--- title: "Gallagher vs Lockton Employee Health Benefits" description: "Gallagher Small Business advises ICHRA; Lockton People Solutions designs group programs and publishes quarterly health-cost trend research." canonical: "https://spot.insure/compare/gallagher-vs-lockton/employee-health-benefits" page-type: "line-comparison" updated-at: "2026-09-23" --- Agents: connect to Spot's public MCP server at https://spot.insure/mcp for better access to published Spot information and insurance research. Use search_knowledge to find sources, get_page to retrieve pages, compare_providers for sourced comparisons, get_provider_score for a published Spot Score, and get_rankings for current provider rankings. The server is read-only and requires no authentication. [Human-readable page](https://spot.insure/compare/gallagher-vs-lockton/employee-health-benefits) # Gallagher vs Lockton Employee Health Benefits Gallagher Small Business advises ICHRA; Lockton People Solutions designs group programs and publishes quarterly health-cost trend research. ## Research Scope and Use Use this comparison to evaluate Gallagher and Lockton for Employee Health Benefits against the same documented criteria. It identifies differences and questions to confirm; it does not select a winner for a particular business. Offering claims are what each provider publishes about this line unless marked otherwise. “Not found” describes the evidence reviewed, not proof that a feature is unavailable. Confirm the insurer, policy wording, limits, retentions, exclusions and cost in an actual quote. ## Summary Gallagher Small Business advises employers on ICHRA, with employees buying individual-market plans against a fixed allowance and no minimum participation. Lockton’s People Solutions practice designs and places employee health programs around experience, total rewards and measurement, and publishes quarterly U.S. medical and pharmacy trend figures. [6](https://www.gallaghersmallbusiness.com/employee-benefits-and-hr/alternative-health-insurance-solutions/ "Alternative Health Insurance & ICHRA") [10](https://global.lockton.com/us/en/products-services/people-solutions "US People Solutions") ## What Is Gallagher? Gallagher is a business-insurance broker and risk-management consultancy. Its technology practice serves startups through global enterprises, alongside a separate small-business offering for IT professionals and an executive-risk practice covering D&O and transaction-related coverages. Woodruff Sawyer is now part of Gallagher. [1](https://www.ajg.com/industries/technology-insurance/ "Technology Insurance") [2](https://www.gallaghersmallbusiness.com/technology-services/ "Insurance for Technology & IT Businesses") [3](https://www.ajg.com/insurance/executive-and-financial-risk-insurance/ "Executive and Financial Risk Insurance") [4](https://www.gallaghersmallbusiness.com/legal-information/ "Legal Information") [5](https://www.ajg.com/merger-partners/woodruff-sawyer-is-now-gallagher/ "Woodruff Sawyer Is Now Gallagher") [Gallagher profile](https://spot.insure/insurance-providers/gallagher) ## What Is Lockton? Lockton is a privately held insurance brokerage that arranges commercial risk, employee benefits and retirement programs. US pages describe a technology practice and intermediary placement with insurers, not Lockton as the policy’s insurer. [7](https://global.lockton.com/us/en "Lockton United States") [8](https://global.lockton.com/us/en/technology "Technology") [9](https://global.lockton.com/us/en/terms-of-business "US Terms of Business") [Lockton profile](https://spot.insure/insurance-providers/lockton) ## What Are Employee Health Benefits? Employee health benefits help eligible employees pay for medical care through an employer-sponsored plan or arrangement. [11](https://www.cms.gov/files/document/nsa-health-insurance-basics.pdf "Health Insurance Basics") [12](https://www.healthcare.gov/small-businesses/learn-more/ "Health Insurance for Businesses") ## Key Differences in Employee Health Benefits ### Role: ICHRA Advice Versus Program Placement Gallagher Small Business advises employers