Health Cash Plan Providers for Companies

Health cash plan providers for companies offer employee benefit policies that reimburse routine healthcare costs, with 2.89 million individuals covered by health cash plans in 2023–representing 4.7% annual growth. The UK market is dominated by five major providers: Simplyhealth, Westfield Health, Medicash, Health Shield, and BHSF Group, which collectively control over 80% of the corporate market. With 73% of HR decision-makers feeling stronger responsibility for employee health due to NHS waiting times, and costs starting from £3 per employee monthly, health cash plans have become essential employee benefits for companies seeking cost-effective healthcare support.

For current pricing and detailed plan comparisons, visit our comprehensive Health Cash Plans comparison tool.

What Are Health Cash Plan Providers and How Do They Serve Companies?

Health cash plan providers are insurance companies that offer corporate benefit policies designed to help employees manage everyday healthcare expenses. Unlike traditional private medical insurance, these providers focus on reimbursing routine healthcare costs including dental treatments, optical care, physiotherapy, and prescription medications.

The corporate health cash plan market operates through three primary models:

• Employer-paid plans: Fully funded by companies, typically £3-30 per employee monthly
• Employee-paid (voluntary) plans: Funded through salary deduction at discounted corporate rates
• Hybrid plans: Cost-sharing between employer and employee with upgrade options

These providers serve over 400,000 employees through corporate schemes, with Medicash now covering the highest number of employees in the UK market according to Corporate Adviser's 2024 research.

Current Market Landscape: Growth and Industry Trends 2024-2025

Market Growth and Demand:

• 2.89 million individuals covered by health cash plans in 2023 (4.7% YoY growth)
• 2.8 million people on long-term sick leave, driving employer healthcare investment
• 73% of HR decision-makers feel increased responsibility for employee health
• 67% of people would consider using private healthcare due to NHS pressures

Business Impact Research:

• 51% of employers report improved employee satisfaction
• 46% report reduced sickness absence
• 42% cite improved employee retention
• 34% of people plan to pay for private treatment within 12 months

Digital Innovation Trends:

• Mobile-first claim processing becoming industry standard
• AI-powered virtual GP services integrated into plans
• Wearable device integration for preventative health monitoring
• Advanced data analytics providing employers with utilization insights

Top 5 Health Cash Plan Providers: Comprehensive Market Analysis

1. Simplyhealth: Market Leader with Digital Innovation

Market Position: Largest provider by market share according to LaingBuisson research Key Statistics: Highest claims payout ratio at 3.54 claims per employee annually

Core Offering:

• Simply Essentials: Starting from £3 per month (Employee Benefits, May 2025)
• Full product range: Includes neurodiversity assessments and menopause coaching
• Direct settlement schemes: For optical services to reduce employee upfront costs
• Digital physiotherapy: Integrated virtual treatment solutions

Unique Advantages:

• Modular approach: Employers pay only for needed services, avoiding duplication
• Comprehensive workforce coverage: Affordable options for all employee levels
• 24/7 virtual GP access: Included in basic packages
• Mental health and physiotherapy support: Standard across all plans

Corporate Benefits:

• Preventative treatment focus: Reduces long-term healthcare costs
• No excess payments: Employees receive full reimbursement up to limits
• Fast online claims: Streamlined digital processing
• Reward programs: Employee engagement incentives

2. Westfield Health: Corporate Specialist with Comprehensive Solutions

Market Position: Second-largest provider with extensive corporate reach Employee Coverage: Provides plans to more employers than any other provider

Plan Structure:

• Starting cost: £6.52 per employee monthly (Employee Benefits, May 2025)
• Coverage areas: Dental, optical, therapy treatments, virtual GP services
• Diagnostic services: MRI, CT, and PET scanning coverage
• Mental health support: Uncapped counseling sessions

Distinctive Features:

• Corporate fitness services: Integrated workplace wellness programs
• Health and lifestyle screenings: On-site employee health assessments
• Mental health first aid courses: Training for employee support
• Scientific partnerships: Evidence-based wellness approaches

Digital Solutions:

• Online mental health community: Peer support platforms
• Quick diagnosis services: Rapid access to specialist diagnostics
• Comprehensive digital support: Multi-channel access options
• Customizable benefits packages: Tailored to company needs

