Exeter Health Insurance Comprehensive Cover for Families in 2026
As an FCA-authorised expert with over 900,000 policies arranged for our clients, WeCovr provides this in-depth guide to private medical insurance in the UK. We’ll explore The Exeter's family health insurance options for 2026, helping you decide if their comprehensive cover is the right choice for your loved ones.
WeCovr explores The Exeter's PMI options and identifies who benefits most from their policies
The UK's healthcare landscape continues to evolve. While the NHS remains a cherished national institution, pressures on its services have led many families to consider private medical insurance (PMI) for the first time. Latest figures from NHS England in late 2025 show referral-to-treatment waiting lists involving millions of treatment pathways, prompting a search for faster access to medical care.
This is where private health cover comes in. It's a way to bypass long waiting lists for eligible treatments, giving families peace of mind and control over their healthcare journey. Among the most trusted names in the UK market is The Exeter. In this guide, we'll break down their Health+ policy, explain who it's designed for, and show you how to tailor it to your family's unique needs and budget.
What is Private Medical Insurance (PMI) and What Does It Cover?
Before diving into The Exeter's specific policies, it's essential to understand the fundamentals of PMI in the UK.
In simple terms, private medical insurance is a policy you pay for that covers the cost of private healthcare for specific conditions. Its primary purpose is to provide quick access to diagnosis and treatment for acute conditions.
A Critical Distinction: Acute vs. Chronic Conditions
This is the single most important concept to grasp when considering any private medical insurance UK policy:
- Acute Condition: A disease, illness, or injury that is likely to respond quickly to treatment and lead to a full recovery. Examples include joint replacements, cataract surgery, hernia repair, and treatment for many types of cancer. PMI is designed to cover these.
- Chronic Condition: A disease, illness, or injury that has one or more of the following characteristics: it needs ongoing or long-term monitoring, requires palliative care, has no known cure, or is likely to recur. Examples include diabetes, asthma, high blood pressure, and arthritis. Standard UK PMI, including policies from The Exeter, does not cover the ongoing management of chronic conditions.
Furthermore, PMI is designed for conditions that arise after you take out the policy. It does not cover pre-existing conditions – any ailment for which you have had symptoms, medication, advice, or treatment in the five years before your policy began. We'll explore how this works in more detail in the underwriting section.
Who are The Exeter? A Mutual Organisation Focused on Members
Unlike many large insurers who are public limited companies (PLCs) owned by shareholders, The Exeter is a Friendly Society. This means they are a mutual organisation, owned by and run for their members (their policyholders).
What does this mean for you as a customer?
- Member-First Focus: Without shareholders to pay dividends to, profits are reinvested back into the business. This can translate into better products, enhanced services, and more stable pricing.
- Specialist Expertise: The Exeter specialises in health and protection insurance. This focus allows them to develop deep expertise and create policies that are finely tuned to their customers' needs.
- Inclusive Approach: They have a strong reputation for their flexible underwriting, often considering applications from individuals who might have been declined elsewhere, such as those with well-managed existing health issues (though cover for that specific pre-existing condition would still be excluded).
Their long history, dating back to 1927, and consistent performance have cemented their place as a highly respected provider in the UK's private health cover market.
A Deep Dive into The Exeter's Health+ Policy for 2026
The Exeter's flagship product is called Health+. It's a modular policy, meaning it has a core level of cover that you can then build upon with optional extras. This flexibility allows you to create a plan that fits your family's needs and budget perfectly.
Core Cover: The Foundation of Your Policy
Every Health+ policy includes a comprehensive range of in-patient and day-patient benefits as standard. This is the cornerstone of the cover, designed for when you need significant medical treatment.
What's Included in The Exeter's Core Cover:
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Hospital Charges | All costs for accommodation, nursing care, and theatre fees for in-patient or day-patient treatment are covered in full. |
| Specialist Fees | Fees for surgeons, anaesthetists, and physicians are covered in full, provided they are within The Exeter's accepted fee guidelines. |
| Diagnostic Tests | CT, MRI, and PET scans are covered in full, whether on an in-patient or out-patient basis. |
| Cancer Cover | Comprehensive cancer cover is standard. This includes surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. Advanced treatments like stem cell therapy and targeted cancer therapies are often included. |
| Post-Operative Care | Includes physiotherapy sessions following eligible surgery to aid recovery. |
| NHS Hospital Cash Benefit | If you choose to use the NHS for an eligible in-patient treatment, the policy pays you a daily cash amount (e.g., £150 per night) as a benefit. |
| Home Nursing | Covers costs for a registered nurse to provide care at home immediately following eligible in-patient treatment. |
| Parent Accommodation | If a child under 18 covered by the policy needs to stay in hospital, costs for one parent to stay with them are covered. |
Customising Your Cover: Out-patient and Therapies Options
This is where you can tailor the policy. While core cover handles major hospital stays, you need to decide how much cover you want for consultations and treatments that don't require a hospital bed.
