcare

Vitality is a London-based UK health insurance company. Vitality’s policies cover in-patient and day-patient care, with treatments for acute conditions and cancer care cover. For large businesses wanting to cover 100+ employees, Vitality offer an award-winning comprehensive plan that can be tailored to your needs.

Vitality’s enhanced cover includes:
- Vitality GP: access to private video consultation within 48 hours, direct referrals for onward treatment and practical wellness tips
- Mental health tools: including Vitality Healthy Mind where employees can earn points for engaging in mindfulness activities, eight sessions self-referred CBT and counselling through Talking Therapies, and access to online mental health partner, Togetherall
- Cancer care: biological therapies covered in full no monetary or time limits, 50% discount on targeted cancer screenings and risk assessments for bowel and cervical cancers
- Menopause support Peppy: a digital platform offering access to real-life menopause practitioners and online services dedicated to menopause support
- Vitality Care: specialist trained team of patient-centered professionals and care consultants
- Vitality Programmes: Providing employees with the tools to better understand their health risks and make positive adjustments to their lifestyle.
5. WPA Absolute Health

A not-for-profit health insurer, WPA is a trusted provider in the UK. They offer flexibility in their health and wellbeing plans, building schemes which can suit specific business needs.

WPA’s most comprehensive and detailed plan – Absolute Health – includes some of the below features:
- Health insurance for 150-1,000 employees
- Comprehensive core benefits
- Healthcare Pathways – faster diagnosis and treatment to avoid the need for an initial GP referral
- Extended Benefit Options: you can decide to add remote GP services, chronic condition treatment or Cash Plan style benefits (including prescription charges, and optical and dental treatments)
- Long-term chronic condition support
Discover whether WPA’s Absolute Health scheme is the right fit for your business by contacting our expert consultants. Our team will provide a personalised quote and compare against other providers with no obligation to use our services. Call 01273 974419 or email enquiries@engagehealthgroup.co.uk.

6. International Company Health insurance

If you’re seeking out the highest-end health insurance products for your staff or executive teams, then you have to consider International Company Health Insurance. These are umbrella schemes that essentially allow you to cover employees in multiple countries under a single policy but also provide more comprehensive features than you would find in a standard UK Group Health Insurance plan.

Services you can find on an international scheme, include:
- Accident & Emergency admissions
- Routine maintenance for chronic conditions
- Congenital and hereditary conditions
- Preventative wellness screening
- Travel vaccinations and child immunisations
- Emergency evacuation and repatriation
- Infertility investigations
- Dental
- 24/7 multi-lingual medical helpline
- Security advice and services
- Telemedicine / Virtual GP
As you can see, there are features here which are not available even in some of the most premium-level domestic policies. Engage Health Group’s international team can help advise on the setup and implementation of global health policies.

Need impartial help to find the right premium health policy?

The most comprehensive health insurance policies are also the most expensive, so it’s incredibly important that it functions exactly as you’d hope.

Our expert team at Engage Health Group are always happy to discuss your options. Our impartial consultants have expertise covering the UK domestic market and the wider international market for those UK companies with a global footprint.

Rather than funnel you to a preferred partner, we’ll gather a variety of quotes from across the whole market to ensure we deliver the best available policy to you. We’ll also support you throughout the life of your policy.

Contact us at enquiries@engagehealthgroup.co.uk or call 01273 974419 for no-obligation advice and support.
January 15, 2025
7 company health insurance trends to watch in 2025
The private medical insurance (PMI) market continues to grow, and it’s showing no signs of slowing down. With more people turning to private healthcare for quicker access to treatment and tailored options, insurers are stepping up to meet growing demand.

But what could the future hold?

Based on current industry discussions, here are seven exciting trends we might see evolve in 2025.

Want to stay ahead of the curve with your own employee benefits offering? Contact Engage Health Group’s award-winning consultants on 01273 974419 or enquiries@engagehealthgroup.co.uk for FREE advice and policy analysis.

1. Innovations in preventative services

Prevention is better than cure, and insurers have been working hard to deliver more preventative services within their policies. By focusing on preventative care, they aim to help people avoid serious health issues and reduce long-term claims.
- Experts have recently highlighted the need for a stronger focus on cancer prevention in the UK, so look out for more comprehensive screening programs.
- The UK government recently secured a tech deal to improve early cancer detection
- Wellness incentives, like gym discounts or wearable health trackers, are continuing to evolve with new features and functionality that put ease-of-use at its core.
This shift isn’t just about saving money. It’s about encouraging healthier habits and catching problems early.