3. Medicash: Largest Employee Coverage with Award-Winning Service

Market Position: Covers almost 400,000 employees—highest in corporate market Founded: 1871, making it one of the UK's oldest providers Customer Satisfaction: 4.7/5 stars on Trustpilot from nearly 5,000 reviews

Digital Innovation Leadership:

• Phio app: Digital physiotherapy assessments
• SkinVision app: AI-powered skin cancer screening
• mProve YOURSELF: Comprehensive wellbeing app
• My Medicash app: Mobile claims processing and benefit management

Coverage Features:

• Starting cost: £5 per employee monthly (Drewberry Insurance, March 2024)
• Everyday healthcare: Comprehensive routine cost reimbursement
• Virtual GP services: 24/7 access with prescription delivery
• Mental health support: Integrated counseling and wellness resources
• Family coverage: Dependents included in corporate plans

Awards and Recognition:

• Corporate Adviser: 'Best Cash Plan Provider' 2024
• 5-Star Provider Service Award: Industry recognition for customer service
• Investor in Customers Gold Award: Customer experience excellence
• Health & Protection Awards: Best Health Cash Plan Provider

4. Health Shield: Second-Largest Corporate Provider with Innovation Focus

Market Position: Second-largest in corporate cash plan sector Recent Growth: 46% of new members choosing Level 2 coverage (£6.50/month) Claims Volume: Over 625,000 claims processed in 2024

Plan Options:

• Select Health Cash Plan: Pre-packaged solution starting £4.77/month (Employee Benefits, May 2025)
• Tailored Health Cash Plan: Customizable benefits for specific needs
• Flexible Health Cash Plan: Platform-ready solution for large organizations
• Corporate Health Cash Plan: Comprehensive coverage for all employee levels

Innovative Services:

• GP Anytime: 24/7 virtual consultation access
• SkinVision app: Cancer screening technology
• Employee Assistance Programme: 24/7 counseling support
• PERKS platform: Exclusive employee discount schemes

Claims Analysis:

• Top claim areas: Dental, physiotherapy, chiropody, optical treatments
• Growing trends: Increased uptake of vaccinations and health screening
• Family benefits: Rising demand for maternity and family planning coverage
• Processing time: 3-5 working days for online claims

5. BHSF Group: Not-for-Profit Heritage with Comprehensive Coverage

Market Position: Third-largest UK provider with 7% market share Founded: 1873, extensive heritage in workplace wellbeing Customer Satisfaction: 4.9/5 stars from 6,562 Trustpilot reviews

Plan Structure:

• Employer-paid plans: From £5.50 per employee monthly (myTribe Insurance, March 2025)
• Employee-funded plans: Starting £5.98 monthly
• Coverage levels: Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum options
• Diagnostic coverage: Comprehensive MRI, CT, and PET scan access

Distinctive Features:

• 100% reimbursement: On many routine treatments
• No medical screening: Simplified enrollment process
• Children coverage: Free inclusion up to age 18
• Quick claims processing: Typically within 24 hours

Specialized Services:

• Gender-specific health: Targeted women's and men's health programs
• Mental health and menopause support: Comprehensive wellness coverage
• Prescription cost coverage: Full medication reimbursement programs
• PMI excess cover: Integration with private medical insurance

Emerging Providers and Market Developments

Other Notable Providers:

• Benenden Health: Not-for-profit with community focus, five coverage levels
• WPA: Specialist approach with NHS Top-Up Corporate plans and cancer drug coverage
• Sovereign Health Care: Comprehensive benefits with wider strategy integration
• Bupa: Premium provider entering cash plan market with innovative solutions

Market Trends 2024-2025:

• Claims diversification: Beyond traditional dental/optical to vaccinations and screenings
• Musculoskeletal focus: Increased physiotherapy and osteopathy coverage
• Family benefits expansion: Growing demand for maternity and childcare support
• Digital health integration: Virtual consultations and AI-powered health apps

Types of Corporate Health Cash Plans: Complete Implementation Guide

1. Employer-Paid Plans (Most Popular)

Implementation: Fully funded by company as core benefit Cost Range: £3-30 per employee monthly depending on coverage level Tax Benefits: Qualify as allowable business expense Employee Value: High appreciation as "free" benefit with immediate utility

