How do the different Simplyhealth business plans work?
A useful guide to choosing the right healthcare cover for your team.
Blog Article | By Simplyhealth | Published on 26/03/2026
Contents
What each plan includes:
Simply Essentials - a digital-first subscription
Simply Health Plan - health cash plan
Simply Dental Plan - dental insurance
On-demand services - included with every plan
Supporting employee wellbeing has never mattered more
In today’s fast‑paced workplace, businesses of every size are looking for practical, affordable ways to look after their people. Ongoing NHS delays are contributing to higher absence rates and increased work disruption, with over a third of workers reporting missed days of work while waiting for healthcare.1 Prioritising employee health isn’t just a “nice to have” – it can reduce absenteeism, boost productivity, and help create a happier, more engaged workforce.2
That’s where Simplyhealth’s business healthcare plans come in. Our solutions make everyday healthcare easier to access, with some of our plans offering 24/7 online GP appointments, mental health support, digital muscle and joint pain assessments and more. Designed with prevention and quick access in mind, our plans focus on supporting everyday health rather than major medical events.
In this guide, we’ll break down the differences between our plans, outline what each includes, and help you determine the right fit for your company.
What is Simplyhealth business healthcare?
Simplyhealth provides employee healthcare solutions (including FCA-regulated insurance and non-regulated plans), designed for day‑to‑day health and wellbeing - helping your workforce access frontline support quickly and affordably. Depending on the cover chosen, employees can get 24/7 online access to healthcare professionals, use digital muscle and joint pain assessments, and claim money back towards routine healthcare costs. It’s fast to set up, straightforward to administer, and built to keep your people well.
Unlike private medical insurance, which typically focuses on private treatment for acute conditions, Simplyhealth’s approach emphasises everyday, preventative care and includes access to digital services and reimbursements on routine healthcare appointments. It also covers pre‑existing conditions*, making support accessible to more employees from day one.
*Depending on the plan selected. Terms and conditions apply.
What’s included in each Simplyhealth business plan?
Simplyhealth’s business healthcare offering comprises of three core plans designed to support everyday employee wellbeing: Simply Essentials, Simply Health Plan, and Simply Dental Plan.* These plans give employers flexible options for business health cover depending on budget, team size, and health needs.
*Please note: Simply Essentials is provided by Simplyhealth Guidance and is not an insurance product regulated by the FCA. Simply Health Plan is an insurance product regulated by the FCA. Simply Dental Plan is an insurance product regulated by the FCA.
Simply Essentials
This is an annual digital healthcare subscription that provides instant access to essential health services by connecting your team with professional support and care – 24 hours a day. Simply Essentials is provided by Simplyhealth Guidance and is not an insurance product regulated by the FCA.
What Simply Essentials includes:
24/7 online GP & nurse appointments
Day or night, employees can speak to a GP or nurse in minutes. No waiting rooms, no delays. Fast access to professional advice.
24/7 mental health support
Counsellors and psychotherapists are available on the phone whenever support is needed.
Digital muscle and joint pain assessments
Accessible assessments to triage muscle and joint pain quickly.
Life advice (legal, financial & lifestyle)
Expert legal and financial advice for life’s challenges. From mortgages, debt or divorce.
Gym membership discounts
Employees get 10% off and no joining fee at 430+ PureGym locations nationwide.
Some of these services are provided by third party providers.
Why choose Simply Essentials?
It gives employees fast access to essential care, helping them stay healthy without the complexity of insurance.
Simply Health Plan
Our comprehensive health cash plan, Simply Health Plan, makes it easy for employees to claim money back towards their everyday health costs, from dental check-ups to physiotherapy. It’s affordable, flexible*, and designed to fit businesses of all sizes. Simply Health Plan is an insurance product regulated by the FCA.
*Available for businesses with 250+ employees.
What Simply Health Plan includes
Everything in Simply Essentials, plus money back towards:
Dental – Check-ups, hygienist fees, fillings, crowns, and more
Optical – Sight tests, prescription glasses , contact lenses, and more
Physiotherapy, Osteopathy, Chiropractic & Acupuncture
Podiatry & Reflexology
Prescriptions – NHS and private
Hospital stays – Daily grants for overnight or day-patient admissions
All up to annual limits.
Why choose Simply Health Plan?
This company health insurance plan gives employees peace of mind knowing routine health costs are covered.
Simply Health Plan useful documents
Simply Dental Plan
Keep your team smiling with Simply Dental - a digital-first dental insurance plan that makes oral care simple and stress-free. Employees can choose any dentist, claim back costs with confidence, and manage everything easily online or through our SimplyPlan app. Simply Dental Plan is an insurance product regulated by the FCA.
What Simply Dental Plan includes:
100% reimbursement – Preventative and essential care covered (up to treatment and annual limits), including exams, hygienist visits, x-rays, and more
24/7 worldwide emergency dental cover
Support for dental anxiety via a confidential helpline.
