How Health Cash Plans Support Everyday Wellbeing
- Excellect
- Oct 21
- 3 min read
The simple, affordable benefit that makes a big difference
When it comes to employee benefits, not everything needs to be complex or costly to make an impact.
Health Cash Plans are a simple, affordable way to support your team’s everyday wellbeing. They help employees manage the routine healthcare costs that add up over time - things like dental check-ups, eye tests, or physiotherapy - and show that you care about their health beyond just the big emergencies.
For employers, it’s one of the most cost-effective ways to promote wellbeing, boost engagement, and support a healthier, happier workforce.
What Is a Health Cash Plan?
A Health Cash Plan is a policy that reimburses employees for everyday healthcare expenses. Unlike Private Medical Insurance (PMI), which covers major treatment and hospital care, Health Cash Plans focus on the smaller but more frequent costs that people actually face.
Most plans include cashback for:
🦷 Dental treatments
👁️ Eye tests and prescription glasses
💆 Physiotherapy, chiropractic and osteopathy
🧘 Health screenings and alternative therapies
💊 Prescriptions and consultations (depending on plan level)
Employees simply pay for their treatment as normal, submit a receipt, and receive a refund (usually within a few days).
It’s that easy - no scary paperwork, no complex claims process.
Why Health Cash Plans Work So Well for Businesses
1. Affordable and Accessible
Health Cash Plans are typically low-cost per employee - often just a few pounds per month - and can be offered to every member of staff, regardless of seniority or age.
2. Supports Everyday Wellbeing
By covering regular healthcare costs, you help employees look after their health before issues become bigger problems.
3. Engagement and Appreciation
Employees notice when their employer helps with everyday costs. It’s a tangible way to show you care.
4. Improves Attendance and Productivity
With quicker access to routine treatments and support, staff are less likely to take extended time off due to preventable issues.
5. Attractive to All Ages
From new graduates to senior leaders, everyone benefits - it’s one of the most universally valued employee benefits.
Extra Benefits You Might Not Expect
Modern Health Cash Plans often include additional wellbeing tools at no extra cost, such as:
24/7 GP and virtual consultation access
Mental health helplines
Discounted gym memberships and lifestyle savings
Health and wellbeing resources
These extras extend the benefit beyond physical health - supporting mental, emotional, and financial wellbeing too.
How Health Cash Plans Compare to PMI
While both Health Cash Plans and Private Medical Insurance (PMI) promote wellbeing, they serve different purposes:
Feature
Covers
Cost
Suitable for
Typical Benefits
Claim Process
Health Cash Plan
Everyday health costs
Low monthly premium
All employees
Dental, optical, physio
Reimbursement
Private Medical Insurance
Major medical treatment
Higher, based on cover level
Often senior or key staff
Inpatient & outpatient care
Direct to provider or claim line
Many businesses combine both - using PMI for higher-level protection and Health Cash Plans for broad, everyday coverage.
Reviewing or Adding a Health Cash Plan
If you don’t currently offer a Health Cash Plan, it’s one of the easiest benefits to introduce. Providers offer flexible, scalable options that can be tailored to your workforce and budget.
If you already have one in place, a quick review ensures you’re getting the best value and that your employees are aware of what’s available - because the biggest waste is an unused benefit.
Final Thoughts
Health Cash Plans might not grab headlines, but they’re the quiet hero of employee wellbeing.
Simple to run, affordable to maintain, and genuinely useful for staff, they help create a culture of care and confidence in your business.
If you’d like to explore how a Health Cash Plan could fit into your benefits package, or compare options across the market, we’d be happy to help.
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