As a small business owner, you may be looking for ways to offer a more competitive benefits package without stretching your budget.

One growing solution is offering voluntary benefits — optional coverage employees can choose based on their needs.Your health plan provider may already include voluntary options in their offerings. That’s the case with the CaliforniaChoice multi-carrier, employee-choice health insurance exchange. In addition to giving your employees access to seven health plans and 100+ coverage options, CaliforniaChoice includes a variety of voluntary coverage choices like Dental, Vision, Chiropractic, and Life — plus access to Accident, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity, and even Pet Insurance through the CaliforniaChoice Member Value Suite.

With voluntary benefits, you can expand your benefits package without increasing your costs — and give employees more ways to protect what matters most.

What Are Voluntary Benefits?

Voluntary benefits, also known as voluntary work benefits, are optional insurance products and services that employees can choose to add to their coverage. These benefits are typically offered through an employer but paid for mostly or entirely by the employee through payroll deductions.

Common voluntary benefits include dental and vision coverage, life insurance, disability insurance, accident insurance, critical illness coverage, and more. Some employers also offer non-insurance options like legal services, identity theft protection, or pet insurance.

Even though these benefits are optional, they add real value. They give employees more choice, more financial protection, and more reasons to stay with your business—all without raising your costs.

Why Voluntary Benefits Matter for Small Businesses

Adding voluntary benefits is a practical way for small businesses to stay competitive without increasing overhead. These benefits help attract and retain employees by giving them access to valuable coverage options they may not be able to afford — or even find — on their own. When employees can choose the benefits that matter most to them, it creates a more personalized and meaningful experience.

Voluntary work benefits also allow you to meet a wider range of employee needs. Some may want vision coverage, life insurance, disability protection, or legal support. Others may be just starting out, raising a family, or planning for the unexpected. Offering flexible options lets employees choose what matters most to them. And because employees typically pay for these benefits through payroll deductions, you’re able to enhance your overall benefits package without taking on additional costs.

Offering voluntary benefits shows that you’re invested in your team’s well-being, even when budgets are tight. It’s a simple way to offer more choice, more protection, and more reasons for employees to stay with your business.

CaliforniaChoice Voluntary Benefit Options

Added Benefits through the Member Value Suite 

You and your employees can also access extra benefits through the Member Value Suite, included at no additional cost.

Supplemental Insurance Through CaliforniaChoice Member Marketplace

You may also have access to supplemental insurance products available from MetLife through the CaliforniaChoice Member Marketplace. Ask your broker for details.

• Accident Insurance: Accidents happen all the time, especially when you least expect them. Accident Insurance pays out a lump sum if you incur an injury because of an accident*. This benefit may supplement your health insurance for expenses your insurance does not cover. This insurance provides you with money to use as you see fit, including out-of-pocket costs like deductibles, medical transportation, and child care. Learn more here.
• Hospital Indemnity Insurance: It’s scary enough to be admitted to the hospital. With this insurance, there’s a way to prepare for unexpected hospital expenses. This plan supplements your existing health insurance coverage by helping pay for hospital stays. Payment is made directly to you to use in whatever way you like, including everyday living expenses. Get more information here.
• Critical Illness Insurance: Handling the emotions that come up when experiencing a critical illness is difficult enough. Worrying about your financial stability on top of this can be overwhelming. MetLife Critical Illness coverage protects your finances by providing a lump-sum payment when there is a verified diagnosis of more than 30 critical conditions. Learn more online.
• Legal Plans: Legal matters occur throughout life. MetLife Legal Plans offers access to an experienced network of attorneys who can provide consultation on a range of issues. The legal plan empowers you to handle costly legal matters as they arise for a low monthly fee. There are no copays, deductibles, or claim forms to complete. Possible scenarios where you might need an attorney are marriage; securing a home; starting a family; caring for parents; and identity theft.

Download our brochure for other information on these Member Marketplace plans.

CaliforniaChoice members can add Pet Insurance from MetLife and Spot. These plans can help employees keep their pets healthy, while protecting their wallets from unexpected vet bills.

The Spot and MetLife plans differ, but include coverage for:

• Accidents and emergencies
• Illnesses, including cancer treatment
• Surgery and hospitalization
• Diagnostic tests, X-rays, and lab work
• Preventive care (with optional add-ons)
• Prescription medications
• And more!

Forbes says 42% of pet owners cannot cover a surprise vet bill of $999 or less without going into debt. But pet insurance can help reduce the hurt. Plus, making pet insurance available to your employees is easy – and it doesn’t cost your business anything. The cost is paid directly to MetLife or Spot by employees.

Additional Options to Consider

Talk to your broker about your access to these and other Ancillary and Voluntary coverage options. One option to consider is ChoiceBuilder, which offers both employer-sponsored and voluntary plans. Other programs may also offer additional options, such as Disability coverage and other supplemental health products.

Voluntary benefits give employees greater control over how they protect themselves and their families. Employees typically pay the full cost, and there’s little or no cost for you.

So, if you like the idea of offering more to employees without spending more, talk with your broker. If you don’t have a current broker, we can help you find one.