Virtual GPs: The Hidden Secret In Your Employee Benefits Package

If you’re looking for a way to supercharge your employee benefits and enhance your team’s wellbeing, you might already have a secret weapon in your arsenal. This perk is often tucked away in your existing Group Private Health, or group risk products (such as Group Life Insurance, or Group Income Protection policies) and it’s time you shined a spotlight on it.

Virtual GPs give your employees the power to consult with a GP without the hassle of waiting rooms, travel, or long delays. And as our 2025 Employee Benefits Survey found, it’s the most-used additional perk by far for employees – but the majority remain unaware of its existence. Here’s why Virtual GP services are the must-promote benefit you never knew you had (or can easily get!).

The Healthcare Crunch

The NHS is under immense strain – long waiting lists and a shortage of available appointments mean that timely healthcare is becoming a rare commodity. In 2024, the UK lost a staggering 148.9 million working days due to illness or injury, costing businesses a fortune in lost productivity.

The result? An overburdened healthcare system and employees struggling to get the care they need. This is where Virtual GP services come in, offering a lifeline to your workforce.

Through a simple smartphone app booking system, a video consultation with a qualified GP can often be arranged for the same day or within 24 hours – with no holding on the line to GP surgeries, which often have long waiting times.

Richard Noble
Senior Consultant, Employee Benefits

What Is A Virtual GP?

An Online GP service is like having a doctor in your pocket. Employees can book an appointment with a GP at a time that suits them, via a simple online app. They can use the service for consultations, fitness notes, and even prescriptions (new or repeat). Some digital doctors will even see employees’ children under the service, too.

Key Features Of A Digital GP

Most Digital GPs offer services which include:

• Multiple consultation options
  Whether your employees prefer video calls, phone calls, or messaging, they have the freedom to choose what suits them best
• Extended hours
  Many services operate outside of traditional hours, including evenings and weekends, ensuring support is available when it’s needed most – even 24/7 for some providers
• Online Prescriptions
  Virtual GP’s offer fast online prescriptions. After their online consultation, employees can either get their prescription delivered to them or collect it from a local pharmacy
• Qualified care
  Consultations are handled by experienced, registered GPs who keep up with the latest medical standards and practices.The service ensures the safety and confidentiality of medical records, which can be shared with the employee’s own GP to improve the quality of care.

Our NHS is incredible, and it does the best it can with limited resources. But I always feel against the clock on my GP appointments – conscious that I’m holding up a waiting room full of other patients.

App-based GP services have become really popular, especially with business owners who want to look after their staff while minimising health-related absences. As a company director, I can make a personal recommendation for the quality of these services. Read more about my experience.

Andrew Jenkinson
Founder and CEO, Drewberry

Why Online GP Appointments Are A Game-Changer

Online GPs are a fab perk, especially for SMEs. And the best part? You probably already have it if you offer core benefits such as Group Health Insurance, Group Life Insurance or Group Critical Illness Cover.

Benefits For Employers and Employees

Here are just some of the benefits of an online GP service for you and your employees:

• Easy access, swift care
  No more juggling schedules to fit in a doctor’s appointment. Virtual GP services fit into your employees day seamlessly. Booking a private online GP appointment means shorter waiting times. This leads to quicker diagnoses and treatments, helping employees stay on top of their health. They can even get prescription medication quickly through the service.
• Effortless referrals
  Employees can consult with a registered doctor, ensuring they receive professional medical advice. Referral letters can be sent directly to employees’ email addresses after consultations, making the process quicker and more efficient.
• Healthier, happier employees
  24% of employees feel their employer doesn’t prioritise their wellbeing, so it’s clear that there’s a gap to fill. By promoting virtual GP services, you’re not just offering convenience; you’re showing you care about their wellbeing.
• Boosted productivity and lower absenteeism
  Virtual GP services are a boon for maintaining productivity. They allow employees to address health issues promptly, reducing the time they need to take off work.
• Competitive advantage
  Offering and promoting this benefit can make your company more attractive to potential hires and help retain your current talent.

A Perk That’s Already Paid For

The best part? Digital GP services are often part of your existing Corporate Private Health, Death In Service, or Group Income Protection packages. This means you can offer this perk at no extra cost, making it a fantastic addition to your benefits lineup. If it’s included in your insurance, your employees can access these services without additional charges.

Even Drewberry Directors love the service, see what CEO Andrew had to say after his Virtual GP experience.

Do You Already Have Virtual GP Access?

If you have Company Health Insurance (or other products such as Group Life Insurance or Group Critical Illness) chances are you have a Virtual GP tucked away as part of your policy.

Start by reviewing your insurance documents or employee benefits handbook for mentions of telemedicine or remote healthcare services. If you’re unsure, contact your insurance provider directly or give our specialists a call on 02074425880.

Employee Assistance Programmes

Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs) and wellness apps often include Virtual GP services, so it’s worth checking these resources as well.

Engage with employees through surveys to see if they’ve accessed these services and to gather insights on usage. Your employee benefits platform can also be a handy tool for your workforce to explore the specifics of your coverage.

Many of the best UK insurers now offer a wealth of additional services alongside their business health insurance, group life insurance, income protection and critical illness propositions.

Not only are these services free to use, employees don’t have to make a claim to access them. They are there to provide added support and help individuals before they get to the point of needing to make a claim.

Nadeem Farid
Head Of Health & Wellbeing Benefits