Press Release

July 2026

Affordable healthcare provider Benenden Health has expanded its digital health offering heart rhythm monitoring checks to its 875,000+ members. This new service enables members to check their heart rhythm anytime, anywhere, using only their smartphone camera.

The partnership with FibriCheck complements new Benenden Health research revealing that three quarters of UK adults (73%) do not know that heart rate monitoring can be carried out via a smartphone, despite over half (56%) believing that certified medical tests can be performed on such devices. Only 27% recognised that heart monitoring could be done this way, and just 10% had checked their heart rate via a phone app in the past year.

The research has also identified that heart health awareness remains low across the UK. Two-fifths (40%) of adults say they have limited awareness of their heart health, rising to nearly half (49%) of those aged 35–54. Only 20% of the public are concerned about their heart health, despite cardiovascular disease being one of the nation’s leading causes of death.

FibriCheck is a CE‑marked, clinically validated medical device that uses digital technology to analyse heart rhythm through a smartphone camera. Over the past year, 10,551 Benenden Health members activated the service, with 92% going on to perform heart rhythm assessments. This resulted in more than 8.5 million heartbeats analysed, demonstrating strong engagement with proactive cardiac monitoring.

The clinical impact has been significant.

• 540 members recorded at least one Atrial Fibrillation (AF) detection, with 251 of these individuals reporting no symptoms, highlighting the silent nature of the condition and the importance of early detection.
• A further 286 members recorded symptomatic AF episodes, capturing rhythm data at the moment symptoms occurred.
• 2,900 members experienced symptoms such as palpitations but showed no AF, receiving immediate reassurance through the digital service and reducing unnecessary GP visits, referrals and anxiety.

Speaking on the value of the partnership, Benenden Health’s Head of Innovation, David Winter, said: “Heart rhythm issues can be difficult to detect, especially when symptoms are subtle or absent. With awareness levels low and AF often going unnoticed until a serious event occurs, this digital monitoring service for our members is a really important part of helping our members stay well.

“At Benenden Health, we’re committed to integrating innovative digital solutions that empower our members to take control of their wellbeing. By incorporating digital heart monitoring into our offering, we’re enabling convenient, clinically validated heart rhythm assessments from home. And should members detect any concerns, our Diagnostics service ensures they receive prompt onward support whenever needed.”

FibriCheck CEO, Lars Grieten, added: “We are proud to support Benenden Health members in monitoring their heart rhythm with confidence. By transforming a smartphone into a medical‑grade screening tool, we help users detect irregularities early, share accurate data with clinicians and take action sooner when required.”

Heart health monitoring joins Benenden Health’s extensive range of member benefits, including its 24/7 GP Helpline, Mental Health Services, Surgery, Physio, Tests and Scans and access to hundreds of preventative health resources on-demand via the Benenden Health app.

For more information about Benenden Health’s services, visit: Affordable Private Healthcare Provider | Benenden Health.

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9 July 2026

Equipsme won not one but two Awards at the British Insurance Awards last night – named both Best Employee Benefits Insurer of the Year and Best Insurance Employer SME

The British Insurance Awards recognise significant innovation, outstanding achievements, and breakthrough talent across the UK general insurance industry, and are one of the highlights of the insurance calendar. Held at the Royal Albert Hall, this year the ceremonies were conducted by comedian, Traitor’s star and all-round national treasure Alan Carr.

The Awards are judged by a panel of industry heavyweights, representing every facet of the market.

Two of Equipsme’s co-founders, Gavin Shay and Andy Santoni, Distribution Director and Commercial Director, were on hand to pick up the award. Gavin says: “What an absolutely fantastic night. Andy and I were absolutely thrilled to be there with so many of our peers, and to actually win an award – let alone two – is a real privilege.

“Over the last year we’ve really focused on honing our products and services to support large, complex populations of first-time health insurance users. We’ve developed our broker relationships, expanded operations, and delivered some huge rollouts. And we’ve seen the impact of what we do on both businesses and on individual lives. Having that recognised by the BIA judges is the icing on top of a great year.

