The study also found significant differences in the mindsets and attitudes of employees who have applied for voluntary insurance benefits, compared to those whose employers don't offer such benefits. For example, 62 percent of employees enrolled in voluntary insurance benefit plans report that, "My current benefits package meets my family needs," while only 45 percent of employees whose employers don't offer voluntary benefits agreed with that statement. In addition, 57 percent of the former reported that, "I am extremely/very satisfied with my benefits package," while only 41 percent of the latter agreed with that statement.

Employers have a number of options when introducing group voluntary benefit plans. For example, they can incorporate them into their existing packages, including integrating them as complements to their existing employer-paid benefits, restructuring current employer-paid benefits to include employee buy-in options, or replacing some employer-paid benefits with voluntary insurance plans.

Aflac Group Voluntary Plans

Aflac group voluntary plans are available to accounts of at least 100 benefit-eligible employees. Plans are guaranteed issue (when participation requirements are met); there are no medical underwriting questions. Participation is easy: There is one application, one underwriting offer, and one rate set per account. Aflac offers seven group voluntary plans.

Group Critical Illness Insurance pays lump sum benefits for diagnosis of covered conditions, such as internal cancer, heart attack, stroke, renal failure, and major organ transplant. It is available to employees and spouses. Dependent children are covered at no additional cost (benefits are 25 percent of employee's amount).Benefits include first occurrence, additional occurrence, re-occurrence, and health benefit screening.  Additional occurrences must be separated by 6 months.  Reoccurrences must be separated by 12 months or 12 months treatment-free for cancer.

Group Supplemental Hospital Indemnity Insurance has a number of options from which to choose, and is available to employees, spouses and dependent children. It covers hospital confinement, hospital admission, hospital intensive care, surgical and anesthesia, hospital emergency room/physician benefit, well baby care, and out-of-hospital prescription drug benefits.

Group Accident Insurance options include 24-hour coverage or nonoccupational coverage, and also high or low option. There is no limit on the number of claims, and the plan pays regardless of any other insurance plans the employee has. Benefits cover inpatient and outpatient treatment of covered accidents. It is available to employees, spouses and dependent children.

Group Short-Term Disability Insurance options include 24-hour coverage or nonoccupational coverage. Rates are determined by occupational class: Premier, Select, or Choice. It includes benefits for partial disability and disabilities due to pre-existing conditions.

Group Whole Life Insurance plans build cash value and is available to employees, spouses and dependent children. It includes Waiver of Premium, Accidental Death Benefit, and Accelerated Death Benefit.

Group Term Life Insurance is available in 5-year, 10-year, 15-year, 20-year, or 30-year terms. It is available to employees, spouses and dependent children. It includes Waiver of Premium and Accidental Death Benefit.

Group Dental Insurance offers three different options, and also offers optional cosmetic and orthodontic benefits. If it is replacing another group dental plan, credit is given to current insureds for the waiting periods.

For more information on the value of group voluntary benefit plans for employers and employees, and for more information on what Aflac offers in this area, visit aflac.com/group benefits.

Products may not be available in all states, and benefits, definitions, limitations, and exclusions may vary per state.  Group insurance is underwritten by Continental American Insurance Company.