Your clients know a competitive benefits package is essential to attracting and keeping top talent — and that's especially true in today's tight labor market. So it's no surprise the trend toward expanded packages, including a variety of non-insurance or additional benefits, continues to grow. In fact, identity theft protection, legal plans and pet insurance might not even be considered "new" benefits any longer. 

But a new wave of additional benefits is emerging in the voluntary market that may offer you new opportunities to stand out from your competitors. If you're not already looking into mental health, financial wellness education and tools, and caregiver support benefits, it's time to learn more.

Carriers are expanding their options

More than three-fourths (76%) of carriers offer mental health benefits or services, according to Eastbridge's recent "Emerging Voluntary Benefits and Services" Frontline™ report. And the majority of carriers that are not yet offering mental health benefits say they plan to introduce them within the next year. Carriers may offer mental health benefits and services as a benefit, a value-added or discounted service, or both. Including these benefits in a hospital indemnity product is most common, but they can also be part of critical illness, accident, long-term disability, short-term disability or term life plans.