We’ve all been there. Sat in an NHS waiting room, scrolling endlessly on our phones, wondering just how long it’ll be before we’re seen. The truth is, NHS waiting times are a hot topic for everyone, but when you’re a contractor, time really is money. Missing a day or even a few hours of work because you’re stuck waiting for a GP appointment or treatment can be frustrating and costly.
The good news is there are ways to cut down those waits, without having to go fully private. More and more umbrella companies are now offering benefits apps that give you access to faster healthcare solutions. One such app is our very own Fair Pay Services Companion app, which makes healthcare far more convenient and efficient for its users.
What is a benefits app?
Think of it as a perks package for your professional life. Beyond just helping you manage your taxes and payslips, some progressive umbrella companies include additional benefits to make life easier. These apps often cover everything from mental health support to fitness discounts, as well as medical services.
How does the Fair Pay Companion app work?
With our app (available on Google Play Story and Apple App Store), for example, you gain access to key healthcare services designed to bypass the bottlenecks of the NHS. Here’s what that can mean for you:
- GP appointments without the wait: Book virtual consultations at a time that suits you, often on the same day.
- Specialist referrals: Get referrals faster, so you can avoid long queues for specialist care.
- Health advice on-the-go: Access reliable medical advice 24/7.
- Mental health support: Speak to trained professionals whenever you need a bit of help coping with stress, anxiety, or other issues.
Why this matters for contractors
As a contractor, your schedule can be unpredictable. If you’re not working, you’re not earning. It’s as simple as that. Waiting weeks just to see a GP or months for a specialist appointment simply isn’t practical.
Using a benefits app like the Fair Pay Companion app ensures you spend less time waiting and more time doing what you do best, whether that’s working on your current contract or just living your life without health worries hanging over your head.
Other perks you might not know about
These types of benefits apps aren’t just for getting quicker GP appointments. Many of them also offer wellness resources, fitness tools, prescription services, and retail discounts. We give our contractor employees access to these to make their lives healthier and less stressful overall.
Final thoughts
The NHS is an incredible service, but it’s stretched thin. If you’re a contractor looking for a way to avoid lengthy waiting times and get back to work faster, checking out what benefits apps your umbrella company offers could be a game-changer.
Fair Pay Services understands that your time is valuable. By offering the Fair Pay Companion app, we’re not only helping you with your finances, we’re helping you live a healthier, less stressful life.