Howden says new partnership to bring affordable health insurance to UK

Howden Employee Benefits & Wellbeing, a part of independent re/insurance broker Howden, has partnered with Equipsme to offer affordable health insurance to UK companies.

Equipsme offers business health insurance plans for employees and their families.

The broker said the COVID-19 pandemic has prompted many individuals and businesses to consider private healthcare options as an alternative to NHS treatment. Research carried out by Equipsme revealed that interest in private health insurance and treatment has doubled since coronavirus hit.

“The COVID-19 crisis has shone the spotlight on our national health and wellbeing. Employers and employees alike recognise the value of healthcare benefits. Being able to have quick and cost-effective access to diagnosis and treatment has risen up many businesses’ agenda," said Cheryl Brennan, executive director at Howden Employee Benefits & Wellbeing.

"We have seen clients that previously limited private healthcare cover to senior management or key employees within their organisation want to extend it more widely across their workforce," added Brennan. "For some employers, cost has previously been the main barrier to making this benefit widely available, but our partnership with Equipsme means that they now have a cost-effective option."

Matthew Reed, founder of Equipsme, said: “Businesses are emerging from lockdown and asking what they can offer – sustainably – to reward and support their staff with maximum impact. We are delighted that Howden Employee Benefits & Wellbeing see the opportunity to help more businesses around the country to deliver a hugely valued benefit to all their team.”

Brennan added: “Our partnership with Equipsme means that valuable healthcare cover is now more accessible than ever before. It offers flexibility and practical health support from Day One, with access to professional advice around the clock. It also meets the growing demand from employees who want to spend some of the money they have saved from commuting and holidays into access to healthcare support."