Flexibility. Support. Protection.
At Palo Alto Networks, we are committed to offering flexible benefits programs that support your safety and security, now and in the future.
- HEALTH BENEFITS
- Medical
- Medical
- Dental Vision
- Included Health
- Mental Health
- Travel Insurance
- FAMILY BENEFITS
- Fertility
- Surrogacy
- Caregiving
- FINANCIAL BENEFITS
- 401(k)
- Basic Life and AD&D
- Voluntary Life Insurance
- Death benefit
- Accident & Critical Illness Insurance
- Legal insurance
- PAID TIME OFF
- Flexible Time Off & Paid Time Off
- Paid Leave and Disability
- Military Leave
- LIFESTYLE BENEFITS
- Lifestyle spending account
- Perks and discounts
Read more about our benefits below.
HEALTH BENEFITS
Medical
Our U.S. medical and pharmacy benefits are administered through Blue Shield of California and Express Scripts or Kaiser Permanente.
Blue Shield of California – National Coverage
Our Blue Shield of California plans provide national coverage across the U.S. via the Blue Shield of California PPO Network. There are three plans – a Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plan and two HSA enabled High Deductible Health Plans (HDHP). The Blue Shield health plans have pharmacy coverage through Express Scripts (and their specialty pharmacy, Accredo).
Blue Shield PPO – This higher-cost plan offers more predictability for day-to-day expenses as it’s largely copay-based. This plan provides in-network and out-of-network coverage.
Blue Shield HSA Plus – Health Savings Account (HSA) enabled High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP). This plan provides in-network and out-of-network coverage.
Palo Alto Networks contributes up to $750 per year ($32.50/pay period) to your HSA if you cover yourself, and $1,500 per year ($62.50/pay period) if you cover any dependents.
Blue Shield HSA Core – HSA enabled HDHP. This plan provides in-network and out-of-network coverage.
Palo Alto Networks contributes up to $1,000 per year ($41.67/pay period) to your HSA if you cover yourself, and $2,000 per year ($83.33/pay period) if you cover any dependents.
Kaiser Permanente – Regional Coverage
Our Kaiser Permanente plans expand cross-regionally and are available in California, Washington, Hawaii, the Pacific Northwest, Georgia, Colorado and the Mid-Atlantic Regions.
Regional Kaiser HMOs – These plans offer in-network only coverage and a $0 deductible. This means your plan starts paying without you having to satisfy a deductible as long as you’re comfortable using only Kaiser providers and facilities for care.
Kaiser HSA – This is a HSA enabled HDHP. The plan mirrors Blue Shield Platinum PPO Savings plan's in-network benefits but costs less per-paycheck. Since this plan is HSA qualified, it does come with a higher deductible and out-of-pocket maximum to satisfy before coinsurance kicks in.
If you participate in the HSA, Palo Alto Network will contribute up to $750 per year ($32.50/pay period) to your HSA if you cover yourself, and $1,500 per year ($62.50/pay period) if you cover any dependents.
Dental
Palo Alto Networks offers employees the choice between two dental PPO plans, the Delta Dental Core Plan and the Delta Dental Plus Plan.
Delta Dental Core – The Core Plan costs less per paycheck than the Plus Plan. This plan will suit most needs for employees who don't need much more than preventative and basic services.
- Delta Dental Plus – The Plus Plan has no deductible, covers orthodontia, and has a higher Annual Maximum benefit — meaning it will pay more toward your care before your plan taps out. Since it has richer benefits, it costs a little more.
Employees who waive dental coverage will receive a credit of $25/month to their FLEXBenefits wallet (read more on FLEXBenefits below).
Vision
Our vision plans are administered through VSP, one of the largest vision provider networks in the country. Palo Alto Networks employees can enroll in the VSP Vision Core Plan or the VSP Vision Plus Plan.
Employees who waive vision coverage will receive a credit of $10/month to their FLEXBenefits wallet (read more on FLEXBenefits below).Spending Accounts
Palo Alto Networks offers employees the choice to enroll in several tax advantaged spending accounts through Via Benefits:
Health Savings Account (HSA)
Employees enrolled in an eligible HSA health plan will be automatically enrolled into an HSA as well. Palo Alto Networks will contribute up to $750 or $1,000 per year for single coverage and up to $1,500 or $2,000 per year if you cover any dependents depending on which health plan you enroll in.
