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Four out of 10 firms offer private medical insurance to all of their employees, according to a survey by William M Mercer.
The figures show that 70 per cent of employers who have changed their eligibility in the past three years have done so to expand the membership scheme.
Steve Clements, European partner at William M Mercer, said, "In extending coverage to all employees, organisations appreciate the productivity benefits of accelerating medical treatment and of returning employees to work much more promptly."
Yet in spite of the offer of cover, only 75 per cent of full-time and 57 per cent of part-time staff take up membership of their company scheme. It costs an average of £314 for individual membership and £691 for family membership.
Half of the firms surveyed pay for employees' health insurance, but do not contribute towards the cost of other family members.
The survey of 527 employers also shows that firms are offering staff other health-related benefits. Four out of 10 provide dental insurance and 67 per cent offer income replacement insurance.
