Voluntary benefits 101

A starter guide for busy employers who want practical information about voluntary benefits without the jargon.

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Voluntary benefits in a nutshell

Voluntary benefits help pay for out-of-pocket expenses that major medical and other insurance don't cover. Also called supplemental benefits, voluntary benefits are used to meet a diverse range of needs. Examples include paying for out-of-pocket medical expenses, household bills and travel expenses, as well as replacing missed wages. Many employees like that benefits such as disability, accident and hospital are paid directly to them, so they can use them where they are needed.

The beauty of voluntary benefits is they can be customized for the specifics needs of a business and their employees, catering to certain vocations, stages of life, location and lifestyles.

Payment options for voluntary benefits include:

  • 100% employee-paid
  • Partially funded by both employee and employer

Popular benefits at a glance

The sheer versatility of our voluntary benefits can help you retain skilled workers and help your business grow.

  • wheel chair icon
    Disability
  • leaf icon
    Life
  • crutches icon
    Accident
  • heart monitor icon
    Critical illness
  • bed icon
    Hospital indemnity
  • ribbon icon
    Cancer
  • tooth brush icon
    Dental
  • glasses icon
    Vision

How businesses and employees benefit

Adding voluntary benefits to your compensation package supports your business and employees.

Advantages to the business

  • Enrich benefits package without adding to your bottom line
  • Help control rising health insurance premiums
  • Attract and retain skilled talent
  • Gain digital tools for enrollment and administration

Advantages to employees

  • Valuable coverage at affordable rates
  • Flexible benefit options to fit workers' needs
  • Fill in gaps in major medical coverage
  • Confidence the benefits have been vetted

Busting the myths...

Why small businesses don't offer voluntary benefits

A black man wearing a paramedic uniform sits on the back of a rescue vehicle listening to two women coworkers talking. All three are laughing.

Frequently asked questions

Got a question about voluntary benefits? Here are some FAQs from businesses and HR professionals.

Who can get voluntary benefits?

Administration and costs

Health care and voluntary benefits

Filing a claim, getting paid

Voluntary benefits 101

Strengthen your business with our quick start guide on voluntary benefits and build a well-rounded benefits package that helps attract and retain skilled workers.

1 2023 BEAT Study, Benefits and Employee Attitude Tracker, LIMRA, 2023