Health Checkups for Employee Parents: What Should Your Employee Benefits Include?

The Case for Parental Health Checkups in Employee Benefits

According to the Longitudinal Aging Study, India is home to over 75 million senior citizens, and a majority of them suffer from chronic illnesses such as diabetes, hypertension, arthritis, and heart disease. Despite this, the penetration of health insurance among India’s elderly remains alarmingly low. Many lack the financial means or awareness to seek preventive care or timely medical treatment. (Source)

Today, as employers across India step up their employee wellness programs, adding health checkups for parents under employee benefits is emerging as a powerful and necessary move. It goes beyond standard coverage and offers a preventive, proactive health strategy for the people employees care about most, their parents.

Why Parental Health Matters in Employee Benefits

“When we talk about health insurance, most people think only of themselves and their spouse. But as our parents and in-laws grow older, their health needs increase, both in frequency and cost. This isn’t just about care anymore; it’s about being prepared. I believe it’s our responsibility to ensure they have access to the medical security they deserve. With the rise in chronic conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and thyroid disorders among the elderly, more people are now realising the value of extending coverage to parents under group health insurance. And when companies show that they care about employees’ families, it builds deeper trust and loyalty.”

— Sanchit Malik, Co-founder & CEO, Pazcare

1. Reflects Modern Family Responsibilities

Today’s employees don’t operate in isolation. Many are part of what experts call the "sandwich generation," where they simultaneously care for young children and ageing parents. By including parental health as part of employee benefits, companies acknowledge this reality and show genuine support for employees' broader caregiving roles.

2. Reduces Financial Stress

Healthcare costs in India are rising at an annual rate of 12–15%. Just a three-day hospital stay for a senior citizen can wipe out years of savings. Adding health checkups and preventive care to employee benefits reduces the chances of surprise medical expenses and provides a critical financial safety net.

3. Improves Employee Focus and Productivity

When employees constantly worry about their parents' health, it affects their ability to concentrate at work. Knowing that their parents are getting regular checkups and timely care enables employees to feel more secure and focused on their professional responsibilities.

4. Enhances Talent Attraction and Retention

According to Gallup and McKinsey, when it comes to employee benefits, including family-inclusive policies, are major drivers of retention, and nearly 20% of employees would leave their current job for better benefits (family-inclusive benefits). Offering health checkups for parents is a competitive edge that makes companies stand out. (Source)

5. Encourages Preventive Healthcare

Health checkups allow early detection of conditions before they become serious or life-threatening. Preventive care significantly reduces the long-term burden of disease and treatment costs, making it a win-win for both employers and employees.

6. Promotes Diversity and Inclusion

Family benefits that include parents and in-laws signal a workplace that values different family structures and generations. It promotes inclusion and creates a culture where employees feel truly seen and supported.

Essential Health Checkups to Include for Parents

On this International Labour Day, the Delhi government announced free annual health checkups for workers and their family members, including their parents. This initiative, alongside mandated rest periods during peak heat hours (12 noon to 3 pm), reflects a growing recognition that health is a fundamental priority for all. (Source)

And when it comes to ageing parents, regular screenings are essential. In the sections below, let’s explore the health checkups that every benefits package should ideally include for employee parents.

1. General Health Assessments

• Complete Blood Picture (CBP)/Complete Blood Count (CBC): Detects infections, anemia, and blood disorders.
• Blood Pressure Measurement: Identifies hypertension, which is a silent killer and a risk factor for many serious conditions.
• Blood Sugar (Fasting & Postprandial): Essential for detecting or managing diabetes.
• Body Mass Index (BMI): Evaluates weight category and associated health risks.

2. Complete Urine Exam

This test helps identify kidney issues, urinary tract infections, and metabolic disorders early on.

3. Lipid Profile

• Total Cholesterol, HDL, LDL, Triglycerides: A must for assessing heart disease risk, especially in parents over 50.

