Written by Upstox Desk
5 min read | Updated on May 28, 2025, 15:59 IST
How Employee Health Insurance Works?
How Does It Benefit Employees and Employers?
How to Select the Best Insurer for Your Organization?
Summing Up
FAQs
Upstox is a leading Indian financial services company that offers online trading and investment services in stocks, commodities, currencies, mutual funds, and more. Founded in 2009 and headquartered in Mumbai, Upstox is backed by prominent investors including Ratan Tata, Tiger Global, and Kalaari Capital. It operates under RKSV Securities and is registered with SEBI, NSE, BSE, and other regulatory bodies, ensuring secure and compliant trading experiences.
Mr Malhotra was recently contemplating corporate health insurance for all company employees. He received various quotations from different insurers, but picking one was difficult. First, he did not know what ‘adequate coverage’ should be for the diverse (age, gender) range of employees. In addition, he did not understand what additional coverages he should choose. Further, he read a lot of negative news regarding claim rejections and did not want his employees to face any troubles while filing claims. So, the reputation of an insurer was of paramount importance.
Like Mr. Malhotra, many employers struggle with these questions. Choosing the right employee health insurance policy requires careful evaluation of several factors, ensuring both employee well-being and business sustainability.
Your business’s goodwill improves considerably when you take ample steps to safeguard the interests of your workers. This guide will walk you through the key considerations to help you choose the best corporate health insurance policy- one that safeguards your employees, enhances workplace satisfaction and strengthens your company’s reputation.
If an organization wants to cover the health and wellness of its employees through a group health insurance, it should have clarity about how it works:
It is health insurance coverage for the employees (and their families) paid entirely or shared partly by the employer. Many policies allow employees to extend coverage to their dependents, such as spouses, children, or parents, often at an additional premium. Group pricing benefits generally make these policies more affordable than individual health plans.
Employee health insurance typically covers a wide range of issues, such as hospitalization coverage for illnesses, injuries, and surgeries. It covers pre- and post-hospitalization expenses, diagnostic tests, and doctor consultations. Some policies offer additional benefits like maternity coverage, mental health support, and wellness programs.
Insurers often have tie-ups with a large number of hospitals around the country that provide cashless treatment to employees or their family members during critical treatments. In case an employee has to choose a non-network hospital, he must pay first and apply for reimbursement later.
When an employee requires medical treatment (for self or family), there is little role to play by the employer. The employee can either avail of cashless treatment at network hospitals or pay out of pocket and file for reimbursement. The claim process requires submitting necessary documents, such as hospital bills, discharge summaries, and medical reports. Insurers verify the claim and process the payment accordingly.
There are multiple policy customization available, starting with different add-ons and riders. That includes add-ons such as critical illness coverage, accidental coverage, or outpatient benefits. Other benefits include free health check-ups, telemedicine consultations, and fitness programs.
Here is how employee health insurance is a win-win for both employees and employers:
Benefits | For Employees | For Employers |
---|---|---|
Financial Protection | Covers medical expenses, reducing out-of-pocket costs for treatments, hospitalization, and surgeries. | Reduces financial strain on employees, leading to better productivity and job satisfaction. |
Quality Healthcare Access | Provides access to network hospitals with cashless treatment, ensuring timely medical care. | Ensures a healthier workforce, reducing absenteeism and maintaining operational efficiency. |
Job Satisfaction and Employee Engagement | Employees feel valued and secure knowing their health needs are covered. | Improves employee morale and strengthens company loyalty, reducing attrition. |
Preventive Health Benefits | Includes preventive health check-ups, mental health support, and wellness programs. | Promotes employee well-being, leading to improved engagement and overall workplace happiness. |
Attracting and Retaining Talent | A strong health benefits package makes the company an attractive place to work. | Helps in talent acquisition and retention, creating a competitive edge in the job market. |
Here is a list of things you must consider before selecting the insurer for your enterprise:
You must consider an insurance company with reputation and financial strength. This ensures no issues in claim processing and sustained services for your business.
Always conduct due diligence concerning CSR (Claim Settlement Ratio) in case of employee term insurance and other stats related to the insurance company.
Ask for broader coverage and customization of standard plans that suit your organization's diverse and unique needs.
Always finalize an insurance company with tie-ups with many hospitals in your city and around the country.
It is always advisable to conduct proper research on the quality of customer support for the shortlisted insurance company.
To enhance employee well-being, look for insurers offering wellness programs, OPD cover, and mental health support.
Try to strike a balance between comprehensive coverage and the cost-effectiveness of the policy.
Irrespective of the nature and size of your organization, choosing the right corporate health insurance policy for the protection and well-being of your employees is critical. A well-structured plan enhances workforce well-being, boosts productivity, and strengthens the company's reputation. Businesses can create a supportive and secure work environment by prioritizing comprehensive benefits and a seamless claims process.
Employers should evaluate coverage adequacy, claim settlement reputation, network hospitals, customization options, and overall cost-effectiveness.
It provides financial protection and quality healthcare access for employees while improving job satisfaction, productivity, and talent retention for employers.
A high claim settlement ratio indicates the insurer’s reliability in processing claims, ensuring employees face minimal issues during medical emergencies.
Yes, many corporate health insurance plans allow employees to include dependents like spouses, children, or parents, often at an additional premium.
Customization ensures the policy meets diverse employee needs by offering add-ons like critical illness coverage, outpatient benefits, and wellness programs.
Yes, many corporate health insurance plans allow employees to customize their coverage by adding optional benefits like critical illness cover, maternity benefits, or outpatient consultations. However, these may come at an additional premium.
When an employee leaves, their corporate health insurance coverage typically ceases unless the insurer offers a portability option to convert it into an individual plan. Employees should check with HR or the insurer for transition options.
Most group health insurance policies cover pre-existing conditions from day one, unlike individual health plans that have waiting periods. However, it's advisable to check the policy terms for specific coverage details.
About Author
Upstox Desk
Upstox Desk
Team of expert writers dedicated to providing insightful and comprehensive coverage on stock markets, economic trends, commodities, business developments, and personal finance. With a passion for delivering valuable information, the team strives to keep readers informed about the latest trends and developments in the financial world.
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