A record 4.4 million people are now covered by health insurance through their employer, data from the trade body reveals.
This represents an 8% increase from the four million recorded in 2021 to 4.4 million in 2022, according to the Association of British Insurers (ABI).
The total number of people covered by health insurance – both individual and workplace policies – has increased by 7% to 5.8 million in 2022. This is the highest number seen since 2008. And payouts for health insurance claims also hit a record high, reaching almost £3bn overall.
It also revealed one million claims have been made over the past year – a 15% increase from the 873,000 recorded in 2021.
The ABI said these figures demonstrate that insurance needs to be a vital part of the occupational health conversation as the Government focuses on the need to support people stay healthy and at work.
The insurance trade body explained that workplace health insurance can provide staff with speedier access to services and treatment which often prevent conditions from worsening.
Further, the access to virtual GPs and more flexible appointment times can help people get back on their feet and back to work and daily commitments.
The data comes as its previous research revealed that nine in 10 people who were absent from work due to illness or injury were successfully supported to stay in their employment using services provided by their insurer.
Over 42% of those absent were supported back to work in under four weeks and 81% in under six months.
Government needs to cut IPT on health insurance
Ahead of the Autumn Statement, the ABI continues to call on the Government to cut the rate of Insurance Premium Tax (IPT) on health insurance to allow more employers and individuals to access it as it views this “as a key route to improving workplace health.”
Rebecca Deegan, head of health and protection policy, ABI, said: “The value health and protection insurance can provide in keeping people fit, well and in work can’t be overstated.
“These record figures speak for themselves. By overlooking its potential to boost the health of the nation, the Government is missing an opportunity to better support workers and keep people healthy and in employment.”
