Private medical insurance and a pension are most sought after employee benefits

An increasing interest in personal health and wellbeing means staff now value private medical insurance above many other employee benefits, BUPA's Health of the Nation survey reveals.

The major annual survey of the general public's attitudes and behaviours regarding health and lifestyle, found that private medical insurance (PMI) comes second only to a pension as a desirable employee benefit. More than half of employed people questioned would be more tempted by a job which offered PMI above one that did not.

64% of those surveyed also agreed that employers should take more responsibility for their employees' health and care needs - up 4% in two years.

3 in 5 think private medical insurance deserves tax incentive

Approximately three in five people think that tax incentives should be given to encourage people to take out private medical insurance. There is also a growing interest in health checks with over 60% of employed people now keen for their employers to provide these checks.

Commenting on the results, Ann Greenwood, director business markets, BUPA Health Insurance, said "Attitudes to personal healthcare are changing with people keen to have more control of their healthcare options rather than leaving it to chance.

"BUPA Health Insurance offers a wide range of employer packages to suit companies of all sizes and is increasing its presence in the positive health territory with a number of products and services that help encourage individual health and wellbeing."

Employee benefits that attract most interest

• Pension - 72%
• Private Medical Insurance - 50%
• Flexible working hours - 40%
• Performance-related bonus - 33%
• Car allowance - 25%
• Free gym membership - 13%
• Childcare vouchers - 8%
• None - 3%