Use pre-tax dollars for out-of-pocket dental, and vision expenses. This can only be paired with an HSA plan.
Use pre-tax dollars for out-of-pocket medical, dental, and vision expenses.
Use pre-tax dollars for out-of-pocket child and elder daycare or custodial after-school program expenses.
Use pre-tax dollars for out-of-pocket commuter and parking expenses.
Included Health
Palo Alto Networks partners with Included Health to provide benefits support to full-time employees in the U.S. Included Health provides personalized healthcare navigation, connecting Palo Alto Networks employees and their eligible dependents with the right resources, whether you need help with a billing issue, finding a doctor, managing a chronic condition, or accessing mental health support. Included Health also offers expert guidance for second opinions, referrals, and specialized care.
Mental Health
Palo Alto Networks has partnered with Modern Health as our global comprehensive mental health, coaching and Employee Assistance Program (EAP) benefits provider. Employees and their eligible dependents may access Modern Health via their mobile app or on the web. Through Modern Health, you and your eligible dependents have access to:
10 private sessions with certified mental health, career, and financial well-being coaches
10 private counseling sessions with licensed clinical therapists over the app or in person
Unlimited access to live group sessions including workshops, discussions, and listen & learn type sessions
Guided meditations digital courses - if you’re looking for something that’s more self-serve
Ongoing wellbeing check-ins to track your progress over time
Employe Assistance Program
Care Connect is a collection of services to make sure you can access the care you need, when you need it.
The Modern Health Helpline — A 24/7 phone line staffed by licensed counselors for you to call when you need support connecting to care, in addition to onboarding and app navigation assistance
Care Navigation — Support identifying care options, understanding benefits, or identifying community mental health resources.
EAP Services — Crisis support, work-life services, manager supervisory services, and more.
Crisis Support – Modern Health offers access to a 24/7 phone line for urgent needs and critical incidents. Employees can get connected to a master’s level counselor within seconds for immediate mental health support. Employee communications with crisis support are completely confidential and are not reported to Palo Alto Networks.
Travel Insurance
Palo Alto Networks provides Business Travel Accident coverage and International SOS emergency assistance for employees and accompanying family members traveling abroad for work and leisure.
Coverage is automatic and year-round. It is provided at no cost to you.
Family members are defined as an employee's spouse, registered domestic partner and/or children under 26.
This program covers only emergency medical, safety and security assistance. It does not cover lost luggage, personal belongings, or missed flights.
FAMILY BENEFITS
Fertility Benefits
The following fertility benefits are available to employees and their dependents enrolled in Blue Shield of CA health plans.
Blue Shield of California – Progyny
Employees enrolled in a Blue Shield plan have access to fertility benefits through Progyny. Progyny's system bundles all of the individual services, tests, and fertility treatments you may need into a single Smart Cycle – ensuring you’ll never run out of coverage mid-treatment. By removing barriers to care, you and your doctor can pursue a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. To further support your growing family, members who have not welcomed a new addition to their family within the first two cycles will be granted one additional Smart Cycle. Smart Cycles cover all costs associated with:
IVF (In vitro fertilization)
IUI (Intrauterine Insemination)
Egg Freezing
Surrogacy
Purchase of any donor tissue (e.g., sperm, egg) for surrogacy*
* Effective January 1, 2025 – Coverage for surrogacy related donor tissue is post-tax and available to employees enrolled in a Blue Shield of California plan.
Kaiser Permanente
Kaiser Permanente offers a range of fertility services to meet the needs of its members. The availability and scope of these services vary by region to provide specialized location based care.
Coverage may include but is not limited to:
The evaluation and treatment of pre-existing conditions to manage health issues that may affect fertility.
Surgeries and procedures designed to correct underlying issues that may hinder conception.
Contraception care
Consultation and Diagnostic Services
Fertility Therapies such as IVF (In vitro fertilization) or IUI (Intrauterine Insemination)
Fertility preservation for eligible patients undergoing treatments or procedures that may result in infertility.
Adoption & Surrogacy Benefits
Adoption
If you decide to grow your family through adoption, you are eligible to receive an adoption reimbursement of up to $5,000 per child* from Palo Alto Networks.