As claims spiral, we can expect to see insurers continue to innovate in this area.

2. Support for neurodiversity

As awareness of neurodiversity grows, so does the demand for services to support people with conditions like ADHD and autism. Insurers are starting to recognise this and may expand their policies to meet the need.
- Benefits could include more diagnostic assessments, therapy, and even workplace support for neurodiverse employees.
- Employers may see more tools and resources aimed at creating inclusive work environments.
Zurich UK’s decision to offer neurodiversity assessments for staff shows how this trend has been gaining traction. Meanwhile, Aviva offers a Neurodevelopment Pathway on its corporate plans.

So far, efforts have focused on diagnosis. Could 2025 be the year we see specialist advice and support for neurodivergent people post-diagnosis?

Further reading: The real truth about neurodiversity in the workplace.

3. More self-help options

Insurers are ramping up their digital tools for a generation that prefers to manage everything online. Self-service platforms and apps are becoming the norm, giving policyholders more control over their healthcare.
- Expect to see apps where you can book GP appointments, track claims, or access mental health support.
- Self-help tools like symptom checkers and guided therapy sessions might also be on offer.
By catering to Gen Z and future generations, digitising healthcare and providing direct access to what they need can empower people to manage their health more efficiently.

4. Gender-specific health services

Healthcare isn’t one-size-fits-all, and insurers are tailoring their offerings to meet gender-specific needs.
- Women’s health services could include maternity support, menopause care, and dedicated GP options.
- Men’s health services could cover prostate health, heart care, fertility issues and mental health.
Examples of this trend include:
- Simplyhealth’s women’s free health GP option: Provided by HealthHero, these women-focused GP services are now accessible to all customers with the insurer’s health plans and can be used 24/7 via the app or customer portal. This benefit provides quicker care and allows patients to access GPs specializing in women’s health.
- Aviva’s updates to pregnancy-related cover: Aviva has added six pregnancy complications and more child-specific illnesses to its critical illness cover. Experts hope other insurers will follow, as these changes could significantly help families during tough times.
- Juniper, a reproductive healthcare insurance provider, recently secured £1.5m in pre-seed funding.
Prediction: We can expect to see more gender-specific innovations in 2025.

Would your business benefit from FREE admin support on your health insurance policy? Contact our expert advisors for a no-obligation consultation. Email us on enquiries@engagehealthgroup.co.uk or call 01273 974419.

5. Innovations in AI

Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming everything, and that includes health insurance. Insurers are beginning to use AI to make services faster, smarter, and more personalised.
- Claims processing could become quicker and smoother, cutting down on frustrating delays.
- AI might also help identify at-risk individuals, offering tailored advice to prevent health issues before they escalate.
- Chatbots will be increasingly able to handle policy queries
Companies like Everest are already using AI to enhance their offerings. For example, the company uses cutting-edge technology in Singapore to match patients and their medical needs with relevant healthcare providers. This saves time and cuts costs for both employers and employees.

AI can be controversial too, especially if used to process claims without human oversight. Either way, for good and bad you can expect to see more AI innovations around health insurance policies in 2025.

6. Mental health support

Expect to see continued attention on mental health support as increasing numbers of people seek out support.

“I was shocked to learn during a meet with one insurer that their highest claims included in-patient mental health,” said Jo Bills, International Client Support Manager at Engage Health Group.

“Historically it’s always been cardio and cancer, but in-patient mental health is definitely a bit of a shift. We’ve always known that out-patient mental health support has been popular but the fact that this has now crossed over into in-patient care really surprised me.”

It’s an issue that predominantly seems to be affecting younger people. The demand for in-patient facilities may reflect a lack of support provided at an earlier stage.

Preventative solutions will surely be a continued area of attention. Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs) will be in high demand and you can expect to see continued innovations in wellness apps.

7. Global healthcare support

More companies of all sizes are hiring abroad. This poses a challenge for companies seeking to provide health cover to all their employees wherever they are in the world.

Corporate companies have long faced this challenge, but more SMEs are employing abroad whether via remote workers or through opening new offices abroad.

So, one thing we can expect to see are more policies covering multiple countries under a single scheme.
- Engage Health Group launched Xcelerate, a new international health insurance (IPMI) policy designed for fast-growing businesses, earlier this year.
- AXA Global unveiled a new ‘modular’ IPMI scheme aimed at SMEs last month
We might expect to see more policy innovations designed for SMEs with globally dispersed workers in 2025. Who knows, maybe Engage Health Group will be at the forefront once more?

What does this mean for businesses?

