The Retail Mutual has expanded its portfolio of products and services for independent retailers with the introduction of two new health cover options.

The insurance agency has teamed up with Westfield Health to provide small business owners with reliable and affordable health cover that includes a new Health Cash Plan and Access Surgery policy.

The Health Cash Plan allows retailers to access health and wellbeing services with the option to claim money back, up to a certain level, towards the cost of their essential healthcare.

This includes claims for GP-referred consultations, dental treatments and eye tests as well as glasses and contact lenses. It also includes cash pay-outs for hospital stays, day surgeries (NHS or private) and the arrival of a new baby.

To complement the Health Cash Plan, The Retail Mutual is also offering its members an Access Surgery plan, providing retailers with a low-cost alternative to traditional private health insurance.

Offering two levels of cover, the policy provides business owners with access to diagnosis and referral facilities, as well as faster treatments for acute conditions. The Access Surgey plan covers most surgical procedures except heart or cancer-related treatments.

Retail Mutual mutual manager Rikul Patel said: “These private health plans are a great way to help retailers budget for their everyday health costs and give them extra protection in the event of the unexpected. We’re delighted to be able to offer this service to our members and provide them with even more great products and services to help the UK’s independent retail community.”