TL;DR
WeCovr explores Exeter's PMI options and when they make sense As an FCA-authorised broker that has helped arrange over 900,000 policies, WeCovr understands the growing need for robust private medical insurance in the UK. With NHS waiting lists remaining a significant concern, more individuals and families are seeking the peace of mind that private health cover provides. Among the trusted names in the market, The Exeter stands out for its unique, member-focused approach.
Key takeaways
- Pre-existing conditions: Any illness or injury you had before taking out the policy.
- Chronic conditions: Long-term illnesses that cannot be cured, only managed, such as diabetes, asthma, or high blood pressure.
- No Shareholders: Unlike most large insurers, The Exeter has no shareholders to pay dividends to. They are owned by their members—the policyholders.
- Member-First Focus: Any profits are reinvested back into the business. This can lead to better products, enhanced services, and more stable pricing for members over the long term.
- A History of Trust: Established in 1927, The Exeter has a long-standing reputation for providing reliable cover and excellent customer service. They pride themselves on a more personal, human approach to insurance.
WeCovr explores Exeter's PMI options and when they make sense
As an FCA-authorised broker that has helped arrange over 900,000 policies, WeCovr understands the growing need for robust private medical insurance in the UK. With NHS waiting lists remaining a significant concern, more individuals and families are seeking the peace of mind that private health cover provides. Among the trusted names in the market, The Exeter stands out for its unique, member-focused approach.
This comprehensive guide explores The Exeter's Health+ policy, breaking down its core benefits, customisable options, and who it's best suited for. We'll explain how you can tailor a policy to your specific needs and budget, ensuring you have a clear picture of what makes this provider a compelling choice in the UK's competitive private medical insurance landscape.
What is Private Medical Insurance (PMI)? A Quick Refresher
Before we dive into The Exeter's specifics, let's clarify what PMI is and what it isn't.
Private medical insurance is a policy you buy to cover the costs of private healthcare for acute conditions. An acute condition is a disease, illness, or injury that is likely to respond quickly to treatment and lead to a full recovery. Think of things like joint replacements, cataract surgery, or treatment for hernias.
Crucially, standard UK private medical insurance does not cover:
- Pre-existing conditions: Any illness or injury you had before taking out the policy.
- Chronic conditions: Long-term illnesses that cannot be cured, only managed, such as diabetes, asthma, or high blood pressure.
PMI is designed to complement the excellent emergency care provided by the NHS. It gives you more choice and control over your non-urgent medical treatment, helping you bypass long waiting lists and get back on your feet faster.
Who are The Exeter? A Closer Look at this Mutual Insurer
The Exeter isn't your typical insurance company. They are a Friendly Society, which means they are a mutual insurer.
What does this mean for you?
- No Shareholders: Unlike most large insurers, The Exeter has no shareholders to pay dividends to. They are owned by their members—the policyholders.
- Member-First Focus: Any profits are reinvested back into the business. This can lead to better products, enhanced services, and more stable pricing for members over the long term.
- A History of Trust: Established in 1927, The Exeter has a long-standing reputation for providing reliable cover and excellent customer service. They pride themselves on a more personal, human approach to insurance.
- Specialist Expertise: The Exeter has carved a niche for itself by offering cover to people who might struggle to get it elsewhere. This includes individuals in certain occupations or those with more complex medical histories.
Their mutual status underpins their entire philosophy, putting the well-being of their members at the heart of everything they do.
Understanding The Exeter's Health+ Policy: The Core of Their PMI Offering
The Exeter's flagship private medical insurance product is called Health+. It's designed to be a flexible and comprehensive policy that you can build upon to suit your needs.
The core cover of every Health+ policy provides a strong foundation of protection.
Table: Core Cover Included with Every Exeter Health+ Policy
| Benefit | Details | Why it's Important |
|---|---|---|
| In-patient & Day-patient Treatment | Unlimited cover for hospital fees, specialist fees, and diagnostic tests when you are admitted to hospital. | This is the cornerstone of PMI. It means if you need surgery or treatment requiring a hospital stay, your costs are covered without a financial limit. |
| Comprehensive Cancer Cover | Includes surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and advanced therapies like biological therapies and stem cell treatment. | Cancer treatment is a primary reason people buy PMI. The Exeter provides extensive cover, including access to some drugs not yet available on the NHS. |
| Post-operative Consultations | Unlimited cover for follow-up consultations with a specialist within 6 months of your in-patient or day-patient procedure. | Ensures your recovery is properly monitored without worrying about additional consultation fees. |
| Private Ambulance | Covers the cost of a private ambulance if medically necessary to transport you to a hospital. | Provides comfort and speed during a stressful time. |
| NHS Hospital Cash Benefit | A cash payment (£250 per night, up to £5,000 a year) if you choose to use the NHS for treatment that would have been covered by your policy. | This offers valuable flexibility. You can use the cash payment for anything you like, from covering household bills to aiding your recovery. |
| Home Nursing | Covers the cost of a registered nurse to provide care at home immediately after an eligible hospital stay. | Allows you to recover in the comfort of your own home while still receiving professional medical care. |
This core package ensures that for the most significant medical events, you are fully protected against the high costs of private treatment.