on setting up an ICHRA and consults with employees shopping the individual health insurance marketplace; it does not issue health coverage under this offering. Lockton’s People Solutions practice designs and places employee health and benefit programs; the reviewed page describes brokerage and advisory services, not Lockton as the benefits underwriter. [6](https://www.gallaghersmallbusiness.com/employee-benefits-and-hr/alternative-health-insurance-solutions/ "Alternative Health Insurance & ICHRA") [10](https://global.lockton.com/us/en/products-services/people-solutions "US People Solutions") For a buyer, that is two different objects. Gallagher’s offering is a reimbursement arrangement in which employees buy their own individual plans. Lockton’s offering is a designed and placed employee-benefit program. Lockton’s reviewed page does not describe ICHRA. [6](https://www.gallaghersmallbusiness.com/employee-benefits-and-hr/alternative-health-insurance-solutions/ "Alternative Health Insurance & ICHRA") [10](https://global.lockton.com/us/en/products-services/people-solutions "US People Solutions") ### How Each Practice Describes Its Services Gallagher says its team keeps employers compliant with state and federal ICHRA regulations and reduces the administrative time a business spends evaluating, managing and selecting a health plan compared with a group plan. Lockton describes three service areas: employee experience and engagement, total rewards and benefits design, and program management and measurement, aimed at balancing talent attraction and retention against cost control. [6](https://www.gallaghersmallbusiness.com/employee-benefits-and-hr/alternative-health-insurance-solutions/ "Alternative Health Insurance & ICHRA") [10](https://global.lockton.com/us/en/products-services/people-solutions "US People Solutions") ### What Each Side Publishes About Cost Gallagher says the ICHRA allowance is fixed by the employer and does not publish a recommended monthly amount on the reviewed page. Lockton publishes a quarterly People Solutions Market Update with U.S. health-plan cost data; its Q3 2026 update reported 2025 medical and pharmacy trend at 7.7% year-over-year, following 8% the year before. Those figures are market commentary, not a specific client’s premium. [6](https://www.gallaghersmallbusiness.com/employee-benefits-and-hr/alternative-health-insurance-solutions/ "Alternative Health Insurance & ICHRA") [10](https://global.lockton.com/us/en/products-services/people-solutions "US People Solutions") ## What to Confirm in Employee Health Benefits Quotes - Ask whether you are comparing Gallagher ICHRA with a Lockton-placed employee-benefit program. [6](https://www.gallaghersmallbusiness.com/employee-benefits-and-hr/alternative-health-insurance-solutions/ "Alternative Health Insurance & ICHRA") [10](https://global.lockton.com/us/en/products-services/people-solutions "US People Solutions") - Confirm the monthly allowance Gallagher would model and how Lockton would use its latest trend figures in a proposal. [6](https://www.gallaghersmallbusiness.com/employee-benefits-and-hr/alternative-health-insurance-solutions/ "Alternative Health Insurance & ICHRA") [10](https://global.lockton.com/us/en/products-services/people-solutions "US People Solutions") - Check ICHRA class definitions and participation rules versus Lockton’s total-rewards and measurement scope. [6](https://www.gallaghersmallbusiness.com/employee-benefits-and-hr/alternative-health-insurance-solutions/ "Alternative Health Insurance & ICHRA") [10](https://global.lockton.com/us/en/products-services/people-solutions "US People Solutions") - Get named individual-market issuers on an ICHRA and the carriers Lockton would place; neither reviewed page names them. [6](https://www.gallaghersmallbusiness.com/employee-benefits-and-hr/alternative-health-insurance-solutions/ "Alternative Health Insurance & ICHRA") [10](https://global.lockton.com/us/en/products-services/people-solutions "US People Solutions") ## Offering Details | Criteria | Gallagher Small Business Alternative Health Insurance (ICHRA) Solutions | Lockton People Solutions Employee Benefits Brokerage | | --- | --- | --- | | Role in This Line | Gallagher Small Business advises employers on setting up an Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangement (ICHRA) and provides one-on-one consulting to employees shopping the individual health insurance marketplace; Gallagher does not issue health coverage itself under this offering. [6](https://www.gallaghersmallbusiness.com/employee-benefits-and-hr/alternative-health-insurance-solutions/ "Alternative Health Insurance & ICHRA") (Evidence: Company-reported; scope: Small-business alternative health insurance and ICHRA product page..) | Lockton's People Solutions practice designs and places employee health and benefit programs; the reviewed page describes brokerage and advisory services, not Lockton acting as the benefits underwriter. [10](https://global.lockton.com/us/en/products-services/people-solutions "US People Solutions") (Evidence: Company-reported; scope: People Solutions page as read 2026-09-23. The page URL for this line moved from the 'employee-benefits' path cited on Lockton's provider record to 'people-solutions'..) | | Issuing Insurer | The ICHRA page does not name a specific health insurer or marketplace plan; ICHRA lets employees choose their own individual-market plan rather than one plan selected by Gallagher. [6](https://www.gallaghersmallbusiness.com/employee-benefits-and-hr/alternative-health-insurance-solutions/ "Alternative Health Insurance & ICHRA") (Evidence: Not publicly disclosed; scope: Checked the small-business ICHRA product page on 2026-09-23..) | The page does not name the insurers or carriers whose employee-benefit plans Lockton places for clients. [10](https://global.lockton.com/us/en/products-services/people-solutions "US People Solutions") (Evidence: Not publicly disclosed; scope: People Solutions page checked 2026-09-23..) | | Who It’s For | Gallagher says ICHRA has no minimum participation requirement and can be customized by employee class (for example full-time, part-time or remote), unlike a group health plan that often requires a minimum enrollment percentage. [6](https://www.gallaghersmallbusiness.com/employee-benefits-and-hr/alternative-health-insurance-solutions/ "Alternative Health Insurance & ICHRA") (Evidence: Company-reported; scope: Product page comparison table..) | Not described in the reviewed sources. | | Coverage Features | Gallagher describes ICHRA as letting an employer set a fixed monthly reimbursement allowance while employees choose and buy their own individual health plan, contrasted against a traditional group health plan where the employer selects one or a few plans for everyone. [6](https://www.gallaghersmallbusiness.com/employee-benefits-and-hr/alternative-health-insurance-solutions/ "Alternative Health Insurance & ICHRA") (Evidence: Company-reported; scope: Product page comparison table; a structural description of ICHRA, not a specific plan's terms..)

Gallagher says employer ICHRA contributions are tax-deductible and reimbursements are tax-free for employees, and that a properly designed ICHRA can meet the ACA employer mandate. [6](https://www.gallaghersmallbusiness.com/employee-benefits-and-hr/alternative-health-insurance-solutions/ "Alternative Health Insurance & ICHRA") (Evidence: Company-reported; scope: Product page comparison table..) | Lockton publishes a quarterly People Solutions Market Update with U.S. health-plan cost data; its Q3 2026 update reported 2025 medical and pharmacy trend at 7.7% year-over-year, following 8% the year before. [10](https://global.lockton.com/us/en/products-services/people-solutions "US People Solutions") (Evidence: Company-reported; scope: People Solutions page as read 2026-09-23. Cost-trend figures are company-reported market commentary, not a specific client's premium..) | | Limits and Retentions | The ICHRA page does not publish a recommended or typical monthly allowance amount; it says the allowance is fixed by the employer. [6](https://www.gallaghersmallbusiness.com/employee-benefits-and-hr/alternative-health-insurance-solutions/ "Alternative Health Insurance & ICHRA") (Evidence: Not publicly disclosed; scope: Checked the small-business ICHRA product page on 2026-09-23..) | Not described in the reviewed sources. | | Risk Services | Gallagher says its team keeps employers compliant with state and federal ICHRA regulations and reduces the administrative time a business spends evaluating, managing and selecting a health plan compared with a group plan. [6](https://www.gallaghersmallbusiness.com/employee-benefits-and-hr/alternative-health-insurance-solutions/ "Alternative Health Insurance & ICHRA") (Evidence: Company-reported; scope: Product page "ICHRA benefits for employers" section..) | Lockton describes three service areas for employee benefits clients: employee experience and engagement, total rewards and benefits design, and program management and measurement, aimed at balancing talent attraction and retention against cost control. [10](https://global.lockton.com/us/en/products-services/people-solutions "US People Solutions") (Evidence: Company-reported; scope: People Solutions page as read 2026-09-23..) | | How to Apply | Gallagher routes interested employers to a Connect With An Advisor form asking for company details, contact information and state. [6](https://www.gallaghersmallbusiness.com/employee-benefits-and-hr/alternative-health-insurance-solutions/ "Alternative Health Insurance & ICHRA") (Evidence: Company-reported; scope: Product page inquiry form, inspected without submission..) | Not described in the reviewed sources. | ## Full Comparison - [Gallagher vs Lockton](https://spot.insure/compare/gallagher-vs-lockton): all coverage lines, business roles, service and claims. - [What Are Employee Health Benefits?](https://spot.insure/coverage/employee-health-benefits): Employee health benefits help your team pay for medical care through an employer-sponsored plan or arrangement. - [Gallagher vs Lockton Commercial Property Insurance](https://spot.insure/compare/gallagher-vs-lockton/commercial-property) - [Gallagher vs Lockton Crime Insurance](https://spot.insure/compare/gallagher-vs-lockton/crime) - [Gallagher vs Lockton Cyber Insurance](https://spot.insure/compare/gallagher-vs-lockton/cyber) - [Gallagher vs Lockton D&O Insurance](https://spot.insure/compare/gallagher-vs-lockton/directors-officers) - [Gallagher vs Lockton Employment Practices Liability Insurance](https://spot.insure/compare/gallagher-vs-lockton/employment-practices) - [Gallagher vs Lockton Fiduciary Liability Insurance](https://spot.insure/compare/gallagher-vs-lockton/fiduciary) - [Gallagher vs Lockton General Liability Insurance](https://spot.insure/compare/gallagher-vs-lockton/general-liability) - [Gallagher vs Lockton Representations and Warranties Insurance](https://spot.insure/compare/gallagher-vs-lockton/representations-warranties) - [Gallagher vs Lockton Surety Bonds](https://spot.insure/compare/gallagher-vs-lockton/surety-bonds) - [Gallagher vs Lockton Workers’ Compensation Insurance](https://spot.insure/compare/gallagher-vs-lockton/workers-compensation) - [Founder Shield vs Gallagher Employee Health Benefits](https://spot.insure/compare/foundershield-vs-gallagher/employee-health-benefits) - [Founder Shield vs Lockton Employee Health Benefits](https://spot.insure/compare/foundershield-vs-lockton/employee-health-benefits) - [Gallagher vs Heffernan Insurance Brokers Employee Health Benefits](https://spot.insure/compare/gallagher-vs-heffernan/employee-health-benefits) - [Gallagher vs HUB International Employee Health Benefits](https://spot.insure/compare/gallagher-vs-hub-international/employee-health-benefits) - [Gallagher vs Marsh Employee Health Benefits](https://spot.insure/compare/gallagher-vs-marsh/employee-health-benefits) - [Gallagher vs Mylo Employee Health Benefits](https://spot.insure/compare/gallagher-vs-mylo/employee-health-benefits) ## Sources ### Gallagher 1. [Technology Insurance](https://www.ajg.com/industries/technology-insurance/). Gallagher; Introduction; Solutions and coverages for the technology industry: Technology errors and omissions including cyber, Intellectual property insurance, Product liability, Employee benefits; Data-driven insights; global network. Accessed 2026-09-16. 