“It’s a year that couldn’t have happened, of course, without the brilliant Equipsme team. It’s their feedback that got us the Best Employer SME award, and which shows we’re not only doing the right thing by clients and members, but by our people, too.”

Second and Third BIA Awards

Matthew Reed, Equipsme’s CEO comments: “This is actually our second and third British Insurance Award, as we won one for best newcomer way back in our earliest days as a start-up. Receiving another TWO as a mature and growing organisation feels like a proper coming of age moment.

“We set out in 2018 to shake up health insurance and change health benefits for the better – making insurance cost-effective for more businesses, and more people in them who never thought they’d have private health insurance benefits. 

“Now we’re making a real difference to skilled employees at organisations including UK Power Networks, EDF, Imerys, plus various banks, charities, hospitality chains and manufacturing firms. From heart operations to hip replacements, cancer diagnosis to physiotherapy rehabilitation, we’re helping get people back up and running – and back to work faster. I’m delighted that work and the difference we’re making was recognised last night.

“For me though, the Best Employer Award is particularly special. It’s awarded based on the feedback of a company’s employees – and I’m really humbled that everyone at Equipsme took part and really championed not just what we do but also how we do it.

“When we set out to do PMI differently, we also set out to do it our own way. As founders, we’d all experienced the very worst of corporate culture, with its clocking in and out, presenteeism and politics. So we wanted to make a business that would actually work for the people in it.

“We think good people are the key to everything we do, and we go out of our way to make sure we support them. At the end of the day, it’s about giving people the respect and trust they deserve. Because if you’ve recruited right, they always pay you back – with interest.

“Our first BIA resides in the little loo of our very first employee. This one belongs to everyone, and will be taking pride of place in our office.”

Ends

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The membership comes as WPA continues its period of significant growth, with its customer base nearly twice its pre-pandemic size. The insurer has also seen continued demand for its products across both individual and corporate markets.

By joining amii, WPA aims to strengthen its relationships with advisers and intermediaries further while aligning itself with an organisation that promotes consumer confidence, ethical business practices and high professional standards throughout the sector.

Intermediaries are a key part of WPA’s distribution strategy, and the insurer believes amii membership represents the next step in expanding its engagement with the adviser community. As a Corporate Member, WPA will actively contribute to industry discussions and support initiatives that help raise standards across the market.

The membership will also provide amii members with greater access to an established and growing insurer, offering strong propositions, high levels of service and a collaborative approach to meeting the evolving needs of clients.

Kathryn Vellacott, Head of Distribution and Proposition at WPA, said: “Joining amii is a natural next step for us as we continue to grow and strengthen our presence in the market.

“Intermediaries are central to our distribution strategy, and amii membership will help us build closer relationships with like-minded partners who share our focus on high standards, ethical practice and positive customer outcomes. We are excited about the value this will create for amii members and their clients looking for an ambitious insurer committed to outstanding service.”

Dave Middleton, Executive Chair of amii, added: “We are delighted to welcome WPA as a Corporate Member of amii. WPA has a long-established reputation within the health insurance market and has demonstrated impressive growth in recent years.

“Their commitment to working closely with intermediaries, maintaining high standards of service and supporting positive customer outcomes aligns strongly with amii’s values. We look forward to working together to support advisers and continue raising standards across the sector.”

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Built specifically for our market, the Academy has been designed to support professionals at every stage of their career, providing practical, flexible learning that fits around the demands of everyday working life.

At launch, members will have access to a comprehensive certification programme featuring:

• Nine structured learning modules
• Fifteen hours of CPD
• A final assessment
• Coverage of the eight key competencies outlined by the Insurance Distribution Directive (IDD)

The Academy combines interactive content, real world scenarios, knowledge checks and practical examples to create a learning experience that is engaging, relevant and immediately applicable.

