One of the many benefits of the UK’s NHS is that it offers free health checks to all adults aged 40-74. This preventative measure is aimed at catching the early signs of major conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and stroke. Yet, despite these being freely available, new data reveals a troubling trend: uptake is declining.According to a survey by the consultancy Broadstone, only 36% of those invited for an NHS health check attended in Q2 2024/25, down from 43% during the same period in 2019/20. This is despite the fact that a record number of invitations have been sent. Over 626,000 people who were eligible for a free health check simply didn’t turn up. With participation rates slipping, businesses now face a pressing question: What role should they play in their employees’ health?A healthcare system under strainBrett Hill, Director at Broadstone, has spoken extensively about the state of the NHS and the growing healthcare gap. “The NHS is in a state of crisis and will be for the foreseeable future,” he warns. With waiting times soaring and the system under immense pressure, businesses can no longer rely on public healthcare alone to keep their workforce healthy. Employers, Hill argues, must step into the gap, not just to provide support for those already ill but to take proactive steps in preventing health problems before they escalate.One of the biggest challenges is the long-term sustainability of the NHS. The system is facing increasing strain due to an ageing population, rising chronic disease prevalence, and persistent funding shortfalls. As a result, many employees are struggling to access timely care, leading to prolonged illnesses, increased workplace absences, and decreased productivity.What’s more, the traditional approach to healthcare—reactive treatment rather than prevention—is proving inadequate in the face of growing demand. The NHS is overstretched, and preventative services such as health checks, cancer screenings, and mental health support are often inaccessible or underutilised. Businesses that take a proactive stance in supporting their employees’ wellbeing through private healthcare options can help fill this gap, ensuring their workforce remains healthy and engaged.Hill further notes that employee expectations have changed significantly: “I think there has been a paradigm and permanent shift in employee expectations of their employer… If you went back to 2010 and asked employees if it was their employer’s responsibility to help keep them healthy, most would have said no. You ask that question again today, and I suspect the majority would say yes.” This shift highlights the growing need for businesses to take an active role in their team’s health and wellbeing.The case for Group Health InsuranceDeclining uptake of the NHS’ free health checks is just one symptom of a broader issue: preventative healthcare is not reaching enough people. For businesses, this presents a clear risk. Poor employee health can lead to increased absenteeism, lower productivity, and higher turnover. Group Health Insurance provides an effective solution by ensuring employees have access to proactive, high-quality care without long NHS wait times.YuLife’s Group Health Insurance goes beyond basic coverage. It integrates wellbeing incentives, digital health tools, and access to virtual GPs, helping your employees manage their health before issues become serious. This holistic approach aligns with Hill’s argument that prevention must be prioritised to create sustainable, long-term healthcare solutions for businesses and individuals.Hill also highlights the financial sustainability of healthcare for businesses, warning that rising costs must be managed: “If we want a growing private healthcare market, then the cost of funding those healthcare benefits has to be sustainable for clients… If we’re getting back into a world where general inflation is settling down to 2.5%, but medical inflation is still running at 15%, that can’t continue forever.” The role of AI in transforming Health InsuranceAI-driven solutions are playing an increasing role in the future of Health Insurance, offering businesses data-driven insights to improve employee wellbeing. While the NHS is facing struggles with engagement and preventative care, AI can help bridge the gap by analysing workforce health trends, predicting potential issues, and providing tailored interventions before serious conditions develop.AI-powered analytics can assess patterns in employee health data to detect emerging risks, providing personalised recommendations that empower individuals to take preventive action. These systems can identify early warning signs for conditions such as stress-related burnout, cardiovascular issues, and musculoskeletal problems. By offering real-time insights, AI-driven tools can help businesses create targeted wellbeing initiatives that improve employee health outcomes and reduce long-term healthcare costs.Another key advantage of AI in Health Insurance is its ability to streamline access to care. Advanced AI models can guide employees towards the most appropriate support pathways, whether that’s a virtual GP, mental health counselling, or a specific lifestyle intervention. This ensures your employees receive timely care, reducing absenteeism and preventing minor health concerns from escalating into serious medical issues.AI-driven solutions also enhance engagement by offering personalised incentives for healthy behaviours. By integrating gamified rewards and behavioural nudges, AI can encourage employees to adopt and maintain healthier lifestyles, ultimately driving better long-term health outcomes for both individuals and businesses.Data-driven decision-making is becoming increasingly important in employer health strategies. Hill emphasises this point, saying, “Data and proof of value are going to be the king and queen of decision-making when it comes to wellbeing initiatives in 2025… “Employers will have to justify their spending in an environment where discretionary budgets are under immense pressure.” A proactive approach to workforce wellbeingWith declining NHS participation and growing concerns over workplace health, businesses have a unique opportunity to lead the way in preventative care. As the healthcare landscape evolves, companies that prioritise employee health will not only see reduced sickness costs and improved productivity but will also be better positioned to attract and retain top talent. Now is the time for businesses to take a proactive stance. With YuLife’s innovative approach, Group Health Insurance is a strategic investment in the future of work.About YuLifeYuLife is working to reimagine the insurance industry by protecting lives, rewarding living and inspiring life. We’re on a mission to transform traditional insurance into a life-enhancing experience each employee will value and use daily. How does it work?Our award-winning app uses behavioural science and game mechanics to reward your people for living well while offering protection in case of crisis. And with our top-rated employee assistance programme, your team gets access to mental, financial and social support, virtual GPs, nutritionists, life coaches and more to help them live their best lives.Because we believe that your employees should benefit from their insurance from day one — and that wellbeing should be accessible every day, for everyone.Request a demo for your team today.