Out-patient Options: You can choose from several levels of cover for specialist consultations, diagnostic tests (like blood tests and X-rays), and other out-patient procedures.
- No Out-patient Cover: The most budget-friendly option. You would rely on the NHS for initial consultations and diagnostics, only using your PMI if you need to be admitted for surgery or treatment.
- Limited Out-patient Cover: A popular middle ground. You can choose a financial limit, for example, £500 or £1,000 per policy year. This is often enough to cover initial consultations and a round of diagnostic tests, confirming the need for surgery.
- Full Out-patient Cover: The most comprehensive and expensive option. It covers all eligible out-patient consultations and tests in full.
Therapies Cover: This covers treatments like physiotherapy, osteopathy, and chiropractic care. With The Exeter, the financial limit for therapies is usually linked to your chosen out-patient limit. This is a vital benefit for active families or those recovering from injuries or surgery.
Mental Health Cover: A Key Strength
The Exeter is particularly well-regarded for its straightforward and accessible mental health support. For families, knowing this support is readily available provides immense peace of mind.
- Included as Standard: The Health+ policy includes access to mental health support through their Healthwise app.
- Optional Upgrade: You can add an optional Mental Health benefit to your policy. This provides cover for specialist consultations with psychiatrists and psychologists, as well as in-patient or day-patient psychiatric treatment, up to a specified limit.
Added Value: The Healthwise App
All members of The Exeter get access to their Healthwise app. For a busy family, this is an incredibly valuable tool. It's like having a doctor in your pocket.
Features of the Healthwise App:
- 24/7 GP on Demand: Book a remote GP appointment via phone or video call at any time, from anywhere. This is perfect for when a child gets sick in the evening or you can't get an appointment at your local surgery.
- Second Medical Opinion: If you or a family member receives a diagnosis, you can use this service to get a second opinion from a world-leading expert, all managed through the app.
- Mental Health Support: Provides direct access to qualified therapists for a set number of sessions, helping you manage stress, anxiety, and other common mental health challenges without needing a GP referral.
- Physiotherapy & Podiatry: Get remote assessments and tailored recovery plans from qualified physiotherapists and podiatrists.
How to Tailor a Policy for Your Family and Manage Costs
Creating the right family health insurance policy is a balancing act between comprehensive cover and an affordable premium. A specialist PMI broker like WeCovr can provide invaluable guidance here, but it's useful to understand the levers you can pull.
| Cost-Saving Option | How It Works | Impact on Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Excess | This is the amount you agree to pay towards a claim each year. For example, with a £250 excess, you pay the first £250 of your claim costs. Excesses typically range from £0 to £1,000. | Higher excess = Lower premium. |
| 6-Week Option | A popular choice. If the NHS can provide the eligible in-patient treatment you need within six weeks of the recommended date, you use the NHS. If the wait is longer, your private cover kicks in. | Adds a significant discount to your premium. |
| Hospital List | Insurers have lists of approved hospitals. Choosing a more restricted list (e.g., local hospitals rather than a nationwide list including central London) will reduce your premium. The Exeter has clear, guided hospital options. | More limited hospital list = Lower premium. |
| Out-patient Level | As discussed above, choosing a lower level of out-patient cover (or none at all) is one of the most effective ways to manage cost. | Lower out-patient limit = Lower premium. |
Real-Life Example:
The Smith family – two parents in their early 40s and two children aged 8 and 11 – want peace of mind. They are most concerned about long waits for surgery but are happy to use their local NHS GP for initial check-ups.
Working with a broker, they could configure a policy with:
- A £500 excess per person.
- The 6-week option.
- A £1,000 out-patient limit (enough for consultations if needed).
- A hospital list that excludes expensive central London hospitals.
This combination provides them with robust cover for serious issues while keeping their monthly premium manageable.
Who Benefits Most from Exeter Health Insurance?
