Looking after your employees’ health and wellbeing is an important part of running a successful rural business. Whether you manage a farm, an estate or another countryside business, having the right support in place can make a real difference to your workforce.
For rural employers, accessing healthcare isn’t always straightforward. Longer travel distances, busy working schedules and smaller teams can make it harder for employees to get the support they need.
As you start planning for 2027, now could be a good time to consider the healthcare benefits available to your business.
Here are five options worth exploring.
1. Private medical insurance
Private medical insurance (PMI) can provide employees with access to private consultations, diagnostic tests and treatment for eligible conditions, depending on the policy.
For rural businesses, where accessing healthcare can sometimes mean travelling further or taking time away from work, having additional options can offer valuable reassurance.
2. Health cash plans
Health cash plans can help employees manage the cost of everyday healthcare.
Depending on the plan, employees can claim money back towards expenses such as dental check-ups, eye tests and physiotherapy.
For smaller businesses looking to introduce healthcare benefits, cash plans can be a practical and affordable option.
3. Virtual GP services
Finding time for a GP appointment isn’t always easy, particularly for employees working long hours or in more remote locations.
Virtual GP services can offer convenient access to medical advice by telephone or video, often with appointments available outside normal working hours.
While they don’t replace every face-to-face appointment, they can provide an additional way for employees to access support.
4. Dental insurance
Looking after dental health is an important part of overall wellbeing, but the cost of treatment can sometimes be a concern.
Dental insurance can help employees with the cost of routine check-ups and eligible treatments, depending on the cover selected.
It’s a straightforward benefit that can encourage employees to look after their oral health.
5. Employee assistance programmes
Running or working in a rural business can bring its own pressures, from seasonal workloads to financial concerns and the demands of balancing work and family life.
An employee assistance programme (EAP) can offer confidential support for employees facing personal or work-related difficulties.
Depending on the provider, this may include counselling, mental health support and practical guidance on financial or legal matters.
Finding the right support for your business
Every rural business is different, and there’s no single approach to employee healthcare that will suit everyone.
Whether you employ a small team or manage a larger workforce, the right benefits will depend on your employees’ needs and your available budget.
At CLA Healthcare, we understand the challenges facing rural businesses and can help you explore healthcare options that work for you and your employees.
Thinking about your employee healthcare benefits for 2027?
Whether you’re reviewing existing arrangements or considering healthcare benefits for the first time, we’re here to help.
Contact CLA Healthcare to find out more.
CLA Healthcare is a trading name of Howden Employee Benefits and Wellbeing Limited. Howden Employee Benefits & Wellbeing Limited is part of the Howden Group. Registered in England and Wales under company number 2248238, with its registered office at One Creechurch Place, London EC3A 5AF. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (Financial Services Register No. 312841). The Financial Services Register can be accessed through www.fca.org.uk. Not all products and services offered are regulated by the FCA.