Customising Your Exeter Health+ Policy: Making It Your Own
One of the great strengths of The Exeter's Health+ policy is its flexibility. You can adjust several key elements to either increase your cover or reduce your monthly premium. A specialist PMI broker like WeCovr can walk you through these options to find the perfect balance for your circumstances.
1. Choosing Your Underwriting Type
This is perhaps the most important decision you'll make. Underwriting is how an insurer assesses your medical history to decide what they will and won't cover.
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Moratorium (Mori) Underwriting: This is the most popular option in the UK. You don't need to declare your full medical history when you apply. Instead, the policy automatically excludes any condition you've had symptoms, treatment, or advice for in the 5 years before your policy starts. However, if you then go 2 full years on the policy without any symptoms, treatment, or advice for that condition, it may become eligible for cover. It's a "wait and see" approach.
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Full Medical Underwriting (FMU): With FMU, you complete a detailed health questionnaire when you apply. The Exeter will review your medical history and tell you upfront exactly what is excluded from your policy. This provides complete clarity from day one, but the application process is longer.
The Exeter is known for its fair and flexible approach to underwriting, making them a good option for those who may have been declined by other insurers in the past.
2. Selecting Your Hospital List
The cost of private treatment varies significantly depending on the hospital's location. Central London hospitals, for example, are the most expensive. To manage costs, The Exeter offers a choice of hospital lists.
Table: Example of The Exeter's Hospital List Tiers
| Hospital List Tier | Description | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Essential | Access to a wide range of quality private hospitals across the UK, excluding those in the most expensive areas like Central London. | A great cost-effective option for most people who are happy to travel a little further for treatment if needed. |
| Standard | Includes the Essential list plus more hospitals, including some London options (but typically not the prime HCA facilities). | A good middle-ground, offering more choice and convenience, particularly for those living in or near major cities. |
| Extended | The most comprehensive list, providing access to virtually all private hospitals in the UK, including the premium facilities in Central London. | Ideal for those who want maximum choice and access to the most renowned specialists, or for those who live in Central London. |
Choosing a more restricted hospital list is a very effective way to lower your premium.
3. Managing Costs with an Excess
An excess is the amount you agree to pay towards the cost of a claim each policy year. For example, if you have a £250 excess and your first claim of the year is for £3,000, you pay the first £250 and The Exeter pays the remaining £2,750. You only pay the excess once per person, per policy year, regardless of how many claims you make.
The rule is simple: a higher excess means a lower monthly premium.
The Exeter typically offers a range of excess options, such as:
- £0
- £100
- £250
- £500
- £1,000
- £3,000
- £5,000
Choosing an excess you are comfortable paying is a smart way to make your private health cover more affordable.
4. Adding Out-patient and Therapy Cover
While the core policy covers you once you're admitted to hospital, much of your medical journey happens before that. This is where out-patient cover comes in.
- Out-patient Cover: This pays for specialist consultations, diagnostic tests (like MRI and CT scans), and procedures that don't require a hospital bed.
- Therapies Cover: This pays for treatments like physiotherapy, osteopathy, and chiropractic care, which are vital for recovery from injuries and operations.
The Exeter allows you to add these as optional extras. You can choose to have them fully covered or select a capped amount per year (e.g., £500, £1,000, or £1,500) to keep costs down.
What Makes The Exeter Stand Out in the UK PMI Market?
In a market with major players like Bupa and AXA, The Exeter has several distinct advantages that appeal to a growing number of UK consumers.
- The Mutual Advantage: As a member-owned organisation, their decisions are driven by member benefit, not shareholder profit. This can translate into a more stable and ethical long-term partnership.
- Superb Digital Health Services: All members get free access to the HealthWise app. This is a significant benefit, offering:
- Remote GP Appointments: Book a video or phone consultation with a UK-based GP, often for the same day.
- Second Medical Opinion: Get a second opinion on a diagnosis or treatment plan from a world-leading specialist.
- Mental Health Support: Access to qualified therapists for talking therapies.
- Physiotherapy & Podiatry: Get remote assessments and tailored recovery plans.
- Unlimited In-patient Cover: The peace of mind that comes from knowing your core hospital costs are covered without limit is invaluable.
- Focus on the Self-Employed and Over-50s: The Exeter's products and underwriting are particularly well-suited to the self-employed, who can't afford long periods off work, and older individuals who may find other insurers less accommodating.
- Award-Winning Service: They consistently receive high praise and industry awards for their claims service and overall customer experience.
Who is The Exeter's Health Insurance Best For?
While The Exeter can be a great choice for many, their offering particularly resonates with certain groups.