Importantly, learning can be completed at a pace that suits the individual. Progress is saved throughout the programme, allowing members to learn when and where it works best for them.

The certification programme is just the beginning. The Academy has been built as a long term learning platform, with future courses, resources and development opportunities planned as the profession continues to evolve.

Liam Kennedy, amii Vice Chair, said:

“The Academy has been built to raise standards and support meaningful professional development across the market. It’s practical, accessible and designed to grow with our members as their careers develop.”

To celebrate the launch, we are hosting a special webinar on Monday, providing members with an opportunity to take a first look at the platform, explore the certification programme and hear more about the vision behind the Academy.

Register today and join us as we launch the next chapter in professional development for our sector.

Register here.

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This is a proper learning platform: structured courses, CPD tracking, and content built specifically for professionals working in the PMI and health and employee benefits sector.

This is a first for amii. We’ve had events, webinars, and industry content for years. The Academy is something different — a dedicated space where your team can learn, track their development, and come back to. We think it matters, and we hope you do too.

What the Academy Is

The amii Academy is a purpose-built learning management system — an online platform where amii members can access CPD-accredited courses, track completion, and build a record of their professional development. It’s designed for the intermediary and corporate members who make up this association: the people selling, advising on, and administering health and employee benefits products in a regulated environment.

The platform is built on Totara, a professional LMS used across regulated industries. Content is structured in modules, progress is tracked automatically, and completions are logged so you and your team have a clear record of what’s been done.

What’s Inside

The Academy launches with courses covering the areas that matter most to our members: PMI market knowledge, compliance and regulatory requirements, product understanding, and the practical skills that support day-to-day client work. Content will grow over time — this is a platform we intend to build on, not a one-off project.

CPD tracking is built in from day one. Every module completed is logged, and you can pull a record of your learning at any point. For regulated firms managing their T&C requirements, that matters.

Why This Matters

Training in this sector has always been patchy. The FCA expects regulated firms to demonstrate competence, manage their T&C frameworks, and keep their people up to date. In practice, a lot of that has relied on informal learning, insurer training days, and whatever CPD events people could get to. That’s not enough, and most principals know it.

The Academy gives amii members somewhere to point their people. Structured content, logged completion, a proper record of development. It’s also a platform we can build on — adding new content as the market changes, as regulation develops, as member needs evolve.

This is the start, not the finished article. But it’s a proper start.

Join Us for the Launch Webinar — 29th June

We’re marking the Academy’s launch with a webinar on 29th June. This is your chance to see the platform in action, understand how to set up your team as learners, and ask any questions before you get started. We’ll walk through the key features, show you how the CPD tracking works, and give you a feel for what’s coming next.

Register here

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Now, you can see exactly what we mean.

The full programme is now live, including:

• The complete agenda
• Full speaker line-up
• Details on our keynote sessions
• Six in Sixty
• Connect 4 networking

And everything else we’ve built to make this Summit more engaging, more valuable, and more meaningful.

This year isn’t about packing the day with more content.
It’s about creating better conversations.

From Sally Earnshaw and Sean Conway on the main stage, through to focused networking and fast-paced sessions designed to respect your time. Every part of the agenda has been built with purpose.

If you’ve been thinking about joining us, now’s the time to take a look and secure your place.

Because this isn’t just another industry event.
It’s deliberately different.

View the full programme here.
Register here.

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It’s one of the most common frustrations we hear.

Too much content.
Not enough clarity.
And too little that actually sticks.

That’s exactly why we introduced Six in Sixty at this year’s amii Summer Health & Wellbeing Summit.

And yes. It’s deliberately different.

So, what is Six in Sixty?

Six in Sixty is a fast-paced, high-impact session designed to deliver insight without the overload. Here’s how it works:

• Six expert speakers
• 10 minutes each
• Back-to-back on the main stage
• One focused hour of content
• Followed by audience Q&A

No long intros. No drawn-out presentations. Just focused thinking, delivered with purpose.

