Employee Health Benefits

[Kinsey]

Hi there, this is a strange question. As the employer I offered VHI to an employee as part of the benefits package. This employee is single and the company accountant in a small firm.
Instead of going with the standard VHI this person asked to take BUPA (now Quinn) and it was similar price.
All was agreed and this has been in place about 10 months.
However, last night I was going through files and I see that I am paying for the accountant and their partner full price.
I am aware that companies often give a health package for families - but is it not highly unusual for an employee to take it and not highlight it. The price of the partner is almost €400 per year, the same as the employee.

Appreciate other's experience.

 

[ClubMan]

What is the company policy on such insurance for employees? For the employee only, for them and spouse (and children), for unmarried partners etc.? Maybe there was some lack of communication and the accountant assumed that they were entitled to joint cover for themselves and their unmarried partner? Or maybe they are ripping you off? Have you not asked them and clarified the company's policy on such benefits?

 

[csirl]

Agree with Clubman - could be some confusion here as to what the person is entitled to. In the past I've worked for companies where employee, spouse and children have all been included, so its not inconceivable that the employee assumed that this is the case with your company.

 

[Mpsox]

In my company, family are covered as part of the company wide scheme we negotiated with the VHI.

you should also check that the neccessary and correct Benifit in Kind is being deducted from the employees wage packet

 

[ClubMan]

In my company, family are covered as part of the company wide scheme we negotiated with the VHI.

Does family include unmarried partners? As far as I know my employer only covers spouses and children.

you should also check that the neccessary and correct Benifit in Kind is being deducted from the employees wage packet

And the employee can claim tax relief in respect of the premiums paid by the employer and subject to BIK at source.

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[Mpsox]

Yes, it only applies to married couples or if they are not married but have children, to the children only.

 

[Kinsey]

Thanks for all your input - much appreciated. I think I need to look into it more and will ensure all future deals in writing. Just to clarify it wasn't a spouse and so we were paying the policy of the partner to the full amount - same as employee.
Thanks again.

 

[csirl]

Does family include unmarried partners? As far as I know my employer only covers spouses and children.

One company I used to work for did include unmarried partners.