This benefit reimburses covered expenses associated with efforts to adopt a child, even if the arrangement is not successful.
*Adopted child must be under 18 and cannot be a child of your spouse / domestic partner (i.e. stepchild).
Surrogacy
Palo Alto offers assistance to eligible employees and their families to help cover costs associated with the surrogacy process.
Our partnership with Progyny provides all employees pursuing surrogacy with guidance, assistance, and a one-time (taxable) $20,000 reimbursement.
In addition, employees are eligible to have the purchase of donor tissue for surrogacy* covered through Progyny Smart Cycles.
* Effective January 1, 2025 – Coverage for surrogacy related donor tissue is post-tax and available to employees enrolled in a Blue Shield of California plan.
Caregiving
Care.com
Care.com provides Palo Alto Networks employees 10 days of backup care per year at subsidized rates. Through Care.com, you can find one-time or recurring coverage you need.
For $6 an hour, you get in-home care (for your child or an aging parent) from experienced and vetted care providers.
You can also get backup child care at a licensed child-care center for just $10 a day.
A free membership to Care.com with unlimited access to its network of local care providers.
Milk Stork
Milk Stork’s breast milk home delivery service makes business travel easier for nursing parents. Milk Stork will send a kit to an employee's preferred location that has everything needed to ship their breast milk back home.
Milk Stork's service is covered by Palo Alto Networks so there is no cost to employees.
Cleo
Cleo provides personalized support and guidance for parents and caregivers as they navigate caring for their family. All services through Cleo are unlimited, 100% paid for by Palo Alto Networks, and available to all full time employees and one partner or family support person.
FINANCIAL BENEFITS
401(k)
The Palo Alto Networks U.S. retirement 401(k) plan is administered through Fidelity Investments. Our plan allows employees to contribute up to 90% of their earnings as pre-tax, Roth, or after-tax* contributions up to the annual IRS maximums.
Employees may set up a separate deferral election for their variable incentive bonus payments (if applicable) on the Fidelity site.
Palo Alto Networks matches 50% of an employee’s contributions each pay period to a maximum of $1,000 per year. To receive the full annual match, you will need to contribute a minimum of $2,000 annually.
*After-tax contributions may be converted to Roth via in-plan conversion through Fidelity. This allows participants to gain the advantages of making mega backdoor Roth contributions in real time instead of waiting to process a distribution of your after-tax 401(k) contributions into a Roth IRA when you leave Palo Alto Networks.
Basic Life and AD&D
Palo Alto Networks employees are automatically covered by our Basic Life Insurance and Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance policy through MetLife. Coverage is equal to two times your target annual earnings up to a maximum of $1 million. Basic Life and AD&D are provided at no cost to you*.
*The cost of the amount we cover in excess of $50,000 (based on your pay) is taxable. The premium cost for this difference is added to your pay as imputed income per IRS requirements.
Voluntary Life Insurance
Employees have the option to purchase Voluntary Life Insurance for themselves and their eligible dependents through MetLife. This means you have the ability to purchase additional financial protection for yourself, your spouse and your children. The cost of voluntary coverage elections are deducted from your paycheck on a post-tax basis. The guaranteed-issue* amounts for Voluntary Life are as follows:
Employee – $200,000
Spouse – $50,000
If you want to enroll in voluntary life coverage over the guaranteed issue amounts you may be asked to complete an Evidence of Insurability (EOI) form by MetLife.
Family Care After Death
In the unfortunate event of an employee’s death, Palo Alto Networks provides a death benefit which includes additional financial support for the employee’s beneficiaries.
Compensation and Allowances
Unpaid salary, cash allowances, bonus and commissions, and any other mandatory benefits that have been earned as of the date of death will be paid out to the employee’s beneficiary (subject to compliance with applicable local law).
Lump Sum Payment: Palo Alto Networks will provide the deceased employee’s primary beneficiary with a one time lump sum payment of $20,000 USD.
Accrued Unused Paid Time Off (PTO)
All earned and accrued PTO at time of death will be paid out to the employee’s beneficiary (subject to compliance with applicable local law).
