Health & Welfare

Israel

Israel Introduces a Health Insurance Reform

The government of Israel recently introduced a health insurance reform establishing a comprehensive Private Medical Insurance (PMI) framework that creates a uniform structure for basic health policy.

The new circular entered into effect on 1 May 2023.
The new circular is expected to come into effect on 1 May 2023.

South Africa

South Africa Proposes the Creation of a Universal Healthcare System Financed by Employees

On 12 June 2023, the National Assembly of the South African Parliament passed the National Health Insurance (NHI) Bill (the “Bill”). The Bill aims to establish a universal healthcare system supported by a National Health Insurance Fund (the “Fund”). As it stands, the Fund is expected to be financed by monthly employee payroll contributions and through general tax increases.

The Bill has advanced to the next stage and has been referred to the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) for review and possible revisions. Once final, the Bill will be sent to the President for assent.

Globe

Global Flu Vaccine Resources

Lockton’s global benefits experts have compiled information on flu vaccines to assist multinational employers in evaluating the ability to provide preventive treatment to their global workforce.

Netherlands

The Netherlands abolishes discounts on medical premium: What’s next for employers?

The Dutch government decided at the beginning of 2023 to eliminate the premium discounts that were historically available to group health insurance plans, known locally as collectives (collectiviteitskorting). This has left some employers reconsidering the value of a group plan and whether they should consider offering other benefits to offset the loss of the premium discount.

Belgium

Belgium entitles employees to bicycle allowance

Beginning 1 May 2023, employees who regularly cycle to work may claim an employer-paid allowance of EUR 0.27 per kilometer based on the recent conclusion of a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA No. 164) by the National Labour Council on 24 January 2023.

Coronavirus vaccine

COVID-19 vaccines: What multinational employers need to know [Update]

Please note: For the latest updates on COVID-19 vaccines and vaccine rollout plans, please visit the World Health Organization (WHO) and national regulatory agencies. The below information is designed to guide businesses to known, credible resources covering COVID-19 and does […]

Ireland

Ireland to expand paid and unpaid parental leave benefits [Updated]

Update: The most recent increases to the parental leave entitlements introduced by the Parental Leave (Amendment) Act 2019 will apply beginning 1 September 2020. Employees will now be entitled to take 26 weeks of unpaid parental leave, compared to the […]