Insurance providers are always searching out new ways to create value for their clients. Many innovations are first rolled out to corporate customers before gradually being made available to smaller businesses.

It can be very difficult to keep up with all the latest product offerings in the employee benefits space, but Engage Health Group is here to give one-to-one advice and assistance.

As an employee benefits consultancy, Engage Health Group stays abreast of all insurer offerings and price points to ensure you get the best advice available.

We will also benchmark your offerings against similar companies, to ensure that you’re offering remains competitive

If you’d like a complimentary quote tailored to your business or analysis of any current schemes you have in place, contact us on 01273 974419 or enquiries@engagehealthgroup.co.uk
December 12, 2024
Private medical insurance is in high demand. Here’s why…
Private Medical Insurance (PMI) is experiencing a surge in demand, with a record 6.2 million people now covered in the UK.

According to the Association of British Insurers (ABI), PMI uptake rose by 7% in 2023, with employer schemes covering 4.7 million individuals—the highest level in over 30 years.

But what’s driving this growth, and how can businesses maximise the success of their company PMI schemes?

Are you considering a private health plan for your employees? Take advantage of our free quotation and advice service to find out how much it will cost. Use the chatbot on the right or call 01273 974419.

Why is PMI becoming more popular?

PMI is rapidly gaining traction in the UK, with millions opting for this coverage. Even younger people between 18 and 24 are more likely to use private medical insurance – thanks to their enthusiastic embrace of digital tools.

Some of the forces propelling this trend include:

Concern over increased NHS pressures

Private Healthcare Information Network (PHIN) data shows private hospital admissions hit a record 900,000 in 2023, a 7% increase from 2022. This surge is attributed to more people turning to private healthcare services due to escalating wait times within the NHS system.

A survey conducted by Vitality UK revealed that half of its customers cited long NHS wait times as their reason for investing in PMI.

With the increasing pressure faced by the NHS and its resources stretched thin, individuals and businesses are increasingly turning toward PMI for quicker access to treatments. This ensures employees can return to work faster after being sick or injured.

Additional medical treatments available

New drugs may be available via private health insurance that are currently available on the NHS. This is also true of homeopathy. Meanwhile, some treatments are only sparingly provided on the NHS, such acupuncture, which can be included on a private plan.

Increased flexibility

With PMI, employees can often choose where and when they want their treatment and select a schedule that fits their lifestyle. This flexibility helps their treatment plan meet their personal needs.

Quality of care

While the NHS provides a brilliant service, a privately health scheme can provide access to superior facilities. For example, private patients can often stay overnight in a private room rather than a busy ward. According to the Independent Healthcare Providers Network (IHPN), 18.7% of people believe PMI provides higher-quality treatments.

Economic impact

PMI is playing a crucial role in reducing economic inactivity. The ABI estimates that health insurance prevents 14 million sickness days annually, an amount comparable to the productivity of 12,500 full-time employees. This reinforces the government’s focus on improving workforce productivity through better health support.

Before investing in a policy or renewing your current scheme, make use of a full free review courtesy of our award-winning advisors at Engage Health Group. Call 01273 974419 or email enquiries@engagehealthgroup.co.uk.

How to guarantee success with your company PMI scheme

To make the most of your company health insurance policy, align it with your business goals and what your employees actually need. Here are some steps to help you make it a success:
- Tailor your coverage to suit your needs: Work with an experienced broker to design a scheme that fits your workforce. Consider employee demographics, job roles, and any specific health concerns.
- Promote benefits among employees: Employees can’t use what they don’t know exists. Communicate the benefits of your PMI scheme regularly through onboarding sessions, newsletters, and via one-on-one discussions.
- Take advantage of additional benefits: Many PMI providers include perks like Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), virtual GP services, and mental health support. Highlight these features to ensure employees see the full value of their coverage. You don’t need to have a diagnosis or even be ill to benefit from some of these services!
- Review regularly: Review your PMI scheme’s performance and usage regularly. Use employee feedback to make adjustments where necessary. Enlist an impartial broker, like Engage Health Group, to perform a free policy review.
- Offload admin to a good brokerage: Too often HR or finance teams get tied up in the knotty admin associated with health insurance policies. But a good brokerage like Engage Health Group can take care of the admin for you at no extra charge.
Investing in Private Medical Insurance

By investing in a PMI scheme, businesses can enhance employee wellbeing, reduce absenteeism, and improve productivity. With the right approach, a PMI scheme can be a powerful tool for building a healthier, more resilient workforce.