Equity Vesting
Vesting acceleration on all outstanding grants at the date of death. The accelerated shares will be deposited in the deceased employee’s E*TRADE account, where any other (previously unvested and unsold, as applicable) PANW shares may be available to beneficiaries. Beneficiaries must follow the E*TRADE estate process to access the shares.
VIP Bonus or Commissions
Provide earned but unpaid prorated target bonus or on target commissions based on the date of death.
ESPP
Funds contributed towards an ESPP offering will be refunded through payroll to the employee’s beneficiary following the date of death (subject to compliance with applicable local law).
Medical Insurance
Pursuant to COBRA and the terms of the applicable plans, health coverage for any qualified dependents on the plan can be continued for up to 36 months and Palo Alto Networks will cover the premiums for 12 months for any qualified dependents remaining on the plan.
EAP is extended to eligible dependents via Modern Health for a period of 12 months.
Life Insurances
Beneficiaries are eligible to claim local group term life/AD&D insurance benefits, as applicable, in accordance with the terms of the plan documents and/or insurance policies.
Accident & Critical Illness Insurance
Palo Alto Networks partners with Aflac to provide voluntary Accident and Critical Illness Insurance benefits to employees in the U.S. Accident and Critical Illness (A & CI) policies are designed to provide additional coverage to enhance your financial protections beyond what is covered under your short and long-term disability policies.
If an enrolled employee is unable to work due to an accident or critical illness, Aflac pays out a set cash amount based on the condition to help bridge the gap of lost income due to the disability.
These policies are completely separate from our employer-paid disability policies through Sedgwick and MetLife that all full-time employees are automatically enrolled in as of their date of hire.
Enrollment in this program is voluntary and employee paid.
Legal Insurance
Palo Alto Networks partners with ARAG to provide voluntary legal insurance benefits to employees in the U.S. ARAG provides advice and consultations on a wide range of personal legal matters.
There are two plan options: Ultimate Advisor – $16/month or Ultimate Advisor Plus $25/month.
PAID TIME OFF
Flexible Time Off & Paid Time Off
We understand that balancing your professional and personal life is essential. All full-time employees get 13 paid holidays off each year.
If you’re a full-time exempt employee, you’re eligible for our Flexible Time Off (FTO) program. The FTO program allows unlimited time off for vacations, illnesses, personal business, and other reasons not otherwise covered by our Leave of Absence policies.
If you’re a full-time non-exempt employee, you’re eligible for our Paid Time Off (PTO) program. The PTO policy accrues five (5) hours each pay period up to a maximum accrual of 22.5 days (180 hours) per year. PTO time may be used for the same reasons as FTO.
Paid Leave and Disability
Palo Alto Networks grants leave of absence (LOA) benefits to U.S. employees in certain circumstances – as required by law or at its discretion. LOA benefits that Palo Alto Networks provides in excess of legal requirements are provided on a discretionary basis. Leave may be fully paid or unpaid depending on the policy. You may request to take a LOA for a variety of reasons, such as:
Your own serious health condition
Caring for a family member with a serious health condition
Your pregnancy, childbirth or a related condition
Bonding with your newborn or newly placed child via adoption or foster care
Your own military service
A family member’s call to active duty military service
Other personal reasons not stated above
Disability Coverage
We provide STD coverage through Sedgwick and LTD coverage through MetLife. Employees are covered by the policies starting on their date of hire. We provide full salary continuation for up to 12 weeks*
Short Term Disability (STD) - After meeting the seven day waiting period this policy replaces 66.67% of your target weekly earnings up to a maximum of $2,770 per week until you can return to work or up to 180 days, whichever comes first.
Long-term Disability (LTD) - If you have exhausted STD and are not recovered after 180 days, you become eligible for LTD through MetLife. You can continue your leave through LTD until you recover or you reach retirement age, whichever comes first. This benefit pays 66.67% of your monthly target salary, up to a maximum monthly benefit of $12,000.
Effective January 1, 2025 employees will have two enrollment options for Long-term disability coverage:
Employer Paid – Palo Alto Networks pays the premium for your coverage at no cost to you. Coverage is automatic. LTD benefit wage replacement payments from MetLife are taxable income.
Employee Paid – You pay the premium post-tax via payroll deductions. This election is made during Open Enrollment. LTD benefit wage replacement payments from MetLife are tax-free.