Why it works

This format is built around what attendees told us they want more of:

• Clear, concise insights
• Fresh perspectives
• Content that respects their time

Each speaker has just 10 minutes. That constraint matters.

It forces clarity.
It sharpens thinking.
And it ensures you hear only what really matters.

No filler. No fluff.

What you’ll experience

As an attendee, Six in Sixty gives you something different from a traditional session. You’ll:

• Hear six distinct perspectives in one sitting
• Explore key topics shaping health and wellbeing
• Take away practical ideas without information overload
• Stay engaged from start to finish

The pace keeps energy high. The variety keeps it interesting. And the format means there’s always something that resonates.

Not just presentations. Perspectives.

What makes Six in Sixty powerful isn’t just the format. It’s the mix of voices.

Different speakers.
Different viewpoints.
Different ways of tackling the same challenges.

And that’s where the real value comes from. Because sometimes it’s not one big idea that changes your thinking. It’s hearing multiple angles that help you see things differently.

Deliberately different. For a reason.

This isn’t about cramming more into the agenda. It’s about delivering better content in less time. Six in Sixty is designed to:

• Keep your attention
• Respect your time
• And leave you with ideas you’ll actually remember

Ready for something sharper?

If you’re looking for sessions that are focused, engaging, and genuinely useful, Six in Sixty is one you won’t want to miss.

Six speakers.
Sixty minutes.
Endless ideas.

Register here

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Medicash has launched a new low-cost digital wellbeing plan alongside major enhancements to its core proposition. These updates position intermediaries to respond to rising employer demand for preventative health solutions, in line with Day-One Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) as introduced under the Employment Rights Act 2025 last month.

The changes, effective 5 May 2026, include the launch of Remedi – a digital-first health plan priced at £1.95 per employee per month – alongside upgrades to Medicash’s flagship Proactive health cash plan and additional benefits across all corporate policyholders.

Andrew Healy MBE, Chief Executive of Medicash, said: “The introduction of Day-One Statutory Sick Pay is a significant shift for employers, increasing the importance of preventing absence rather than simply managing it.

“For advisers, this creates an opportunity to reframe the conversation – it’s no longer just about what a product pays out, but how it keeps people in work.”

The launch comes as absence and ill health costs continue to rise. UK employees take an average of 9.4 sick days per year, according to the CIPD, increasing pressure on employers to adopt earlier intervention strategies.

Remedi is designed for organisations with 500+ employees and provides access to 12 digital health and wellbeing services via the My Medicash app, with an optional Virtual GP add-on for 50p per employee per month.

New services include digital vision checks from Ocushield, menopause support via Adora Digital Health, and a series of neurodevelopment pathways through Keys Group, including ADHD and autism assessments and speech and language support.

These services will also be rolled out across Medicash’s Proactive health cash plan for new and existing customers, and will be made available to all corporate policyholders at no additional cost.

Medicash has also enhanced its HealthLens service – now offering unlimited scans and wearable integration – and expanded content within its mProve YOURSELF wellbeing app, including nutrition, men’s health and guided exercise support.

Andrew Healy added: “By expanding into areas such as menopause, neurodiversity and digital health screening, we’re aligning our proposition more closely with the drivers of workforce productivity, engagement and inclusion.

“For intermediaries, this means a more relevant, preventative and commercially valuable solution as employers adapt to legislative change.”

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At this year’s amii Summer Summit, we’re doing things differently. Deliberately different.

Introducing Connect 4. A structured, high-energy networking experience designed to make every conversation count.

So, what is Connect 4?

Connect 4 flips traditional networking on its head.

Instead of wandering around a room making small talk, you’ll take part in a series of focused, topic-led conversations with expert providers.

• You’ll join a table based on a topic that matters to you
• Spend 10 minutes in a small group discussion
• Then rotate to your next chosen topic
• Repeat this across four fast-paced sessions

Each conversation is designed to be tight, relevant, and genuinely useful—not a sales pitch. And because each table sticks to one topic throughout, you’ll get depth, not surface-level chatter.