Optional partner and children cover* for added peace of mind.
No initial oral health check needed to get started
*Partners and children must be on the same level of cover as the policy holder. Children must be under 24. Additional costs apply.
**This plan does not cover any treatment identified, or accidents that occurred before the policy start date. In addition, mouth cancer diagnosed before the start date, or within the first three months of the policy, is not covered-even if the diagnosis is confirmed at a later time.
Why choose Simply Dental?
Dental care is one of the most-used employee benefits, and this plan makes it easy and stress-free.
Simply Dental Plan useful documents
On-demand services (included with all plans)
Every Simplyhealth business plan includes access to a network of discounted and self-pay health and wellbeing services.
Key benefits of on-demand services
Clinically approved providers – every service is vetted by Simplyhealth
Flexible, self-pay access – no fixed plans or unnecessary costs
All in one place – browse, book, and pay through the SimplyPlan app
Supports overall wellbeing – from mental health to physiotherapy and more.
Our on-demand services include:
Physical health
Discounted physio sessions, weight management consultations and more.
Eye & skin health
Up to 20% off prescription eyewear* and discounted online dermatology consultations for expert diagnosis.
*Excludes contact lenses
Mental health coaching & therapy
Online sessions to support self-improvement.
At-home health tests
Discounted in-clinic health screenings and at-home test kits to help detect common conditions, like high cholesterol or diabetes.
Gut health & healthy diet
Dietitian-led consultations offering support on digestive wellness.
Neurodiversity assessments
Comprehensive assessments for ADHD, Autism, and combined (AuDHD). Results back within 1 month.
Services are provided by third-party suppliers and are subject to change. Terms and conditions apply.
Chosen by thousands of UK businesses
Join over 7,000 UK employers who trust Simplyhealth to keep their people healthy and their organisations thriving.
How Simplyhealth business healthcare works for your business
Choose a plan
Pick a business health plan tailored to your needs and budget. Then get set up fast and avoid the admin headache.
Access care 24/7
Care doesn’t stop at 5pm - and neither should support for your people. Staff get 24/7 healthcare when they need it.
See the impact
Clear reporting and measurable outcomes to support your HR strategy.
Get a fast, no obligation quote in minutes today.
How to choose the right plan for your business
Choosing the right Simplyhealth plan starts with understanding what your employees need, what your business can afford, and the type of support you want to offer.
1. Start with your main objective
Boosting wellbeing and providing quick access to care?
A digital‑first option like Simply Essentials provides 24/7 online GP appointments, mental health support, and more.
Helping staff manage routine healthcare costs?
A cash plan like Simply Health Plan may be the better fit. It offers money back towards dental check-ups, optical care, physiotherapy and more - plus access to online GP and mental health support.
Reducing sickness absence with accessible dental cover?
Simply Dental Plan lets employees claim money back towards dental costs, helping them stay healthy and minimise time off work.
2. Consider your workforce
Next, think about the size and makeup of your workforce. Employees working long or irregular hours, such as in hospitality, may value 24/7 online GP, nurse and mental health support. Teams in more physically demanding roles may benefit most from money back towards physiotherapy or digital muscle and joint pain assessments. Understanding how your team will use their benefits helps ensure your plan delivers meaningful value.
3. Balance benefits with budget
Budget also plays an important role. Some plans are available in different levels, with higher tiers offering larger claim limits but higher premiums. Aim to strike a balance between affordability and benefits that genuinely support your employees.
The bottom line
Ultimately, the right Simplyhealth plan is one that supports employee health, fits your budget, and aligns with your wider wellbeing strategy.
Easily compare plans
Choosing the right level of cover is much easier when you can see everything side‑by‑side. Our handy downloadable PDF lays out each Simplyhealth business plan in a clear, simple format - showing what’s included, and how each plan differs, all at a glance.
Why businesses choose Simplyhealth
Easy to access & simple to use
Everything in one app.
Fast claims processing
Claims processed in as little as one day
Affordable
Designed for cost-effective everyday care
We’re also proud to be a certified B Corp, proving our commitment to doing business responsibly.
Read more about B Corp and Simplyhealth, or our latest 'Force for Good’ Impact Report.
Trusted by small, medium and large companies
Our small business clients see Simplyhealth as a highly valued, affordable way to improve their employee satisfaction and wellbeing.
Using Simplyhealth for our employees has been very convenient and seamless. The cover is excellent for what we pay, and as a charity we can't afford expensive healthcare, but it allows us to show that we value our employees.
Responses from Simplyhealth’s Corporate Relationship Survey
April - May 2025, 1-50 employees
Our experience with Simplyhealth has been outstanding. They’ve been more than just a provider; they’re a true partner in supporting our people. The platform is intuitive, the customer service is excellent, and the impact on our staff has been clear.
