Five ways UK care providers can use health cash plans more and PMI less

The UK care sector runs on commitment, compassion and resilience. Every day, care professionals make a difference to people’s lives, yet their pay and benefits often do not reflect the value of their contribution.

Less than a third of care workers receive more than statutory sick pay, and many report their roles negatively affect their mental health, contributing to some of the highest absence rates in the UK. Fewer than half have access to mental health support, and less than a third can access pay early, making them 10 times more likely to use payday loans.

Providing fair, tangible and accessible benefits is not a “nice to have” – it is essential for retention, resilience and reputation. As a society, we depend on the care workforce to look after the most vulnerable, and it is only right we look after them in return.

I speak from personal experience. My daughter has a rare genetic condition that means my family relies on the care system every day. As a parent-carer, I have huge respect for the people who make our care system work. Supporting them at work, when we lean on them so heavily outside it, simply makes sense.

Private Medical Insurance (PMI) may be out of reach for most care providers, costing £600–£700 per employee per year. Health cash plans, starting from just £6 per month, offer a practical, affordable alternative, covering GP appointments, diagnostics, dental, optical and mental health services for all staff.

Almost all care staff are frontline, yet traditional benefits are designed for office workers. Cash plans make healthcare support accessible to all, regardless of grade, contract or hours worked. Currently, only around 5% of deskless workers receive these benefits.

Face-to-face engagement is vital. At Hapi, we held 145,000 in-person conversations with employees in 2024, resulting in 82% of care workers retaining their policies year on year and 41% taking up employee-paid protection products. Supporting staff visibly boosts engagement, retention and care quality.

Care workers often neglect their own health. Preventative care stops minor issues becoming major problems. With 31% of working-age adults living with long-term health conditions, cash plans offer early access to physiotherapy, counselling and diagnostic tests like MRIs and X-rays, helping staff return to work sooner.

At Hapi, 98% of claims are paid within 48 hours, ensuring staff get timely support, maintaining continuity of care and team morale. Prevention saves costs, reduces agency reliance and maintains high-quality care.

Many care professionals balance work with family responsibilities. In a UNICEF survey, 44% of UK parents said their children’s health and development were a top concern.

Most cash plans are extendable to include families, and ensure they are protected in some of life’s most challenging moments. Existing conditions are covered, with very few exceptions, meaning that the cover is there when needed. Supporting families strengthens loyalty, helping care providers retain staff in a competitive market.

Presenteeism is high in care, with staff working while unwell. UK employees lose an average of 44 days of productivity a year this way.

Cash plans tackle this by including mental health support, Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs), and wellbeing tools. The Hapi app integrates support in one place, offering:

• Everyday discounts to ease cost-of-living pressures
• Online GP access for quick advice
• Confidential EAP support
• A communication platform connecting all staff, including those working in the community

This combination of digital convenience and in-person engagement ensures staff feel supported and included.

Health cash plans are easy to use, simple to understand and pay out quickly. At Personal Group, we process 98% of claims within 48 hours, and carers can access support when they need it most. High retention rates and rising voluntary take-up show cash plans deliver for employees and employers alike, providing peace of mind and measurable return on investment.

For UK care providers, health cash plans offer a sustainable, scalable and inclusive way to support employees. They provide everyday healthcare access for all staff at a fraction of the cost of PMI.

Combined with the Hapi platform, they connect financial, physical and emotional wellbeing in one seamless experience. The result is lower absenteeism, stronger engagement and a workforce that feels valued, supported and proud to stay.

To explore how Hapi’s health cash plans and wellbeing solutions can support your care workforce, get in touch with our team today.