Why it works

Connect 4 has been built around what members told us they actually want from events:

• More meaningful conversations
• Less wasted time
• Access to real expertise
• The ability to choose what they learn

What you’ll experience

Over the course of the session, you’ll:

• Take part in four focused discussions
• Meet providers in small groups of just 3–4 people
• Explore topics like mental health, preventative care, claims trends and more
• Walk away with practical insights you can actually use

It’s structured, but never rigid. Guided, but always conversational.

Deliberately different. For a reason

This isn’t networking for the sake of it.

It’s about creating space for better conversations.

Shorter sessions mean sharper thinking. Smaller groups mean stronger connections. And a clear structure means no awkwardness. Just value.

Ready to connect differently?

Connect 4 is just one of the ways this year’s Summit is being reimagined to deliver more value, more energy, and more meaningful outcomes.

If you’re tired of the same old event format, this is your chance to experience something better.

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Press Release

April 2025

Not-for-profit, affordable healthcare provider Benenden Health has announced a significant financial upturn for 2025, reporting an operational surplus of £25.1m and an accelerated investment in members’ services. This marks one of the strongest financial positions in the organisation’s 120-year history.

The results represent a secure foundation for continued investment in member services, digital transformation and new product development. As the UK’s largest provider of affordable consumer healthcare, Benenden Health supports more than 870,000 members across the country.

Thanks to this strengthened financial position, Benenden Health was able to expand and enhance its member offering throughout 2025, adding 80 new surgical procedures across general surgery, gynaecology, urology and ENT. The organisation also invested in a suite of new digital health services, including app-based heart rhythm monitoring, eye health screening, skin lesion assessment and a new remote dermatology service. These additions are included free as part of its membership, and form part of Benenden Health’s commitment to delivering greater value and broader choice for its membership.

The organisation attributes its improved financial performance to lower claims costs in areas such as Surgical Treatment and GP appointments, alongside strategic investment in technology, brand activity and product enhancements.

In 2025, Benenden Health also saw strong performance from its national brand campaign, which returned to TV screens in partnership with ITV and doubled unprompted brand awareness from 11% to 21% after the campaign. Benenden Health also remains one of the most-trusted private healthcare providers in the UK today, with a Trustpilot score of 4.6.

Benenden Health’s CEO, Tom Woolgrove, said: “Our financial performance in 2025 reflects the strength of our strategy and the commitment of our employees. Moving from a deficit in 2023 to a £25m surplus in just two years is a significant achievement, while continuing to deliver for our members and achieving high levels of satisfaction, and gives us a robust financial base and the platform to invest even more in the services our members rely on.

“This surplus has enabled us to expand our product in meaningful ways, from adding 80 new surgical procedures to introducing new digital health tools that help members monitor their heart, eye and skin health. These enhancements are all about giving all members more value and more ways to take control of their health and wellbeing.

“As we enter 2026, we’re focused on using this strong financial footing to deliver new products, improve member experience and ensure Benenden Health remains the UK’s leading affordable healthcare provider.”

For more information about Benenden Health, visit: https://www.benenden.co.uk.

ENDS

Notes to editors

The data was collected internally at Benenden Health in January 2026, spanning the whole of 2025. If you have any questions regarding this data, please contact megan.anderson@benenden.co.uk.

About Benenden Health

Benenden Health is a not-for-profit, mutual, member organisation that provides affordable access to private healthcare for its 870,000+ members across the UK.

Benenden Health membership is currently less than £16 per person, per month. From day one of membership, members can access a 24/7 GP Helpline, 24/7 Mental Health Helpline, Care Planning & Social Care Advice Services. After their qualifying period, members can access Physiotherapy, Medical Diagnostics, Cancer Support Services and limited Surgical Treatment.

Benenden Health membership has no medical underwriting, and the monthly contribution rate stays same irrespective of how many times a member claims.

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