If you’re considering implementing or refining a company PMI scheme, Engage Health Group can help you navigate your options and find the best solution for your team. Contact us today for more information.
December 5, 2024
8 mental health insurance options for UK businesses
Insurers are only too aware of the growing demand for mental health support. That’s why they’ve been busy developing their policies to better support people with varying emotional and mental health needs.

All health insurance providers offer some form of mental health support in their business plans, even if standalone mental health insurance is not available as a distinct policy.

It’s easy to undersatand why insurer’s are making improvements in this area.

Businesses today are increasingly looking to support employees with their mental health and wellbeing.

According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), 46% of all work-related ill health cases are linked to stress, depression, or anxiety.

In this article, we explore what the UK’s eight leading health insurers offer in terms of mental health support.

Contact our award-winning team to receive free impartial advice and a complimentary quotation service. Engage Health Group compares policies across the market and reviews any policies you have in place to ensure they’re offering the best value.

What mental health support is commonly offered by health insurers?

All the leading health insurance providers offer some form of mental health support for their business customers. Many of the support mechanisms they offer are quite similar. For example, Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPS) are offered by all eight insurers featured in this article.

EAPs are designed to provide emotional support across a wide range of issues. These include psychological stresses and strains related to work, finance, family relations, addiction issues and much more. Support is provided via an online platform which includes access to therapists and, often, specialists in different fields (such as legal and financial).

EAPs usually come with general wellbeing advice and exercises too, so you don’t need to be experiencing a crisis to benefit. You can read more about EAPs here.

Another important thing to mention is that mental health support is usually more advanced on Corporate Health Insurance plans which are typically offered to companies with 250-plus employees.

Finally, as it’s 2024, all the leading Group Health Insurance providers provide some form of wellbeing app or online platform with their policies.

8 insurers offering mental health coverage for employees

1. Aviva Health

Aviva’s corporate health insurance plans support various mental health needs. Members can easily access its mental health support services through digital tools, which provide security to all its users.

Aviva’s mental health offering includes:
- Unlimited Mental Health Support: Aviva offers unlimited access to mental health specialists via a GP referral, ensuring you can get help when needed.
- Counselling & Therapy: Up to 28 days of inpatient and day patient mental health treatment and access to outpatient services like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and counselling.
- Apps & Tools: Members can use the Aviva Digital GP app, which provides online GP consultations and self-management resources for mental health, including access to virtual therapy sessions. In addition, you can choose a GP by reviewing their profiles and also get repeat NHS prescriptions.
NOTE: Access to services may vary depending on which Aviva Business Health Insurance plan you opt-for. Contact one of our expert advisors for expert assistance.

2. AXA Health

AXA Health has a Defaqto 5-star rating and offers mental health coverage to support employees at different stages of their mental health journey. Many of its mental health support services are also available for SMEs, providing access to a wide range of specialists and treatments.

AXA’s mental health services include:
- Dedicated mental health line: 24/7 access to a confidential mental health helpline, where staff can speak directly with counsellors and mental health professionals.
- Inpatient & outpatient support: AXA’s plans cover a range of treatments, from CBT and counselling sessions to more intensive psychiatric care.
- Apps and tools: The AXA Health App allows staff access to personalised mental health assessments and resources that track your mental wellness over time. By being proactive with the app, you can make small recommended changes that lead to healthier habits over time.
NOTE: Available services may vary depending on which Aviva Business Health Insurance plan you opt-for.

3. Bupa

Bupa is well-known for its mental health support, providing flexible options to address mental health concerns. Preventive care and ongoing therapy are both catered for.

Bupa’s mental health services include:
- Unlimited mental health treatment: Bupa covers treatment for a variety of conditions, including stress, anxiety, and depression. This includes both inpatient and outpatient care.
- No GP referrals needed: Members don’t need a GP referral to access counselling services, making it easier for them to get help.
- Apps and tools: The Bupa Blua app offers articles, self-help guides, and tools to manage stress and anxiety. Bupa’s online resources hub, Healthy Me, also provides additional advice from experts.
- 24/7 mental health support line: Bupa offers a confidential helpline that connects directly with trained counselors.
NOTE: Available services may vary depending on which Bupa Business Health Insurance plan you select. Contact one of our experts to discover which policy best fits your needs.

4. Freedom Health Insurance

Freedom Health Insurance provides coverage for mental health support via virtual and in-person options.
- eMed Virtual GP Service: Offers quick access to unlimited mental health consultations with doctors via their eMed GP app, allowing you to get help from home 24/7, 365 days a year.
- Inpatient & outpatient treatment: Freedom Health Insurance covers short-term and long-term mental health conditions, offering therapy, counselling, and psychiatric care when necessary.
- Optional mental health coverage: Employers can add mental health support to their corporate plans, providing tailored mental health services based on the company’s needs.
NOTE: Available services may vary depending on which Freedom Business Health Insurance plan you select.