While The Exeter's policies are flexible enough for many, they are particularly well-suited to certain groups.
- Families with Young Children: The peace of mind that comes from fast access to paediatric specialists is priceless. The 24/7 digital GP in the Healthwise app is a game-changer for worried parents needing quick advice.
- Self-Employed Professionals and Small Business Owners: For those whose income depends on their health, long NHS waits are not just an inconvenience—they're a financial risk. PMI allows them to get treated and back to work quickly.
- Those Prioritising Mental Wellbeing: The Exeter’s clear mental health pathways and integrated digital support make them a strong choice for individuals and families who see mental health as just as important as physical health.
- Older Applicants: A key differentiator for The Exeter is that they have no upper age limit for new applicants. This makes them one of the most accessible insurers for those looking for cover later in life.
- Individuals Who Value a Mutual Ethos: If you prefer dealing with an organisation that reinvests its profits for the benefit of its members rather than shareholders, The Exeter’s friendly society structure will appeal to you.
Understanding Underwriting: Moratorium vs. Full Medical
When you apply for health insurance, the insurer needs to know about your medical history to decide what they can cover. This process is called underwriting.
-
Moratorium (Mori) Underwriting: This is the most common method. You don't need to provide your full medical history upfront. Instead, the policy automatically excludes treatment for any condition you've had symptoms, advice, or treatment for in the 5 years before the policy start date. However, if you then go for 2 continuous years on the policy without needing any treatment, advice, or medication for that condition, it may become eligible for cover. It's simple and quick but offers less certainty at the start.
-
Full Medical Underwriting (FMU): With FMU, you complete a detailed health questionnaire when you apply. The insurer reviews your medical history and then offers you a policy with specific exclusions clearly listed from day one. For example, they might state that your policy will not cover anything related to a knee injury you had three years ago. This process takes longer but provides complete clarity on what is and isn't covered from the outset.
An expert at WeCovr can help you decide which underwriting method is best for your family's circumstances.
Why Choose WeCovr for Your Family's Health Insurance?
Navigating the private medical insurance UK market can be complex. As an independent and FCA-authorised broker, WeCovr acts as your expert guide.
- Independent Advice: We are not tied to any single insurer. Our goal is to find the best policy for you from across the market, whether that's with The Exeter, Bupa, AXA, or another leading provider.
- No Cost to You: Our service is completely free for you to use. We receive a commission from the insurer you choose, which doesn't affect the price you pay.
- Expert Policy-Crafting: We help you tailor your policy, balancing cover and cost to find the perfect fit. Our expertise ensures you don't pay for benefits you don't need or miss out on cover that's vital for your family.
- Exclusive Benefits: When you arrange a policy through us, you get complimentary access to CalorieHero, our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app. We also offer discounts on other insurance products, like life or income protection, when you take out a PMI policy. Our clients consistently give us high satisfaction ratings for our service and support.
Family Wellness: A Holistic Approach to Health
A health insurance policy is a safety net, but the foundation of a healthy family is a positive lifestyle. Small, consistent habits can make a huge difference to your long-term wellbeing and can even help keep insurance premiums stable over time.
- Nourish to Flourish: Aim for balanced meals rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Cooking together can be a fun family activity and teaches children healthy habits for life.
- The Power of Sleep: Ensure everyone in the family gets adequate sleep. For adults, this means 7-9 hours, while children and teenagers need more. A consistent sleep schedule and a screen-free hour before bed can dramatically improve sleep quality.
- Move Together: The NHS recommends children get at least 60 minutes of physical activity a day, and adults 150 minutes a week. Make it fun! Weekend bike rides, park walks, kitchen discos, or even just a competitive game of tag can get everyone’s heart rate up.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Does The Exeter health insurance cover pre-existing conditions?
Is private health insurance worth it for a family in the UK in 2026?
How can my family lower the cost of our health insurance premium?
- Choosing a higher excess: Agreeing to pay more towards the cost of a claim (e.g., £500) will significantly lower your premium.
- Opting for the 6-week option: This means you will use the NHS if treatment is available within 6 weeks, which provides a large discount.
- Selecting a more restricted hospital list: Limiting your choice of hospitals to a local or regional network reduces the cost.
- Reducing your out-patient cover limit: Choosing a lower monetary limit (e.g., £1,000) or no out-patient cover at all is a major cost-saving lever.