Parental Leave & Family Care
Our leave of absence policies comply with all state, federal, and local laws. We also provide full salary continuation for parental and family care leaves up to 12 weeks*.
Parental Leave - This policy provides full salary continuation* up to 6 weeks while you take time to bond with your new child (born, adopted or legally fostered) within the first year. After 6 weeks you may be eligible to continue your leave with job protection and/or receive payments from your state or locality if applicable.
Family Care - This policy provides full salary continuation* up to 6 weeks while you take time to care for a family member’s serious health condition. After 6 weeks you may be eligible to continue your leave with job protection and/or receive payments from your state or locality if applicable.
Military Leave
Palo Alto Networks will continue your full salary payments for up to 26 weeks while you are on a military assignment. We also comply with the Uniformed Services Employment & Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) which provides military service members with rights to time off and job protection for up to 5 (cumulative) years during your tenure and health benefit protection for up to 24 months.
* With the exception of Military Leave, salary continuation for payments are limited to a maximum combined total of 12 weeks in a 52-week period.
LIFESTYLE BENEFITS
FLEXBenefits
The FLEXBenefits wallet is a lifestyle spending account that Palo Alto Networks provides to all full time employees. You can use the funds you receive in your designated Forma account each quarter to purchase a wide range of eligible items directly in the Forma Store or via payroll reimbursement.
Most lifestyle items are eligible* for reimbursement or purchase through the Forma Store.
The categories listed below are meant to be high level examples of what can be considered eligible but the list is not exhaustive.
Category | Example |
---|---|
Caregiving | Expenses related to caring for children, elders, and other dependents |
Clothing and Shoes | Clothing, footwear, accessories, etc. |
Fitness | Accessories, Activities, Equipment, Digital Apps, Supplements, nutrition coaching, Others |
Home and environmental care | Home goods, appliances, cookware, climate control, etc. |
Financial and Legal support | Financial wellbeing, immigration support |
Lifestyle | Dependents, Children, Pets, Personal Development, Wellbeing, Travel |
Education | Continuing education, tutoring, preschool and other child education related fees US Only: Tuition Assistance via 401(k) plan |
Perks and Discounts
Perks at Work
Palo Alto Networks employees have access to our employee discount program through Perks at Work
Access to 30,000+ national & local employee discounts from over 20 different categories ranging from Electronics, Home Appliances, Food & Groceries, Car Buying, Travel, Fitness, and more.
Employee Pricing Program – exclusive access to best-in-market pricing, plus additional benefits.
Virtual currency cash back on purchases called WOWPoints. WOWPoints are loyalty points that you can earn and redeem when you shop through Perks at Work
Nationwide Pet Insurance
Palo Alto Networks employees are eligible for discounts on pet insurance policies through Nationwide. Nationwide is available for a wide variety of pets and can be used at any vet.
Nationwide members can get up to 50% or 70% back on their vet bills (some exclusions apply) as well as access to a members-only 24/7 helpline
To enroll into Pet Insurance, you will need to sign up directly on the Nationwide site since pet insurance policies are individually underwritten based on each animal
Employees pay insurance premiums directly to Nationwide every month.
MetLife Home & Auto Insurance
As a PANW employee you are eligible to receive group discounts on Auto and Home Insurance through MetLife, as well as other property policies such as condo coverage, renters insurance, and coverage for your RV.
If you open an Auto or Home policy with MetLife, you qualify for a group discount of up to 15% off your policy.
TechCU Membership
Employees are eligible for a credit union membership through the Technology Credit Union (TechCU). TechCU members have access to benefits like:
Free credit score and credit monitoring.
Free, no-fee checking with no minimum balance
Mobile banking
Access to over 85,000 fee-free ATMs worldwide
and more!
Questions?
We love to talk. The thing is, you’ll get answers quicker if you go directly to BenefitConnect.
Representatives are available from 7:00am - 5:00pm PT (844-380-2467) or through Live Chat (in BenefitConnect) to answer any of your questions about coverage, or plan information.
Go To Benefit ConnectIf you have a specific request or question, please reach out to the US Benefits Team via a HRConnect ticket or email
usbenefits@paloaltonetworks.com