5. Vitality

Vitality takes a proactive approach to mental health insurance, focusing on wellness and preventative care. Its plans promote mental wellbeing and offer various tools to help its members manage mental health before it gets worse.

Services included on Vitality’s business plans include:
- Counseling & therapy: Coverage includes talking therapies such as CBT and counselling sessions, helping members access support in the early stages of mental health difficulties.
- Subscription to Headspace: Including guided meditations, and yoga sessions
- Apps and tools: The Vitality Member app offers a range of digital tools and resources for mental health self-care, including wellness trackers, guided meditations, and stress management techniques. The app also provides discounts from its partners to help you manage stress, eat better, lose weight, and quit smoking.
- Comprehensive mental health cover: Vitality offers ‘bolt-on’ inpatient and outpatient mental health treatment.
NOTE: Available services may vary depending on which Vitality Company Health Insurance plan you select. Arrange a free consultation with one of our expert advisors to discover which policy best fits your needs.

6. Western Provident Association (WPA)

WPA is known for its personalised approach to health insurance. They focus on providing mental health care as an “add-on” to its core products, including access to treatment and ongoing support.

Services included on WPA’s business plans include:
- Extensive Mental Health Cover: WPA covers a wide range of mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, and other psychiatric disorders – this includes access to treatment and ongoing support.
- Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs): Like other insurers, WPA offers mental health support for employees, including counselling, advice, and work-life balance tools through its EAP. This cover is available to all WPA members and their families. In addition, remote access through the WPA Helpline is available to everyone above 16 years old every day of the year, 24/7.
- Apps and tools: Members can use the WPA Health App, which provides access to mental health resources, wellness tracking, and virtual consultations. You can also make and track claims 24/7 through the app, view membership documents, and send and receive messages with WPA through a secure messaging system.
NOTE: Available services may vary depending on which WPA Company Health Insurance plan you select.

7. Benenden Health

Benenden Health provides affordable health care, focusing on mental health support for employees. They offer straightforward coverage to help employees manage mild to moderate mental health issues.

Services included on Benenden’s business plans include:
- Mental health support line: Employees can access free, 24/7 mental health support after six months of membership, giving them direct access to counsellors for issues like stress and anxiety.
- Short-term therapy: Benenden provides up to 6 sessions of therapy or counselling for employees facing mental health challenges.
- Apps and tools: The Benenden Wellbeing Hub offers mental health articles, self-help guides, and wellness tools to help employees manage their mental health independently.
NOTE: Available services listed above may vary according to which Benenden Company PMI plan you select. Arrange a free consultation with one of our award-winning advisors to discover which policy best fits your needs.

8. YuLife

YuLife is a tech-first provider that delivers its health insurance plans through Bupa. Along with Bupa’s mental health support services, businesses also get access to YuLife’s app.

Services on YuLife’s offering include:
- Insurance-free assistance: A major benefit of YuLife is that it’s available to anyone, even if your employees aren’t part of their insurance coverage. Your employees can access the app’s wellness and employee perks platform, which includes virtual GP consultations, EAPs, and wellbeing challenges.
- Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs): YuLife provides access to counselling, mental health assessments, and emotional support through its EAP services.
- Apps and tools: The YuLife Employee App includes wellness trackers, mindfulness exercises, and access to mental health support, encouraging mental health management.
- Bupa mental health support: (See Bupa’s offering above.)
NOTE: Available services may vary depending on which YuLife package you choose.

Which policy best supports your employee’s mental health?

The truth is there’s no one answer to this question. Each policy has its own strengths and weaknesses, while each business need differs.

As an employee benefits consultancy we can help you make the best possible decision by doing the following:
- Taking the time to understanding what kind of coverage you’re looking for, the number of people you’d like to cover and how much you’re able to invest
- Gathering a range of quotes from different providers and outlining the key mental health services they offer
- Considering how the policy will interact with any products or policies you already have in place. For example, do you already have a cash plan or EAP in place?
- Reviewing any current health and protection policies you have in place to ensure you’re receiving the best value
The award-winning advisors at Engage Health Group are here to answer all your questions and give advice in your best interests. Simple call 01273974419 or email enquiries@engagehealthgroup.co.uk to arrange a free consultation.
November 6, 2024