Target Group provides business process servicing to more than 30 financial institutions and public bodies globally. As well as processing over 19 million accounts and collecting £3 billion of direct debit payments for its clients, it makes the health and wellbeing of its 500 employees a key business priority.
Once an employee has successfully completed their probation, they are invited to join the private medical insurance (PMI) scheme. Steve Herbert, senior people partner at Target Group, says: “We cover the cost but as, it’s a taxable benefit, we give employees the choice of whether or not to join. They can also add partners or family members at an additional cost to them.”
Around 40% of the workforce had joined the scheme when Herbert ran take-up figures in October 2025 but he expects to see this figure increase. “Employees really appreciate the cover,” he says. “They are worried about how long they might have to wait for NHS treatment: medical insurance really speeds up their treatment path.”
Although premiums on the Aviva-provided scheme increased last year, and Herbert expects them to be higher at renewal this year, he has also seen a marked change in usage. “Three or four years ago, employees hardly used their cover, but we’ve seen more claims and engagement with benefits such as the digital GP over the last couple of years,” he says. “We want them to use it.”
Target Group runs regular communications to encourage more staff to use the scheme. It is also looking to reduce the excess on the scheme, from £150 to £50. “This will help to extend cover to employees on lower incomes who may have seen the excess as a barrier,” Herbert explains.
The PMI scheme is also part of a broader wellbeing strategy, with employees able to access a range of health and wellbeing apps and services as well as group life and group income protection “Employee wellbeing is a strategic focus and priority for the business,” adds Herbert.
