Mental health support and GP access top priority for businesses

August 2023, by Megan Anderson.

Healthcare brokers state that mental health support and faster GP access is ‘most attractive’ in business healthcare cover.

Intermediaries have stated that employers are prioritising mental health support for employees, according to new research from not-for-profit healthcare provider Benenden Health.

The research shows that most intermediaries (67%) are finding mental health support the ‘most attractive’ service, with just under half (47%) stating faster GP access and a fifth (19%) stating diagnostics.

The research underpins a recent study by Indeed, which showed that 18- to 29-year olds found that when they feel their employers value their mental health, their performance and loyalty at work increases.

Benenden Health also found that nearly three quarters (74%) of intermediaries have found employer expectations of healthcare services have changed in the last 12-18 months. The surveyed intermediaries expanded, stating that employers are demanding a more comprehensive level of cover than ever before. They also state that employers are more focused on immediate access to services, especially digital services, on the back of NHS England wait times reaching record highs last month.

Chief Executive Officer, Bob Andrews comments, “Private healthcare isn’t about luxury hospitals anymore – it’s about speed. Another piece of Benenden Health research shows that accessing primary services faster is the main motivator for choosing private health.

“This ‘need for speed’ wasn’t the case five years ago; the priority used to be secondary treatments, such as larger operations and procedures. This speaks to the current state of the NHS yet, is helpful for the NHS’ survival.”

Health and medical insurance broker, advo, mentioned: “Speed of access is more important than ever. Businesses are focusing on quicker access to services for their employees, as NHS wait times continue at an unacceptable level.”

Three-quarters (77%) of intermediaries surveyed also stated that Benenden Health’s services would appeal to businesses, and another three-quarters (74%) specified that its ‘No-exclusions for pre-existing conditions’ feature is the most-appealing.

Visit business healthcare for intermediaries.