Group Insurance as a part of Employee Benefits
Employee benefits are an indispensable component of any competitive compensation package as it plays a prominent role in talent attraction and retention. A corporate insurance policy for employees is one of the major types of employee benefits offered by an employer. Group insurance as a part of employee benefits is a great way to show your employees you care about them and their families. In the below article, we shall learn about things you must know and a few common types of group plans.
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A Few Must-Know Facts About Group Insurance
- In an employee group insurance plan, the risk is evaluated based on the group as a whole. The employer is the policyholder; thus, the master policy is issued under his name. The master policy mentions the number and names of the persons covered (employees), the benefits, terms, and conditions, etc.
- The terms and conditions of a group insurance plan apply equally to all the members, and every employee is covered under a single policy.
- The premium rates are usually lower compared to individual plans making it highly affordable. This is because the risk is distributed among the members of the group. The employer, in most cases, pays the premium for group plans and the employees are considered insured beneficiaries.
- Claims under a group insurance policy are usually handled through the employer who is the policyholder of the insurance.
- For group health insurance and group life insurance, a tax deduction is available under various sections of the Income Tax Act 1961 for the employee (if the premium amount is paid or shared by the employee). Employers can receive certain tax benefits under a different section of the law as well.
Types of Group Insurances as Employee Benefits
Employers provide their employees with group insurance as a part of the employee benefits. Typically, group plans provide coverage to employees, their spouses, children, and their dependent parents. Some of the common types of group insurance that form a part of employee benefits include:
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Group Health Insurance Plans:
A group health insurance plan is designed to protect a group of people (employees in most cases) from healthcare expenses. The employer provides this; one of the most common types of group insurance to its employees to aid them financially during medical emergencies.
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Group Life Insurance Plans:
A group life insurance policy provides affordable and efficient life insurance protection to employees. The main purpose of this policy is to provide financial support to the employee’s family in case of emergencies. In case of an employee’s death, this policy can help support his family monetarily. Many organizations are now offering this plan over and above the group health plans.
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Group Personal Accident Insurance Plans:
This type of group insurance provides financial protection against expenses incurred due to the disablement or death of the insured as per the conditions mentioned in the policy document. General benefits under this plan include accidental death, medical expenses due to accidents, and permanent total or partial disability due to accidents.
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Group Superannuation Plan
It is a type of retirement benefits plan where the employer provides a steady flow of income to his employees after they retire from services. These plans are popularly known as pension plans and continue till the employee’s death.
Conclusion
As an employer, you understand the importance of providing group insurance in the employee benefits package especially in these evolving times. The employer, as well as the employee, both reap the benefits. The employees enjoy uniform benefits irrespective of their social standing, and the employers foster a strong, positive, and long-term work culture.