Advantages for Employers:

• High employee satisfaction: Visible, frequently-used benefit
• Tax deductible: Reduces corporate tax liability
• Simple administration: Provider handles all claim processing
• Predictable costs: Fixed monthly premiums, no surprise expenses

2. Employee-Paid (Voluntary) Plans

Implementation: Salary sacrifice or deduction schemes Cost Range: £6-15 per employee monthly at discounted corporate rates Flexibility: Multiple coverage levels for employee choice Participation: Typically 30-60% uptake in voluntary schemes

Benefits for Companies:

• No direct cost: Employees fund their own coverage
• Employee choice: Demonstrates care without financial commitment
• Administrative efficiency: Payroll integration simplifies management
• Scalable solution: Easy to implement across large organizations

3. Hybrid Plans (Growing Trend)

Implementation: Employer provides basic coverage with employee upgrade options Structure: Company pays for Level 1, employees can upgrade to higher tiers Cost Sharing: Typically 50/50 split on premium costs Flexibility: Balances cost control with comprehensive coverage

Strategic Advantages:

• Budget control: Employer caps contribution while providing choice
• Maximum coverage: Employees can access premium benefits affordably
• High engagement: Personal investment increases utilization
• Competitive positioning: Demonstrates comprehensive benefits commitment

Selection Criteria: How to Choose the Right Provider

1. Company Size and Budget Considerations

Small Businesses (Under 50 employees):

• Recommended providers: Health Shield Select (£4.77/month), Simplyhealth Essentials (£3/month)
• Key features: Simple administration, no minimum employee requirements
• Budget allocation: £150-1,500 monthly total investment

All pricing sources: Employee Benefits Industry Analysis, May 2025, Drewberry Insurance Reviews, March 2024, myTribe Insurance Analysis, March 2025

Medium Businesses (50-500 employees):

• Recommended providers: Medicash, BHSF, Westfield Health
• Key features: Flexible plan options, dedicated account management
• Budget allocation: £1,500-15,000 monthly investment

Large Enterprises (500+ employees):

• Recommended providers: All major providers offer enterprise solutions
• Key features: Customizable plans, advanced analytics, integration capabilities
• Budget allocation: £15,000+ monthly with volume discounts

2. Digital Capability Assessment

Essential Digital Features:

• Mobile claim processing: Apps with photo receipt submission
• Virtual GP access: 24/7 consultation availability
• Real-time claim tracking: Status updates and processing transparency
• Digital health tools: Wellness apps and health screening technology

Advanced Digital Integration:

• HRIS integration: Seamless employee data management
• Analytics dashboards: Utilization reporting and trend analysis
• Wearable device compatibility: Fitness tracking and health monitoring
• AI-powered recommendations: Personalized health insights

3. Coverage and Service Comparison

For a detailed comparison of all available health cash plans and providers, see our comprehensive Health Cash Plans comparison table.

Sources:

1. Employee Benefits, May 2025
2. Employee Benefits, May 2025
3. Drewberry Insurance, March 2024
4. Employee Benefits, May 2025
5. myTribe Insurance, March 2025

Future Trends: Evolution of Health Cash Plan Providers

Digital Health Integration 2025-2026:

• AI-powered health assessments: Predictive analytics for employee health risks
• Wearable device integration: Real-time health monitoring with preventative interventions
• Telemedicine expansion: Specialist consultations beyond general practitioners
• Personalized wellness programs: Data-driven individual health improvement plans

Market Developments:

• Consolidation trends: Smaller providers merging with market leaders
• Product innovation: Hybrid models combining cash plans with PMI features
• Corporate wellness integration: Comprehensive workplace health ecosystems
• Regulatory evolution: Enhanced consumer protection and service standards

Emerging Service Categories:

• Neurodiversity support: ADHD, autism, and learning difficulty assessments
• Menopause and women's health: Specialized female-focused healthcare programs
• Preventative genetic testing: Early disease risk identification and management
• Environmental health: Air quality monitoring and occupational health services

Provider Selection Decision Matrix

For Budget-Conscious Small Businesses:

Recommended: Simplyhealth Essentials (£3/month) or Health Shield Select (£4.77/month) Key Benefits: Low cost, essential coverage, simple administration Best Fit: 10-50 employees, basic healthcare support needs

For Medium Businesses Seeking Comprehensive Coverage:

Recommended: Medicash (£5/month) or BHSF (£5.50/month) Key Benefits: Award-winning service, digital innovation, extensive coverage Best Fit: 50-500 employees, competitive benefits packages required

For Large Enterprises Requiring Advanced Solutions:

Recommended: Westfield Health (£6.52/month) or Medicash premium tiers Key Benefits: Advanced analytics, unlimited mental health support, customizable plans Best Fit: 500+ employees, comprehensive wellness strategies

For Technology-Forward Companies:

Recommended: Medicash or Health Shield Key Benefits: Leading digital apps, AI-powered tools, innovative health technology Best Fit: Any size, employees expect advanced digital experiences

Key Takeaways: Choosing Health Cash Plan Providers

Bottom Line: The UK health cash plan provider market offers comprehensive options for companies of all sizes, with five major providers controlling 80% of the corporate market. Simplyhealth leads in market share and claims processing, Medicash covers the most employees with award-winning digital innovation, Health Shield focuses on affordable comprehensive coverage, Westfield Health specializes in corporate solutions, and BHSF offers heritage reliability with not-for-profit values.

Strategic Recommendation: Companies should evaluate providers based on three key criteria: cost-effectiveness for their employee base, digital capability alignment with company culture, and service quality matching administrative preferences. With 73% of HR decision-makers feeling increased responsibility for employee health, health cash plans represent essential employee benefits rather than optional perks.

Implementation Success: The most successful corporate implementations combine appropriate provider selection with comprehensive employee communication and ongoing engagement monitoring. With costs starting from just £3 per employee monthly and proven ROI through improved satisfaction (51%), reduced absence (46%), and better retention (42%), health cash plans offer compelling value propositions for employers across all sectors.

Future-Proofing: Choose providers demonstrating digital innovation leadership and comprehensive wellness platform development. As the market evolves toward integrated health ecosystems, providers offering AI-powered tools, wearable integration, and preventative health programs will deliver greater long-term value than traditional reimbursement-only services.

Frequently Asked Questions: Corporate Health Cash Plans

Which health cash plan provider offers the best value for small businesses?

Health Shield's Select plan at £4.77/month and Simplyhealth's Essentials at £3/month provide excellent entry-level options for small businesses. Both offer comprehensive basic coverage with digital GP access and standard claim processing.

How do corporate health cash plan providers handle claims processing?

Most providers offer mobile app-based claims with photo receipt submission. Processing times vary: BHSF processes claims within 24 hours, Health Shield takes 3-5 days, while Medicash typically processes within 5 working days. All payments go directly to employee bank accounts.

What digital services do health cash plan providers offer?

Leading providers offer virtual GP consultations (24/7), mobile claim apps, health screening tools, and wellness platforms. Medicash leads with specialized apps (Phio, SkinVision, mProve YOURSELF), while Health Shield offers GP Anytime and employee assistance programs.

Can health cash plan providers integrate with existing HR systems?

Yes, all major providers offer HRIS integration capabilities. This enables automatic employee enrollment, real-time eligibility updates, and streamlined administration. Integration complexity varies by provider and existing systems.

What's the difference between employer-paid and employee-paid schemes?

Employer-paid schemes are funded entirely by the company (£3-30/month per employee) and typically achieve 90%+ participation. Employee-paid schemes are funded through salary sacrifice at discounted corporate rates, achieving 30-60% voluntary participation rates.

How do health cash plan providers support employee mental health?

All major providers include mental health support: 24/7 counseling helplines, Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), stress management resources, and virtual therapy sessions. Westfield Health offers unlimited counseling sessions, while others provide standard annual limits.

What's the average ROI from corporate health cash plans?

Research shows 51% of employers report improved employee satisfaction, 46% see reduced sickness absence, and 42% cite improved retention. With average costs of £3-30/month per employee, ROI typically occurs within 12-18 months through reduced recruitment and absence costs.