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The Self-Employed Professional:
- Scenario: Sarah is a 40-year-old graphic designer. If she's unwell and can't work, her income stops. An NHS wait of several months for a hip operation would be financially devastating.
- The Exeter's Solution: With a Health+ policy, she can be seen by a specialist in days, have her operation within weeks, and get back to work quickly. The HealthWise app also gives her instant GP access, so minor issues don't become major disruptions.
-
The Modern Family:
- Scenario: Mark and Emily have two young children. They worry about long waits for paediatric specialists and want quick access to a doctor when their kids are ill.
- The Exeter's Solution: A family policy gives them all cover. The HealthWise app is a game-changer, allowing them to speak to a GP about their child's rash at 8 pm on a Sunday without leaving home.
-
The Retiree with a Health History:
- Scenario: David, 68, had a minor heart issue six years ago. Some insurers have been hesitant to offer him cover. He's active and wants to ensure he can get prompt treatment for new conditions like cataracts or joint problems.
- The Exeter's Solution: Using Moratorium underwriting, David's historic heart condition is excluded. However, he gets full cover for any new, unrelated acute conditions. The Exeter's experience in underwriting more complex cases means his application is assessed fairly.
How Much Does Exeter Health Insurance Cost? A Look at Premiums
The cost of private medical insurance is highly personal. It depends on several factors:
- Your Age: Premiums increase as you get older.
- Your Location: Living in or near London generally costs more.
- Your Chosen Cover: The hospital list, excess, and out-patient options you select have the biggest impact.
- Your Smoker Status: Non-smokers pay less.
To give you an idea, here are some illustrative monthly premiums.
Table: Example Monthly Premiums for The Exeter Health+ (Note: These are estimates for a non-smoker outside London, with a Standard hospital list, £250 excess, and £1,000 out-patient cover. Prices are for illustrative purposes only and will vary.)
| Profile | Estimated Monthly Premium (2025) |
|---|---|
| 30-year-old Individual | £45 - £60 |
| 45-year-old Couple | £130 - £170 |
| Family of Four (Parents 40, Children 10 & 8) | £180 - £240 |
The only way to get an accurate price is to get a personalised quote. This is where an expert broker can save you time and money.
The WeCovr Advantage: Why Use a Broker for Your Exeter Policy?
While you can go directly to The Exeter, using an independent, FCA-authorised broker like WeCovr offers significant benefits at no extra cost to you.
- Impartial Expert Advice: Our specialists live and breathe the private medical insurance UK market. We can demystify the jargon and help you understand the subtle but important differences between policies.
- Full Market Comparison: We don't just look at The Exeter. We compare their Health+ policy against offerings from other top providers like AXA Health, Bupa, and Vitality, ensuring you see the whole picture and find the absolute best value.
- It Costs You Nothing: Our advice and service are completely free. We are paid a commission by the insurer you choose, and the premium you pay is the same as if you went direct.
- Tailored to You: We take the time to understand your personal needs, health concerns, and budget before recommending a solution. We do the hard work of finding the right fit, so you don't have to.
- Exclusive Member Benefits: When you arrange your PMI policy through WeCovr, you gain complimentary access to our AI-powered nutrition app, CalorieHero, to support your health goals. You may also be eligible for discounts on other insurance products, like life or income protection cover.
Health and Wellness Tips: Living Well Beyond Your Insurance Policy
Having a great insurance policy is a safety net, but the best approach is to proactively manage your health. Here are some simple, evidence-based tips:
- Nourish Your Body: Focus on a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. The Mediterranean diet is consistently linked to better heart health and longevity. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day.
- Move Every Day: The NHS recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity (like brisk walking or cycling) or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity (like running or tennis) a week. Find an activity you enjoy to make it a sustainable habit.
- Prioritise Sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night. It's essential for mental clarity, immune function, and physical recovery. Create a relaxing bedtime routine and make your bedroom a screen-free zone.
- Mind Your Mind: Chronic stress can impact your physical health. Practice mindfulness, spend time in nature, and maintain strong social connections. Don't be afraid to seek support when you need it—services like The Exeter's HealthWise app make it easier than ever.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about The Exeter Health Insurance
Does The Exeter cover pre-existing conditions?
Can I add my family to my Exeter Health+ policy?
What is the HealthWise app and is it included with my policy?
Why should I use a PMI broker like WeCovr instead of going to The Exeter direct?
Take the Next Step Towards Peace of Mind
Choosing the right private medical insurance is a significant decision. The Exeter offers a compelling, flexible, and member-focused solution that stands out in the UK market. With its comprehensive core cover and customisable options, it provides a powerful safety net for you and your family.
Ready to explore how The Exeter or other leading UK insurers can protect your health?
Contact WeCovr today for a free, no-obligation quote. Our FCA-authorised specialists are here to provide expert advice and help you find the perfect private health cover.
