May Newsletter – Benefit Fund for Staff

May Newsletter

Decisions of the spring meeting

The spring meeting of Kone’s Employee Benefit Fund was held on 23.4.2026 in Teams. The meeting approved the financial statements for 2025 and decided to cover the deficit.

The proposal for an increase by the Board of Directors was based on the fund’s financial situation, which has deteriorated in recent years. The financial statements for 2025 showed a deficit of EUR –233,618, and the cash capital has decreased by a total of more than EUR 530,000 over the past three years. This is a clear indication that the fund’s current contribution level does not cover the costs of benefits and operations.

In practice, the fund’s expenses – especially the reimbursement of additional benefits and costs related to health services – have been higher than the insurance premiums collected from members. The deficit has repeatedly had to be covered from cash reserves, which is not sustainable in the long term.

Cost pressures have been increased especially by the increase in the prices of health services, the increase in the use of benefits, and changes in Kela reimbursements and public healthcare fees. These factors have increased the fund’s claims expenditure.

Changes to the rules of the fund meeting

The meeting discussed a wide range of rule changes. Key amendments adopted:

  • The insurance premium will rise to EUR 38
  • The structure and numbering of the rules were clarified in several points.
  • Rules on dental care and public health care fees clarified – The dental care quota will be used to reimburse procedures that target teeth or gums.
  • The removal of assistive devices from the additional benefits was not approved, but travel as an additional benefit, cleaning and dressing needs, and the deductible for private medical expenses insurance were removed from the rules.
  • The meeting and proxy practices were specified, e.g. with regard to the deadlines for registration and the submission of proxy documents.

The decisions of the fund meeting will enter into force when the Financial Supervisory Authority approves the rules. The entry into force of the new rules will be announced separately.

This is how you can influence the costs of the benefit fund

The costs of the Benefit Fund can also be influenced by everyday choices. Even small actions make a difference when thousands of insured people do them together.

  • Use our contract partners – you save both yourself and cash

The fund has several contractual partners with whom we have negotiated lower prices. When you visit these service locations, the fund’s compensation costs will decrease and at the same time your deductible will remain moderate. The contract locations can be found on the fund’s website: Contracts with healthcare providers NEW ENGLISH – Vakuutuskassa.

  • Make use of occupational health care as a priority

Occupational health care is recommended as the primary place of treatment when it comes to matters related to work ability or general health. When treatment is provided through occupational health care, it reduces the fund’s costs and supports the balance of the fund’s finances.

  • Check whether the examinations are part of occupational health care

If an occupational health physician prescribes examinations, you can always ask whether they are covered by occupational health care. If the examination is not part of occupational health care, it can also be commissioned by another service provider — for example, at the fund’s contract locations, where prices are often lower. However, please note that a doctor’s referral is necessary for various benefits.

Please remember to update your account information in the Iris system as well

If your account number or other information changes, the account number must also be updated separately in Iris. At the same time, it is a good idea to check that other contact information – such as address and email address – is also up to date.

Summer holiday season and compensation processing times

The summer holiday season is about to begin, and the Benefit Fund’s staff will also take a staggered holiday during the summer. For this reason, there may be more variation than normal in the processing times of claims.

We ask the insured to take this into account when applying for and using our services. We will do our best to ensure that the processing goes as smoothly as possible even during the holiday months, and we apologize in advance for any inconvenience caused by delays.

A warm thank you for your understanding and cooperation – and a very relaxing and sunny summer to all insured! 🌿