4. Kidney Function Tests

• Creatinine, Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN), Uric Acid, eGFR: These tests monitor kidney health, which is vital for older adults who may be on long-term medication.

5. Liver Function Tests

• ALT, AST, Bilirubin, Alkaline Phosphatase, Albumin: Useful in detecting liver disorders, side effects of medications, or alcohol-related damage.

6. Eye and Dental Checkups

• Eye Examination: Detects age-related issues like cataracts, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy.
• Dental Checkup: Helps prevent and manage oral infections, decay, and cancers, which are often overlooked in older adults.

7. Bone Health Screening

• DEXA Scan: Detects osteoporosis and risk of fractures.
• Vitamin D3 & Calcium Levels: Monitors essential nutrients for bone strength.

8. Blood Glucose Monitoring

Regular glucose checks help in managing or diagnosing diabetes.

9. Thyroid Function Test

• TSH, T3, T4: Ensures thyroid issues are detected early, as they affect energy, mood, and metabolism.

10. Vitamin Profile

• Vitamin B12, Vitamin D3, Folate: Tracks deficiencies that can impact neurological, metabolic, and bone health.

Including these tests in an annual or bi-annual format helps keep parents healthy, independent, and reduces emergency medical costs in the long run.

How HRs Can Offer Health Checkups for Employee Parents

1. Define Your Objectives

Start by identifying your goals, are you trying to boost retention, reduce absenteeism, or simply offer better care?

2. Partner with Trusted Providers

Work with reputed hospitals and labs to create age-appropriate health packages for senior citizens.

3. Choose a Delivery Model

Offer onsite camps for employees and their parents, or issue vouchers they can use at approved diagnostic centers near their homes.

4. Customize the Packages

Base your offerings on parent demographics and health risk profiles. Include core screenings and allow employees to choose additional tests.

5. Promote Awareness and Participation

Use company emails, posters, webinars, and HRMS platforms to communicate the benefit. You could even incentivize participation with wellness points.

6. Respect Privacy and Compliance

Follow data privacy norms and ensure that health data collected is used ethically and securely.

7. Make It Easy with Technology

Implement user-friendly platforms that allow employees to schedule checkups, receive digital reports, and track wellness history.

8. Provide Post-Checkup Support

Based on screening results, offer nutritional counseling, doctor consultations, or chronic care support.

9. Regularly Review Your Program

Take feedback, monitor usage, and revise the offerings annually to keep the program relevant and impactful.

How Pazcare Simplifies Health Checkups for Parents

1. Customizable Health Packages for Seniors
Pazcare helps HRs create targeted health packages for parents and in-laws. These include all key tests like CBC, lipid profile, kidney function, eye exams, and bone density scans tailored for elderly needs.

2. Bundled with Group Health Insurance
Instead of managing benefits separately, Pazcare integrates checkups with group insurance plans so HRs can offer one seamless package.

3. Onsite and Offsite Access
From organizing workplace camps to tie-ups with local diagnostic labs, Pazcare ensures parents, whether living nearby or remotely, can get the checkups easily.

4. Centralized Dashboard for HR
Track employee participation, send reminders, manage claims, and access reports, all from one interface.

5. Digital Convenience for Employees
The Pazcare app allows families to book checkups, receive reports, consult with doctors, and even order medicine.

6. Special Attention to Senior Health
From arthritis screening to dental care, Pazcare’s parental packages are designed around common old-age concerns.

7. End-to-End Support
From onboarding to claims and customer service, Pazcare provides real human support to ensure employee satisfaction.

"It’s always better to stop something from happening than to fix the damage."
— Pazcare Health & Wellness

Conclusion

Preventive healthcare for parents is today’s necessity. As HR leaders and business founders, incorporating health checkups for employee parents is an act of care, trust, and forward-thinking. It brings peace of mind, retains talent, and ensures the wellness of the whole family.

With Pazcare’s customizable packages and tech-enabled support, you can offer employee benefits that truly matter.

Let’s build workplaces that protect families. Talk to Pazcare and get your personalised quote today!