One thing I've noticed during my external (as re-deployed) search is that while we may bi--h reasonably about IBM health Insurance - it's decent.
Our family is High Deductible due to family issues. while it's cash out of pocket until max's met - then it's FREE. Like my recent shoulder surgery. $24K. Free (for 3 months including PT).
Fine but a competitor I'm interviewing with has UHC (total UGH!!!!!) and has a high deductible plan - BUT it never gets FREE after "maximums"
So (for me - older and with family health - YMMV and you should do the math) a similar company has UHC (ugh!!! esp in/out network) and while they have a high deductible plan - it is never "free" . I've computed I'd need $10+ thousand extra just for parity to work for them due to their insurance. So for any company I am comparing total package/expenses whether out of pocket or not.
Vacation is another. I have negotiated 5 weeks vacation ... but it's not recorded well (as IBM is very informal) ... so may have issues with a new re-deployment manager.
BUT half the interviewed companies offer "Unlimited Vacation" ... which is kind of a trap. I know of NOBODY that has taken their previous jobs vacation (4-6 weeks (experienced)) at one of these companies. while intended to save balance sheet money (financial obligations) it's a psychological barrier for employees to submit (even for a day as some companies require - really??? submit for a day?). I LOVED one company who tracked - but vacation was implicitly APPROVED and thus rarely challenged. (want to be a boss having to approve even a day every request? Annoying). so "unlimited vacation rarely works out. If you're looking at it - discuss with hiring manager "I INTEND TO TAKE 5 weeks (or so) generally as ... (week of 4th, Tday, 2xChristmas) and negotiate the "understanding" in advance.