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Group Risk Benefits
Comprehensive cover for peace of mind
Financial certainty for your people and business when life takes a turn
Group risk benefits – including life insurance, critical illness cover, and income protection – give employees and their families practical financial support if they face extended absence through illness or injury, a serious diagnosis, or bereavement.
These benefits are often the backbone of a strong employee benefits package and are highly valued by people at every stage of their career. They’re frequently more affordable than many employers expect, and they show you genuinely care about health and wellbeing in and out of work. The reassurance they offer in difficult moments can lift engagement and help build morale and productivity.
Thriving organisations rely on the right people. To attract standout candidates – and keep hold of your best – group risk benefits are a powerful differentiator that strengthens your offer, energises your strategy, and supports talent retention.
Together, Barnett Waddingham and Howden Employee Benefits provide a single, trusted advisor for your group risk benefits strategy. Through deep expertise and razor-sharp data anayltics, we’re free to deliver what’s right for you – from medical insurance to wellbeing programmes – ensuring your business and your people thrive.
Group risk benefits in more detail
Group Life Assurance
Group Life Assurance is commonly referred to as ‘Death in Service’ and is one of the most highly-valued employee benefits that you can offer employees. It enables employers to provide a lump sum payment to an employee’s family, children or any chosen beneficiaries if the employee dies while employed within your organisation.
Group Income Protection
Group Income Protection provides a regular replacement income when an employee can’t work for a prolonged period due to illness. It eases financial pressure on the employee so they can focus on recovery, and helps employers support wellbeing and retention with a valued, practical benefit.
Group Critical Illness Cover
Group Critical Illness Cover pays a tax-free lump sum if an employee is diagnosed with a listed serious condition (e.g., cancer, heart attack, stroke, multiple sclerosis). It typically pays within a month, giving employees and their families fast, flexible financial support – and signals the employer’s commitment to wellbeing during difficult times.
Expert group risk benefits guidance and support
Whether you’re new to the adoption of group risk benefits or fine-tuning what you already offer, our experienced consultants are here to help. Every organisation is different, so we provide independent, impartial advice shaped around your business, your budget, and your people.
With the help of our group risk experts, you can be confident you’re making sound choices for your employees’ health and financial wellbeing. Your priorities – and theirs – come first, and we’ll keep you in safe hands from first conversation to implementation.
If you’re considering group private medical insurance or reviewing an existing scheme, we’ll guide you through the options to ensure the plan fits your workforce. We look beyond headline price and terms to what truly matters: suitability, sustainability and value for money.
Analytics that empower your workforce
GEM – our unique Governance, Engagement and Monitoring tool – brings razor-sharp data and analytics so you can be confident in your decisions about group risk benefits and financial planning.
Alongside our expert advice on forecast claims, our PMI modelling tool, model benefit design and profile membership, GEM provides detailed insight into claims experience, benefit structures and workforce needs, providing comprehensive evidence to support your people, organisational and financial strategy.
Group Healthcare Benefits
In addition to group risk benefits, we can help you design and deliver group healthcare benefits that support employee wellbeing and business performance. From Private Medical Insurance to dental cover and health cash plans, our independent consulting and strong market access help you secure the right solutions.
