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 ➝

Should your parents be added to the company's group health insurance?

Regarding health insurance for employees, there are pros and cons to consider. On the one hand, including your parents in group health insurance can be a great way to ensure that they're covered in the event of an illness or injury. On the other hand, including them in health insurance may have disadvantages, like higher premiums or limited policy coverage.

To get the most out of group health insurance for employees, it's essential to understand the advantages/disadvantages of this type of insurance. In the end, it's up to each employer-employee whether one

Advantages of including parents in employer's group health insurance

Employers have a lot to gain by including parents in group health insurance. They help keep employees healthy and protected against costly medical bills and are also an asset to any company regarding employee retention and recruitment. 

Employees appreciate not having to worry about health care costs, which is a win-win situation for all. Employers can also save money on group health insurance premiums by adding parents. 

Research has shown that group health insurance policies with parents' coverage are typically cheaper than policies that only cover employees. So, what are you waiting for? Let your family members be a part of the insurance plan that keeps your employees healthy and protected.

Disadvantages of inclusion of parents in group medical insurance

Having parents added to a company's group health insurance can be a great way to cover the health of multiple family members. However, there are several disadvantages to including them in the policy. The most common of these is that premiums will increase. 

Additionally, making appointments and changes with doctors can be difficult if the policy covers multiple family members. Relationships within the family can also be strained when one person has to give up work or school for medical appointments related to their children's health care. 

Last but not least, it can be challenging to get a coverage plan that meets everyone's needs. So, while group health insurance with parents may be the best option for some families, it is important to check the pros and cons of adding them before deciding.

{{group-insurance-quote="/web-library/components"}}

Characteristics of good medical insurance for your parents

Adding your parents to your company's group health insurance can be a great way to care for them financially and protect them from medical costs. Please ensure the premiums are affordable so you can cover their medical costs without hassle. 

Also, ensure that health insurance includes coverage for long-term care needs, such as nursing home care. In addition to medical coverage, a good health insurance policy for your parents should include mental and physical healthcare benefits and preventive services like screenings and exams. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some standard exclusions from coverage under a parent/child policy? 

A parent/child policy typically excludes any injuries the child sustains while on company property or during business trips. For example, the policy would not cover the injury if your child gets hurt at work. In addition, coverage does not apply for anything the child does the outside their jobs - such as personal activities, school, and sports. Sometimes, a deductible may be required before company benefits kick in. 

Can I change or cancel my parents' membership at any time without penalty? 

Unfortunately, you cannot change or cancel your parent's membership without penalty. Your parents may be able to add other family members as beneficiaries to replace them as primary coverage holders. However, even if your parent does, they may still be able to receive benefits while they are members. 

How will they be notified if something serious happens while the policy covers them? 

Depending on the policy you're covered by, parents will be notified through automated messages or calls in case of an emergency. If the policy covers you, you'll also have to take care of them should anything unfortunate happen - even if it's just a night till they get back on their feet. If your parents cannot take care of themselves, their coverage will kick in, and they'll be taken to the nearest hospital. 

Do I need to tell my parents about the policy? 

When it comes to having insurance coverage for your employee's health, it is usually up to the individual whether or not they want their parents added. If you wish to have your parents added, you must notify them about the policy and ensure they understand its benefits. Additionally, if you want to cancel the policy or withdraw from it at any time, you will need to give written notice to your insurance company. 

What are the pros and cons of adding your parents to the company's group health insurance? 

Depending on the company's policy, there are pros and cons to having parents added to group health insurance. 

The benefits of adding parents to group health insurance include:

  • It's easy for the company to keep track of their health status as it is a compulsory requirement under law. 
  • They're already covered under the policy and will not have to pay additional premiums. 

The cons of adding parents to group health insurance include: 

  • It can add a new layer of bureaucracy to the policy and may result in more claims being processed. 
  • It can also lead to tension or contention between family members as different policies apply to them. 

{{group-insurance-quote="/web-library/components"}}

Conclusion

Employers increasingly include parents in group health insurance policies as it is seen as a way to promote employee health and well-being. While this policy has many benefits, there are also a few disadvantages to be aware of. 

It is essential to note the pros and cons of this policy before making a decision, as each situation is unique. To get an idea of what is best for your parents, speak to your insurance representative or consult a health insurance provider

Look at our blog for more information on the different types of health insurance and their benefits and drawbacks.