Read more of your interests, read less insurance paperwork
Ditch the paperwork with Plum's group health insurance
Click here to know how Plum helps 3000+ HRs ➝

Employees in India benefit immensely from having group medical cover (GMC). Not only is it essential for their health and safety, but also for their financial security. This blog will discuss the reasons why employees do not utilise their GMC and provide tips on how to get it for them. In addition, this blog will highlight the importance of GMC insurance for employees in India and discuss ways in which it can be availed.

Why do employees not utilise their group medical cover? 

Employees may not be utilising their group medical cover for a number of reasons. Some employees may feel that using group medical cover will negatively affect their work credit rating. Others may not be aware of the cover or think it's too expensive. Some employees might not feel comfortable discussing personal matters with their colleagues over email, Slack, or other online channels. In some cases, employees may be worried about their health and don't want to put themselves in a drastic situation where they have to use the cover. 

However, by understanding why employees don't utilise their group medical cover, an organisation can help ensure that its workforce is aware of the medical cover and can make an informed decision about using it. 

What are the six most common reasons employees don't use their GMC? 

Here are the six most common reasons employees don't use their group medical cover: 

  • Some employees simply forget to take advantage of their group medical cover - make sure you remind them regularly! 
  • They may think that their employer will not pay for their group medical cover, but this might not be the case. 
  • Other employees might feel like they are getting too much individual health coverage and do not need to use their group medical cover. 
  • Employees may not be aware of their group medical cover, or they don't believe it is worth the cost. 
  • Some employees worry about how the organisational leadership would react if they had to go to the hospital while on vacation or sick leave. 

Importance of group medical cover (GMC) for employees 

Employees are increasingly turning to group medical cover (GMC) for protection in case of an emergency. It's important for employers to facilitate the process of enrolling employees in GMC via online mode, as this is no longer time-consuming and difficult. 

However, implementing effective communication strategies is essential in order to ensure that all employees are enrolled in the plan. This reduces health care costs during an emergency situation and helps to improve employee engagement. 

In addition, ensuring that all employees have group medical cover reduces the risk of family members becoming uninsured in the event of an emergency. Employees should have GMC to ensure that they and their families are protected in case of an emergency. 

5 ways to get GMC insurance for employees 

Employees can be left with the impression that their group medical cover isn't as valuable as it could be. Here are five ways to get GMC insurance for employees and ensure they're fully aware of its benefits. 

  • Offer employee training sessions so they are fully aware of their health care coverage options and what's included with GMC insurance. This will assist them in making a well-informed decision and choosing the coverage that's best for them. 
  • Educate employees on the benefits of GMC insurance and how it can benefit them. This can include things like reduced out-of-pocket costs, timely coverage, and peace of mind. 
  • Utilise social media platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram and Facebook to spread the word about GMC insurance available at your company. This can help increase employee awareness and motivation to take up GMC insurance. 
  • Ensure the group medical cover is correctly set up - employees must be enrolled and have a valid ID. This step will prevent confusion at the last moment.
  • Set up an employee channel on Slack/WhatApp or email to assist employees and educate them about a medical emergency that requires hospitalisation. 

What are the benefits of GMC insurance? 

Employees can benefit from group medical cover in a number of ways. For starters, they can enjoy discounts on healthcare services and additional protection in case of an accident or illness. Secondly, by registering with their employer as members of a group scheme, employees will be able to communicate with each other more easily. The online process of insurance claims is quick and easy, so there's no need to wait for long periods of time. In addition, group medical cover can be a great way to incentivise employees and keep them healthy and well-covered. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I increase the probability that my employees will utilise their GMC? 

There are a few things that you can do in order to help increase the likelihood that employees will utilise their GMC. For one, make sure your employee records are updated regularly. This way, you'll ensure that everyone in the organisation is up to date on coverage requirements and understands the importance of having proper insurance. 

In addition, implementing an effective communication strategy for medical insurance-related matters is essential in ensuring that every person in your company knows what's going on and why it matters. This way, employees will be more likely to recognise and appreciate the importance of having GMC coverage. 

Employee retention can also be improved by creating a positive work environment, offering good GMC benefits, and tailoring training programmes to employees' needs. This way, employees will feel appreciated and motivated to stay with your company. 

How can I make sure that my employees understand and use their GMC effectively? 

Ensuring that your employees understand and use their GMC effectively is crucial in protecting them while on the job. This can be done through training on GMC policy and proper usage. For example, if an employee needs to go to the doctor, they will be more likely to ask you for help if they know their GMC is covered. When employees are more proactive about knowing their medical coverage, it also leads to a stronger trust relationship between employers and employees. Ultimately, this builds up a more productive and conducive working environment. 

Why do I need to ensure that my employees are using their GMC? 

Group medical cover is vital for a few reasons. Firstly, it allows your employees to receive the best possible care in case of an emergency. Secondly, it promotes team spirit and cohesion within the workplace - knowing everyone is taken care of strengthens relationships and teamwork. Thirdly, it protects them financially should they fall ill while on duty or during their working hours. 

What should I do if I notice that an employee isn't using his or her GMC? 

If you notice that an employee isn't using their GMC, you should first offer support in setting up an appointment with their GP. You can also remind the employee about upcoming appointments and ensure they know all their coverage options. Next, it's crucial that you reach out to the employee and explain why it is so essential for them to have GMC. This can be done in multiple ways – perhaps through a conversation or reminder email – and ensuring that the employee understands why GMC is such a valuable policy is important. 

Conclusion

Employees are an important part of any business and should be well-covered by GMC insurance. However, many employees don't take advantage of their group medical cover because they don't know how or because they think it's too expensive. This blog has outlined why employees don't utilise their GMC insurance and how to get it.

So, what are you waiting for? Start procuring group medical cover for your employees today!

https://twitter.com/getplumhq/status/1560222172299554816