We help UK Companies & Individuals find the most suitable financial protection policies through expert advice

A Relevant Life Insurance Policy is a way of providing death-in-service benefits on an individual basis no matter how small your business is. They are not classed as a ‘benefit in kind’ so no tax is payable on the premiums. In most cases the benefits can be paid free of inheritance tax provided the benefits are payable through a discretionary trust.

If you’re a company director and you already have life insurance in place to protect your family, you could be paying more tax than you need to.

What are the benefits?

• Although the company pays the premiums, they are not normally assessable to income tax on the employee as a benefit-in-kind. This can be a significant saving, particularly for a higher-rate taxpayer
• Unlike a registered group scheme, the benefit will not form part of the employee’s annual or lifetime pension allowance

What are the advantages of using a discretionary trust?

• There are restrictions as to whom the benefits of a Relevant Life Policy can be paid, but the use of the trust is the most practical way of ensuring these restrictions are met. The beneficiaries who could be included are usually family members and dependents
• Having benefits paid through a trust ensures they cannot be taxed as part of the company’s trading income, nor do they form part of the company’s assets
• The trust is discretionary, allowing trustees to be flexible as to whom they pay benefits. However the employee can advise the trustees of his or her intentions by completing a nomination form. Although this is not legally binding on the trustees, it helps to guide them. The trustees will normally be the directors of the company
• Using a trust also ensures that in most circumstances benefits are paid free of both income tax and inheritance tax
• The maximum cover differs across insurers: for example, Bright Grey offer a figure up to 15 times the employee / director’s remuneration. This can include salary, regular dividends paid in lieu of salary and any benefits in kind

Are there any limits to the cover I have?

• The legislation does have some limits to qualify for the tax concessions, and to ensure these are met, it requires that:
• The cover must be paid in a single lump sum before the age of 75
• Only Death & Terminal Illness benefits can be provided
• Benefits must be paid through a discretionary trust
• Beneficiaries are normally restricted to family members and dependents
• The maximum amount of cover allowable can depend on your remuneration and age

Who are relevant life policies suitable for?

• Company Directors that would like their company to pay for their life cover and offset the premiums against corporation tax
• Small businesses that do not have enough eligible employees to warrant a group life scheme
• Directors of small limited companies that may be thinking of putting Key Person cover in place so that their company can pay the premiums on their cover
• High-earning employees or directors who have substantial pension funds and do not want their benefits to form part of their lifetime allowance
• They are not suitable for the self-employed or equity partners, although their employed staff could be covered

Private health insurance for UK businesses offers several features and benefits that can be advantageous for both employers and employees. Here are some key features and benefits of private health insurance for UK businesses:

• Prompt Access to Healthcare: One of the primary advantages of private health insurance is the ability to access medical services promptly. Private health insurance typically provides faster access to consultations, diagnostic tests, treatments, and surgeries, helping employees receive medical attention quickly and reducing waiting times compared to the NHS.
• Choice of Specialists and Hospitals: Private health insurance allows employees to choose from a wide network of specialists, consultants, and hospitals. This gives individuals more control over their healthcare decisions and the freedom to select healthcare providers based on personal preferences, reputation, and expertise.
• Comprehensive Coverage: Private health insurance plans in the UK often offer extensive coverage, including consultations, diagnostic tests, hospital stays, surgeries, cancer treatments, mental health services, physiotherapy, and alternative therapies. Some plans may also cover dental and optical treatments as optional extras.
• Employee Well-being and Morale: Offering private health insurance as an employee benefit demonstrates a commitment to the well-being and health of employees. It can boost morale, job satisfaction, and overall employee retention rates. Access to private healthcare services can also reduce absenteeism and help employees get back to work more quickly after illness or injury.
• Reduced Waiting Times: In the UK's National Health Service (NHS), waiting times for certain procedures can be long. Private health insurance enables employees to bypass these waiting lists and receive treatment promptly, which can be especially valuable for non-urgent but necessary procedures that may cause discomfort or affect an individual's quality of life.
• Access to Experimental Treatments: Private health insurance can sometimes provide access to new or experimental treatments and medications that may not be available through the NHS. This can be particularly important for individuals with complex or rare medical conditions who may benefit from innovative therapies.
• Additional Services and Support: Many private health insurance providers offer additional services such as 24/7 helplines, nurse advice lines, mental health support, and health and wellness programs. These services can help employees manage their health proactively and provide guidance and support when needed.
• Flexibility and Customization: Private health insurance plans can be tailored to meet the specific needs of a business and its employees. Employers can choose different levels of coverage, add optional extras, and often adjust the policy to suit their budget and requirements.