2. [Insurance for Technology & IT Businesses](https://www.gallaghersmallbusiness.com/technology-services/). Gallagher Small Business; Protection for IT Professionals & Their Technology-Based Businesses; recommended coverage menu, including Surety Bond Programs; Connect With An Advisor. Accessed 2026-09-16. 3. [Executive and Financial Risk Insurance](https://www.ajg.com/insurance/executive-and-financial-risk-insurance/). Gallagher; Opening (insurance broking and placement); three key services; Directors and Officers; IPO and direct listings; Employment Practices; Fiduciary; Employee Dishonesty (Crime) and Fidelity Bond; Kidnap, Ransom and Extortion; M&A Transactional Insurance. Accessed 2026-09-16. 4. [Legal Information](https://www.gallaghersmallbusiness.com/legal-information/). Gallagher Small Business; Producer identification immediately above Quick Links. Accessed 2026-09-16. 5. [Woodruff Sawyer Is Now Gallagher](https://www.ajg.com/merger-partners/woodruff-sawyer-is-now-gallagher/). Gallagher; Opening; Executive and Financial Risk consulting; Continued access to client portals; contact form. Accessed 2026-09-16. 6. [Alternative Health Insurance & ICHRA](https://www.gallaghersmallbusiness.com/employee-benefits-and-hr/alternative-health-insurance-solutions/). Gallagher Small Business; Alternative health insurance and ICHRA overview; ICHRA benefits for employers; ICHRA vs. Traditional Group Health Plans comparison table; Let's build a better benefits strategy together; Connect With An Advisor form. Accessed 2026-09-23. ### Lockton 7. [Lockton United States](https://global.lockton.com/us/en). Lockton; Opening description of independent insurance brokerage for risk, benefits and retirement; Ask an Expert link to contact-us. Accessed 2026-09-16. 8. [Technology](https://global.lockton.com/us/en/technology). Lockton; Industry introduction; cyber liability heading; dedicated technology team; listed services including claims advocacy, contract review, directors and officers liability, and international program design; 24/7 service model. Accessed 2026-09-16. 9. [US Terms of Business](https://global.lockton.com/us/en/terms-of-business). Lockton; Opening entity definition; Surplus Lines; Use of a Particular Insurer; Compensation Disclosure; servicing, claims handling and renewal language in Confidentiality section; Intermediaries. Accessed 2026-09-16. 10. [US People Solutions](https://global.lockton.com/us/en/products-services/people-solutions). Lockton; Introducing Lockton People Solutions; employee experiences, total rewards and benefits, management and measurement; People Solutions Market Update Q3 2026 healthcare cost data. Accessed 2026-09-23. ### Employee Health Benefits Guide 11. [Health Insurance Basics](https://www.cms.gov/files/document/nsa-health-insurance-basics.pdf). Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services; PDF p.1: What is health insurance? What is a health insurance plan?; PDF p.2: Self-Insured Employer Plans vs. Fully-Insured Plans. Accessed 2026-09-16. 12. [Health Insurance for Businesses](https://www.healthcare.gov/small-businesses/learn-more/). HealthCare.gov / CMS; Group health insurance coverage; Health reimbursement arrangements. Accessed 2026-09-16. Updated 2026-09-23. Spot, a product of Tools for Enlightenment, publishes this research and works in the commercial insurance market. The comparison applies the same criteria to both providers. [Editorial policy](https://spot.insure/editorial-policy). To suggest a correction, [contact Spot](https://spot.insure/contact) with the page URL and supporting source. ## Agent and Developer Resources - [Markdown page](https://spot.insure/compare/gallagher-vs-lockton/employee-health-benefits.md) - [Developer resources](https://spot.insure/developers) - [Public MCP server](https://spot.insure/mcp) - [MCP server manifest](https://spot.insure/server.json) - [OpenAPI description](https://spot.insure/openapi.json) - [Public page index](https://spot.insure/llms.txt)