This article explores a more inclusive approach to employee benefits. Private Medical Insurance (PMI) can be expensive, full of exclusions, and out of reach for many workforces. Studies show that two-thirds of employers and employees name employer-covered healthcare as the most important benefit. So, we understand the pressure put on HR managers and employers to provide efficient and accessible employee benefits. When employees are unwell – physically or mentally – it affects everything from morale to productivity to retention.
That’s where Santé Care comes in. It’s a smarter, more human alternative to traditional insurance. Affordable health solutions like this can bridge the gap for teams who deserve better but don’t necessarily have PMI in place. In fact, nearly half (46%) of current UK job vacancies still list a statutory right – like sick pay – as a ‘benefit’. That’s not a benefit. That’s the bare minimum. Santé Care, a solution from our partner company Santé Group, is here to change that.
What’s the problem they’re solving?
HR leaders tell us the same thing time and time again:
“We want to support our people’s health, but PMI doesn’t always fit our budget for our team.”
Whether you’ve got shift workers, part-timers, or just need something more accessible, Santé Care fills that gap with something more inclusive. Affordable health insurance-style support that works in the real world.
As we know, employee retention is a critical challenge and priority for HR departments. Dear HR, it’s not about flashy extras or complicated claims processes. It’s about giving people someone to turn to when they’re unsure, unwell, or overwhelmed. That is how you create a happy and healthy team.
How does it work?
Santé Care is a nurse-led health support service backed by practical tools and real people. Think of it as a first port of call – a reliable, compassionate guide through the private healthcare maze.
Your employees can speak directly to experienced nurses who can help them:
- Access the right NHS services faster
- Navigate a diagnosis
- Manage ongoing conditions with real support
And if they want more? Santé Care Plus adds an outpatient benefit of £750 for private diagnostics and consultations – without needing full PMI.
Designed for real working lives.
When health concerns arise, most people aren’t sure where to turn, especially with the ongoing tension between private insurance and the NHS. Whether you’re juggling work, family, and everyday life, it means that there is often little time (or headspace) to navigate long NHS wait times, confusing symptoms, or the fear of not getting any answers.
Santé Care is built to meet people in that moment.
Simple. Fast. Human.
With Santé Care, we aim to be the helping hand that guides you through your worries. There are no confusing exclusions or hidden hoops. We offer fast and early intervention to stop issues from snowballing – but most importantly, we are human. A phone call with a qualified nurse beats googling symptoms at 2am, where the internet throws hundreds of diagnoses at you at once. Santé Care simplifies that because we are here for you when you need us.
Through the MySanté App, employees can also:
- Access mental wellbeing tools (including EAP and cancer support)
- Use physiotherapy and GP triage
- Get discounts on lifestyle and fitness services
What makes Santé Care an affordable health insurance alternative?
To sum it up, Santé Care offers a simpler, more inclusive approach. It delivers the practical health support employees need, without the high premiums or confusing policy exclusions that typically come with insurance.
Santé Care is designed to meet people where they are – whether that’s needing help navigating the NHS, getting advice from a qualified nurse, or accessing everyday mental and physical wellbeing support. It’s affordable by design, scalable for businesses of all sizes, and inclusive of employees who might otherwise fall through the cracks.
Here’s how Santé Care compares to traditional health insurance:
|
Feature |
Traditional PMI |
Santé Care |
|---|---|---|
|
Monthly cost |
High and variable |
Low, fixed, and predictable |
|
Covers pre-existing conditions |
Often excluded |
Support is included |
|
Mental health & wellbeing tools |
Add-ons or limited |
Included as standard |
|
Nurse-led support |
Rare or non-existent |
Core feature |
|
Eligibility for part-time staff |
Often not included |
Fully included |
|
Claims process |
Complex and paperwork-heavy |
Simple, direct support |
By removing unnecessary complexity and focusing on fast, human-centred support, Santé Care acts as a modern, affordable health insurance alternative. It empowers HR leaders to offer meaningful care – not just tick a box on a benefits list.
In addition to core health support, Santé Care offers a range of valuable extras to enhance everyday wellbeing. Employees can access a 24/7 private digital GP service via telephone, ensuring round-the-clock medical advice whenever they need it.
For mental wellbeing, an on-demand counselling line connects users with qualified professionals for immediate emotional support. Santé Care also includes online eye assessments to help detect vision issues early, and digital physiotherapy tools for managing joint and muscle pain through tailored guidance.