Take the Next Step Towards Peace of Mind
The Exeter offers a compelling and flexible health insurance solution, particularly for families, the self-employed, and older applicants who value their mutual status and inclusive approach. Understanding how to tailor their Health+ policy is key to unlocking its full value.
Ready to explore your options and get a clear picture of what cover could look like for your family? The team of experts at WeCovr is here to help. We provide free, impartial advice and personalised quotes from across the market to ensure your family gets the protection it deserves.
[Contact WeCovr today for your free, no-obligation family health insurance quote]
Related guides
Why private medical insurance and how does it work?
What is Private Medical Insurance?
Private medical insurance (PMI) is a type of health insurance that provides access to private healthcare services in the UK. It covers the cost of private medical treatment, allowing you to bypass NHS waiting lists and receive faster, more convenient care.How does it work?
Private medical insurance works by paying for your private healthcare costs. When you need treatment, you can choose to go private and your insurance will cover the costs, subject to your policy terms and conditions. This can include:• Private consultations with specialists
• Private hospital treatment and surgery
• Diagnostic tests and scans
• Physiotherapy and rehabilitation
• Mental health treatment
Your premium depends on factors like your age, health, occupation, and the level of cover you choose. Most policies offer different levels of cover, from basic to comprehensive, allowing you to tailor the policy to your needs and budget.
Questions to ask yourself regarding private medical insurance
Just ask yourself:👉 Are you concerned about NHS waiting times for treatment?
👉 Would you prefer to choose your own consultant and hospital?
👉 Do you want faster access to diagnostic tests and scans?
👉 Would you like private hospital accommodation and better food?
👉 Do you want to avoid the stress of NHS waiting lists?
Many people don't realise that private medical insurance is more affordable than they think, especially when you consider the value of faster treatment and better facilities. A great insurance policy can provide peace of mind and ensure you receive the care you need when you need it.
Benefits offered by private medical insurance
Private medical insurance provides numerous benefits that can significantly improve your healthcare experience and outcomes:Faster Access to Treatment
One of the biggest advantages is avoiding NHS waiting lists. While the NHS provides excellent care, waiting times can be lengthy. With private medical insurance, you can often receive treatment within days or weeks rather than months.
Choice of Consultant and Hospital
You can choose your preferred consultant and hospital, giving you more control over your healthcare journey. This is particularly important for complex treatments where you want a specific specialist.
Better Facilities and Accommodation
Private hospitals typically offer superior facilities, including private rooms, better food, and more comfortable surroundings. This can make your recovery more pleasant and potentially faster.
Advanced Treatments
Private medical insurance often covers treatments and medications not available on the NHS, giving you access to the latest medical advances and technologies.
Mental Health Support
Many policies include comprehensive mental health coverage, providing faster access to therapy and psychiatric care when needed.
Tax Benefits for Business Owners
If you're self-employed or a business owner, private medical insurance premiums can be tax-deductible, making it a cost-effective way to protect your health and your business.
Peace of Mind
Knowing you have access to private healthcare when you need it provides invaluable peace of mind, especially for those with ongoing health conditions or concerns about NHS capacity.
Private medical insurance is particularly valuable for those who want to take control of their healthcare journey and ensure they receive the best possible treatment when they need it most.
Important Fact!
We can look at a more suitable option mid-term!
Why is it important to get private medical insurance early?
👉 Many people are very thankful that they had their private medical insurance cover in place before running into some serious health issues. Private medical insurance is as important as life insurance for protecting your family's finances.👉 We insure our cars, houses, and even our phones! Yet our health is the most precious thing we have.
Easily one of the most important insurance purchases an individual or family can make in their lifetime, the decision to buy private medical insurance can be made much simpler with the help of FCA-authorised advisers. They are the specialists who do the searching and analysis helping people choose between various types of private medical insurance policies available in the market, including different levels of cover and policy types most suitable to the client's individual circumstances.
It certainly won't do any harm if you speak with one of our experienced insurance experts who are passionate about advising people on financial matters related to private medical insurance and are keen to provide you with a free consultation.
You can discuss with them in detail what affordable private medical insurance plan for the necessary peace of mind they would recommend! WeCovr works with some of the best advisers in the market.
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WeCovr is an insurance specialist for people valuing their peace of mind and a great service.👍 WeCovr will help you get your private medical insurance, life insurance, critical illness insurance and others in no time thanks to our wonderful super-friendly experts ready to assist you every step of the way.
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