Battersea Dogs and Cats Home
Oct 2025, 1-50 employees
The customer service is 100%, the products are fantastic for the cost – the ease of accessing your claim through the app is so easy and effortless compared to other expense claims systems.
Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation trust
June 2024, 1,000+ employees
Outcomes that matter
Support never stops
42,000+ GP calls (HealthHero) and 20,000+ EAP calls through (Spectrum.Life). Keeping employees supported day and night. Jan–Dec 2025
Rated excellent
A provider your people can rely on - rated Excellent on Trustpilot.
See how we’ve helped Arnold Clark with a business health insurance plan
Arnold Clark chose Simplyhealth to give their employees faster access to GP appointments and everyday healthcare support.
Conclusion: A simpler way to support employee health
Simplyhealth’s business plans make everyday healthcare more accessible and easier to navigate for your team. Whether you want to provide digital‑first support, money back towards routine treatments, comprehensive dental care, or a combination of all three, our solutions are designed to meet the diverse needs of modern workforces.
By choosing the right plan, you can improve wellbeing across your organisation, reduce employee absence, and create a culture where people feel valued and supported. With fast access to frontline services, your employees get the care they need - when they need it.
Investing in employee health doesn’t just benefit individuals; it strengthens your entire organisation. Healthier employees are happier, more productive, and more engaged, helping your business thrive in the long term.
Get your business healthcare quote today
Invest in your employees' health and your business's future. Fill out our online quote form to explore the best plan for your organisation.
Frequently asked questions
How do Simplyhealth business healthcare plans work?
Employers choose the plan, and, depending on the plan selected, employees then access the services included - such as 24/7 online GP appointments, mental health support, or money back towards routine treatments. Employees pay upfront for any eligible treatment and claim through the SimplyPlan app or online. These plans are not full private medical insurance; they focus on everyday, preventative healthcare that helps employees stay healthy and supported.
What is included in Simplyhealth’s business healthcare for employees?
We offer three core plans, each designed to support employee wellbeing:
Simply Health Plan – Money back towards everyday healthcare like eye tests, dental care and physiotherapy. This is an FCA-regulated insurance product
Simply Essentials – Access to healthcare professionals, including online GP appointments, mental health support and life advice helplines. This is not a regulated insurance product and is provided by Simplyhealth Guidance Limited
Simply Dental Plan - Money back towards dental check-ups, hygienist visits, X-rays and more complex treatments. This is an FCA-regulated insurance product
All plans give members access to clinically assured, discounted and self-pay health and wellbeing services. These services are delivered through trusted third parties.
How can small businesses choose the right plan?
Choosing the right Simplyhealth plan starts with understanding what your employees need, what your business can afford, and the type of benefits you want to offer. It’s helpful to consider the age range of your team, their common health needs, and how much flexibility you want to give them.
How does pricing work for Simplyhealth’s business healthcare plans?
Pricing is flexible and scalable. As a guide, Simply Essentials starts from just £3.33 per employee, per month*. You can complete our fast online form for a free, no-obligation business health quote today - get a business health cover quote.
*Pricing based on 125–249 employees; indicative and subject to change.
Can we tailor the plan for different staff groups?
Yes. Our plans are flexible, and some can be tailored* allowing employers to choose the level of cover and the mix of services that suit their workforce and budget. All while still being managed centrally for simplicity.
*Bespoke agreements are available for businesses with 250+ employees.
How do employees access and use the benefits?
Employees can access their benefits through the SimplyPlan app or their online account. Here they can book GP appointments, access mental health support, explore wellbeing tools, and access the on‑demand services - all clearly signposted in one place.
What's the difference between Simplyhealth plans and private medical insurance (PMI)?
Traditional PMI typically covers major medical events like surgery in private hospitals but excludes routine care and pre-existing conditions*. Simplyhealth focuses on everyday healthcare needs, with some of our plans including 24/7online GP access, mental health support, and money-back towards dental, optical, and physiotherapy - helping to address some of the health issues most commonly linked to sick days.
To take a closer look at PMI vs health cash plans you can read our article here.
*Specific coverage will vary depending on the provider and plan
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Insights Hub
A collection of articles and reports that provide employers with guidance, data and practical resources to help improve workplace health and wellbeing.
Our healthcare solutions
Learn more about our business health solutions, designed to reduce the key drivers of workplace sickness by supporting employees physical and mental wellbeing.
References
Reduces absence: 1 in 3 employees say if they had seen a GP sooner, they would have taken fewer sick days. Ref: Simplyhealth via Opinium surveys of 500 hr decision makers in the UK, and 2000 employees (21st May – June 2024) Boosts productivity: https://employeebenefits.co.uk/healthcare-and-wellbeing/47-of-employers-see-increased-productivity-when-employees-health-and-wellbeing-is-supported/280954.article Helps create a happier, more engaged workforce: www.cipd.org/globalassets/media/knowledge/knowledge-hub/reports/2023-pdfs/8436-health-and-wellbeing-report-2023.pdf