To support healthy lifestyles, members enjoy discounts on gym memberships and fitness brands, plus exclusive savings on retail, travel, dining, and more – making health and wellbeing more accessible every day.
Why does this matter to HR Managers?
Workplace mental health statistics reveal a significant impact on employee well-being and productivity. A substantial portion of employees report stress, anxiety, and burnout – leading to lost workdays and increased absenteeism. 25% of UK workers report feeling unable to cope with workplace stress. Shockingly, more than 50% of all sick leave is a result of stress, depression, and anxiety.
You don’t need us to tell you how health impacts performance. What you do need is a solution that’s:
- Affordable for the business
- Trusted by employees
- Easy to implement
- Inclusive of everyone – not just your senior team
Santé Care can help employees feel genuinely cared for – not just ticked off a benefits list. When people feel supported, they’re more likely to seek help early, stay engaged, and stick around.
Is It Insurance? Not Exactly. And That’s the Point.
Santé Care was created for teams who might otherwise fall through the cracks.
- No PMI? No problem.
- Pre-existing conditions? Still covered.
This isn’t about selling health plans. It’s about changing the experience of healthcare at work – from confusing and reactive to proactive, compassionate, and clear.
We’ve seen how access to timely, compassionate care can transform not just individual well-being, but also workplace culture. When employees feel supported, they are more likely to:
- Seek help early, before things escalate
- Require fewer sick days
- Better manage chronic conditions
- Feel valued and cared for
Ultimately, healthier employees make a healthier business – more engaged, more productive, and more resilient.
Santé Care helps build a workplace where no one feels like they have to face health worries alone. And that, for many employees, is a benefit that genuinely matters.
FAQs
What is an affordable health insurance alternative?
An affordable health insurance alternative is a solution that gives employees access to essential healthcare services without the high cost of traditional Private Medical Insurance. Rather than replacing the NHS or PMI, it offers fast, early intervention and practical support like nurse consultations, mental health tools, and help navigating the healthcare system. Santé Care is one such alternative – simple, cost-effective, and built for real working lives.
How is Santé Care different from private health insurance?
Santé Care isn’t an insurance product. It’s a nurse-led health support service that helps employees manage their wellbeing, find the right care faster, and feel supported when they need it most. Unlike private insurance, there are no confusing exclusions, long claims processes, or expensive premiums – just straightforward, human support that’s easy to access and affordable for businesses.
Is Santé Care suitable for employees without PMI?
Yes – that’s exactly who it’s designed for. Whether your team includes shift workers, part-time staff, or employees who fall outside of typical insurance schemes, Santé Care fills the gap. It offers affordable access to healthcare-style support for those who wouldn’t otherwise have coverage.
Can employees still use the NHS with Santé Care?
Absolutely. Santé Care works alongside the NHS, not in place of it. Our service helps employees navigate NHS systems faster, understand their diagnoses, and manage ongoing health concerns with expert guidance – reducing stress, delays, and confusion.
Does Santé Care cover pre-existing medical conditions?
Yes – but coverage depends on the plan you choose.
- Santé Care (£179 per person/year) includes support for pre-existing conditions through nurse-led case management. This means employees can speak to experienced nurses for help managing ongoing or chronic health issues, without exclusions.
- Santé Care Plus (£269 per person/year) offers additional benefits like £750 for private diagnostic tests and outpatient consultations. However, pre-existing conditions may not be covered under the additional benefit, due to a moratorium clause in the policy. The core benefits remain the same. We recommend reviewing the policy terms in full to understand how this applies to your team.
Santé Care is built to be more inclusive than traditional insurance, giving all employees – regardless of medical history – a trusted first point of contact for their health concerns.
Is Santé Care easy to implement in a business?
Yes – it’s designed to be hassle-free for HR teams. There are no complex policy documents, no long setup times, and no separate tiers for senior staff. It’s one inclusive solution that works for your entire workforce.
Does Santé Care include outpatient cover?
The Santé Care Plus plan includes £750 towards private outpatient diagnostics and consultations. This gives employees faster access to tests and specialist advice without needing full private medical insurance.
Why is affordable health support important for employee retention?
When employees feel cared for, they’re more likely to stay. Access to timely, human health support reduces absenteeism, improves morale, and shows your team that their wellbeing matters – especially in roles where PMI isn’t an option. Santé Care helps you create a more supportive, resilient workplace.
