Why businesses consider health insurance
Employee wellbeing
Support access to eligible private healthcare and health services.
Recruitment and retention
A health benefit may strengthen an overall employment package.
Reduced disruption
Earlier access to eligible treatment may help some employees return to work sooner.
Flexible scheme design
Cover levels, excesses, hospital access and optional benefits can be configured within insurer rules.
What to compare
Eligibility and minimum group size
Check eligibility rules and minimum group sizes, as availability, limits and terms differ by insurer.
Inpatient and day-patient cover
Understand how inpatient and day-patient treatment is covered, as availability, limits and terms differ by insurer.
Outpatient limits
Review outpatient limits and what is included, as availability, limits and terms differ by insurer.
Hospital network
Look at which recognised hospitals and locations are included, as availability, limits and terms differ by insurer.
Mental health support
Consider how mental health support is provided, as availability, limits and terms differ by insurer.
Scheme administration
Check how the scheme is administered and managed, as availability, limits and terms differ by insurer.
Questions for employers
Who will be eligible?
Will dependants be included?
What budget is available per employee?
Which hospitals or locations matter?
What excess is appropriate?
How will new joiners and leavers be handled?
Tax and employment considerations
Employer-paid health insurance is generally treated as a taxable benefit for employees, although individual circumstances can differ. Employers should obtain tax, payroll and employment advice where required. Covered Today does not provide tax advice.
Compare business cover with guidance
Covered Today can help you review suitable small-business health insurance options from its panel and explain key differences. The service is free and there is no obligation.
Frequently asked questions
How many employees are needed?
Minimum group sizes and eligibility rules vary by insurer, so check the terms for the scheme being considered.
Can dependants be included?
Some schemes allow partners or children to be added, subject to insurer rules and additional cost.
Can different employees have different cover?
Scheme structures vary. Some insurers permit categories or benefit levels, subject to eligibility and fair scheme rules.
Does business health insurance cover existing conditions?
This depends on the underwriting basis and scheme terms. Employers and employees should not assume every condition will be covered.