Who this article is for:
Limited companies
Categories explained: Employee Medical
Your company may pay for the medical insurance of its employees. This is regarded as a benefit in kind (BIK) and your employee usually pays tax on the cost of the insurance premium.
What's included
Providing medical or dental treatment support.
Paying for insurance premiums for your employees.
What's not included
You don't have to pay or report anything on the following health benefits:
Salary sacrifice arrangements
Periodic medical checks or health screening
Eye tests
Glasses or contact lenses
Medical treatment outside of the UK
Medical treatment or insurance for work only
Medical treatment to help an employee return to work - up to £500
How is it taxed?
Your company can provide medical insurance to employees working abroad and claim tax relief for this, as well as an annual check-up. Otherwise, any contribution towards your employee's medical insurance is deemed a 'Benefit in Kind' (BIK) and the employee must pay personal tax on it. The company is also liable to make National Insurance Contributions at 13.8% on any BIK.
Tax tips
No benefit will arise on the annual eye and health checks, but the provision of health insurance is a benefit in kind.