It's important for businesses to carefully consider the features, costs, coverage limits, exclusions, and network providers when selecting a private health insurance plan to ensure it aligns with their needs and the needs of their employees.

Key Man Insurance or Key Person Insurance is essentially a form of life insurance for businesses. It is generally taken out by a business to compensate for financial losses that would arise from the death or extended incapacity of the key individual(s) of the business specified in the policy, and in turn ensure the continuity of the business.

There are generally three categories of loss for which Key Man Insurance can provide compensation:

• Protect losses related to the extended period when a key person is unable to work by providing temporary personnel and, if necessary, financing the recruitment and training of a replacement.
• Protect profits such as offsetting lost income from lost sales or contracts; or losses resulting from the delay or cancellation of any business project that the key person was involved in; or loss of opportunity to expand, loss of specialised skills or knowledge.
• Protect business & director loans, overdrafts or investments. The value of insurance arranged can be used cover their repayment in full, or to assist in generating continued profit (as above) to help make any monthly payments.

As a result, a Key Man or Key Person can be anyone directly associated with the business whose loss can cause financial strain to the business. For instance, they could be a Director of a company, a Partner, key sales people, key project managers and people with specific skills or knowledge which is especially valuable to the company.

Features:

• Coverage for Employees: Group life insurance provides a lump sum payment to the designated beneficiaries of an employee in the event of their death during the coverage period. The coverage amount is typically based on a multiple of the employee's salary or a fixed amount chosen by the employer.
• Group Coverage: Group life insurance covers a group of employees under a single policy, making it a cost-effective option for businesses. It simplifies the administration process as employees are enrolled automatically without the need for individual underwriting.
• Flexible Coverage Options: Employers can choose different coverage levels based on their budget and the needs of their workforce. They can select a flat benefit amount or a multiple of the employee's salary.
• Optional Add-ons: Some group life insurance policies offer additional options, such as spouse or partner coverage, which provides a benefit to the employee's significant other in the event of their death.

Benefits:

• Financial Protection for Employees' Families: Group life insurance ensures that employees' families receive a financial safety net in the event of the employee's death. The lump sum payment can help cover funeral expenses, mortgage or rent payments, outstanding debts, and ongoing living expenses.
• Employee Retention and Recruitment: Offering group life insurance as an employee benefit can enhance the overall benefits package, making the company more attractive to current and potential employees. It demonstrates the employer's commitment to the well-being of their workforce.
• Peace of Mind: Group life insurance provides peace of mind to employees, knowing that their loved ones will be financially protected if they pass away. This can contribute to a positive work environment and employee satisfaction.
• Tax Efficiency: In the UK, group life insurance policies are usually tax-efficient. The premiums paid by the employer are generally tax-deductible as a business expense, and the benefits received by employees' beneficiaries are usually tax-free, subject to certain conditions.
• Supportive Bereavement Services: Some group life insurance policies provide additional support services for employees and their families, such as bereavement counseling or access to helplines for emotional support during difficult times.

It's important for businesses to carefully consider their specific needs, consult with insurance providers, and review policy terms and conditions to select the most suitable group life insurance coverage for their employees.