Bupa: Survey found the majority of staff favoured PMI
By Johanna Gornitzki
Staff value private medical insurance (PMI) above most other employee benefits, a recent study has revealed.
According to Bupa's Health of the Nation survey, which surveyed 1,049 UK employees, PMI now comes second only to a pension as the most desirable employee benefit - and before both flexible hours and bonus schemes.
More than half of the respondents said they would be more tempted by a job that offered PMI above one that did not.
Some 64% also argued that employers need to take more responsibility for their employees' health and care needs.
Commenting on the findings, Ann Greenwood, director, business markets at Bupa Health Insurance, said: "Attitudes to personal healthcare are changing with people keen to have more control of their healthcare options rather than leaving it to chance.
Alongside this, employers are coming under increasing pressure to improve productivity, reduce absence and manage a workforce that is not only getting older, but is also affected by lifestyle-related health issues like obesity and smoking."
The survey also revealed that about three in five people think tax incentives should be given to encourage people to take out PMI. Interest in health checks also seems to be growing with 60% of the respondents saying they would like their employers to provide these checks.
