As the middle of the year approaches, now is a good time to do some research, ask good questions, and analyze your results so far to determine how well your employee benefits are being utilized.  

While most benefits only allow employees to opt in during Open Enrollment, others, like pet benefits, allow enrollment all year long. This means you have an opportunity to increase employee satisfaction outside of the normal enrollment period, when most people are too overwhelmed to consider every aspect of their benefits package. 

Let’s take a closer look at whether your employees are using their pet benefits, and how you can make sure you are meeting their needs.  

The Benefits of a Mid-Year Employee Benefits Review  

Your employee benefits package may be robust, offering everything your employees need and want. But, unless they are using it effectively, you (and they) are not getting a return on your investment. Let’s take a look at what goes into a mid-year benefits review and what you can do now to make sure your employees are satisfied with their pet benefits. 

Do Your Pet Benefit Plans Meet Current Needs? 

Your employees’ pet benefits are only effective if they meet their furry family members’ current needs. Request feedback from your employees about the benefits, limitations, and opportunities that come with their current plan. Ask key questions such as: 

• Do you still have the same pets? 
• Have you added any pets to your family recently? 
• Are you getting the financial support you need? 
• Could adjusting coverage be helpful to your policy now? 
• What’s changed since the last enrollment period? 

It’s not uncommon for such factors to impact an employee’s overall financial well-being. Yet, they may not know they can contact you, their HR team, or their pet benefits provider to make adjustments throughout the year. 

Unlike traditional healthcare for human needs, new pet insurance enrollments can happen at any time of the year – which means if someone forgot to add a plan during open enrollment, they could still take advantage of the opportunity. Some pet insurance plans also allow adjustments and/or enhancements to active policies.  

Do Employees Understand Plan Details? 

Let’s be honest. HR teams need to be knowledgeable about employee benefits and answer questions. At the time of enrollment, that’s hard to do. Now that you have some time (potentially) in the middle of the year, it’s possible to help your employees gain more insight into what they have and how well they are using it. 

You can gather insight into key areas that impact your employees’ use of pet insurance benefits: 

• Do they understand their deductibles across all types of care and services? 
• Are they aware of out-of-pocket costs and how to get reimbursed for expenses? 
• Do they fully understand their policy limitations, such as exclusions for pre-existing conditions?  
• Do they understand how to use their pet insurance in emergencies, versus routine care? 

It’s not uncommon for employees to seek out pet insurance, but they may not understand how to use it or when it may be applicable to their needs. With the help of HR teams (along with your pet benefits provider), you can ensure your employees fully understand this exceptional benefit you’re offering them. 

Are Employees Maximizing on Their Benefits? 

Another important consideration is whether employees are making good use of their benefits. Pet insurance can be tricky – no one wants to face medical emergencies for pets, where many of these benefits align. However, pet owners may not realize just how comprehensive their coverage is (and when to use it!) 

Though pet insurance plans differ significantly, take a look at some of the benefits that are typically included in many pet insurance and discount pet care plans. Inquire with your employees if they are using and benefiting from these features: 

• Accident and illness coverage 
• Wellness plan coverage  
• Discounts on vet care 
• Savings on prescriptions and pet food 
• Telehealth services for vet care  
• Lost pet recovery services  

Of course, not all pet insurance covers everything. Combining a pet insurance offering with a discount pet care plan is a great way to help your pet-owning employees save money on care. Typically, a discount pet care plan, such as Total Pet Plan from Pet Benefit Solutions, offers everyday savings on pet food, pet prescription medications, veterinary care, and more. By checking in with your employees now, you can better understand if your team is making the most of their policy and if any changes or additions are needed. 

Boost Employee Engagement with Benefits 

The more you educate and support your employees in understanding and using their plan, the better it will support their needs and contribute to a positive workplace culture and reputation as an employer of choice.  

Be sure to communicate the following: 

• Pet insurance helps provide financial security by reducing the ever-increasing cost of pet care.  
• Employee pet benefits also encourage work-life balance and mental health, alleviating the financial strain and worry that comes from unexpected pet emergencies. 
• Show your employees you appreciate what matters to them. For many people, pets are family, and by supporting their use of pet benefits, you’re acknowledging that. 

Tips for Holding a Mid-Year Pet Benefit Conversation 

HR teams often provide a mid-year review for employee benefits, but will your employees truly care about a review just for pet insurance? You may be surprised by how much they value this conversation.  

Here are some simple ways you can provide helpful information on their pet benefits: 

• Email a quick survey or a few questions. This is a good starting point for gauging interest. 
• Create a simple presentation that showcases their coverage. Let them view it when they desire. 
• Create an awareness campaign – a simple meeting can help pet owners get any hands-on help they need.  

Offer Benefits Your Employees Really Want 

Learn more about how beneficial and easy it is to meet employee needs through pet insurance from Pet Benefit Solutions. With alternative and traditional pet insurance products, we offer affordable options for every pet family. Employees can enroll any time of year, even without a qualifying event.  Request a proposal today to learn more.