WPA vs The Exeter Which Is Best for Families
Choosing the right private medical insurance for your family is one of the most important financial decisions you can make. At WeCovr, an FCA-authorised broker that has helped arrange over 800,000 policies across the UK, we understand the peace of mind that comes with knowing your loved ones can access fast, high-quality medical care when they need it most.
WeCovr compares two specialist insurers for family health insurance
When it comes to private health cover, many people immediately think of the big, household names. However, the UK market is home to several specialist insurers who offer exceptional value, innovative features, and a more personal touch. Two of the most respected are WPA and The Exeter.
Both are member-focused organisations with long histories, setting them apart from shareholder-driven corporations. But their approaches to family health insurance are quite different. In this comprehensive guide, we'll break down everything you need to know about WPA vs The Exeter, helping you decide which might be the best fit for your family's unique needs.
Who are WPA and The Exeter? A Brief Overview
Before diving into policy details, it’s helpful to understand the philosophy behind each insurer. Their history and ethos shape the products they offer and the service you receive.
WPA (Western Provident Association)
Founded in 1901, WPA is a not-for-profit provident association based in Taunton, Somerset. This means they don't have shareholders; any surplus is reinvested into the business to benefit members through better products and services.
- Ethos: WPA's core philosophy is built on transparency and customer empowerment. They are known for pioneering innovative features, such as cash benefit plans and a unique co-payment model designed to keep premiums affordable.
- Market Position: WPA is a highly-regarded specialist insurer, particularly popular with families and self-employed individuals. They consistently receive praise for their UK-based customer service and flexible policy options.
The Exeter
The Exeter is a Friendly Society, with roots tracing back to 1888. Based in the historic city of Exeter, their entire structure is designed around their members. Like WPA, they have no shareholders to answer to.
- Ethos: The Exeter prides itself on being straightforward and dependable. Their goal is to provide clear, easy-to-understand insurance products that deliver real value when members need to make a claim.
- Market Position: As a specialist in health and protection insurance, The Exeter has carved out a strong reputation for its comprehensive cover and excellent member support services, including their popular Healthwise app.
The Crucial Rule of Private Medical Insurance: Acute vs. Chronic Conditions
Before we compare policies, it's vital to understand a fundamental principle of all standard private medical insurance in the UK. PMI is designed to cover acute conditions that arise after your policy has started.
- An Acute Condition is 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 repairs, or treatment for an infection.
- A Chronic Condition is a long-term illness that cannot be cured, only managed. Examples include diabetes, asthma, high blood pressure, and arthritis. The routine management, monitoring, and medication for chronic conditions are not covered by private medical insurance. This care remains with the NHS.
- Pre-existing Conditions are any health issues you had before taking out your policy. These are also typically excluded from cover, either permanently or for a set period.
Think of PMI as your 'get you better' plan for new, treatable health problems, providing fast access to specialists and private hospitals. The NHS remains your partner for ongoing, long-term care.
Core Cover Comparison: What Do WPA and The Exeter Offer Families?
The foundation of any health insurance policy is its core cover. This typically includes the most expensive types of treatment, such as hospital stays and cancer care. Let's see how WPA's 'Flexible Health' and The Exeter's 'Health+' policies stack up.
| Feature | WPA (Flexible Health) | The Exeter (Health+) | WeCovr's Expert Take |
|---|---|---|---|
| In-patient & Day-patient Care | Full cover as standard. This includes hospital fees, specialist fees, and anaesthetist fees for surgery or procedures requiring a hospital bed. | Full cover as standard. Provides comprehensive cover for eligible treatment when you are admitted to a hospital. | Both insurers provide robust in-patient cover, which is the cornerstone of any PMI policy. There are few differences here. |
| Cancer Cover | Comprehensive cancer cover is included as standard. Covers diagnosis, surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and targeted therapies. | Comprehensive cancer cover is a core component. Includes advanced treatments, palliative care, and end-of-life care. | Both providers offer excellent, comprehensive cancer care, reflecting its importance to UK families. The key is in the details of drug availability and ongoing support. |
| Hospital Lists | Offers a choice of hospital lists. Some policies use their 'Shared Responsibility' model, where you can choose almost any hospital but WPA co-pays a percentage of the bill. | Uses a traditional tiered hospital list (e.g., Essential, Standard, Extended). Choosing a more restricted list (excluding central London hospitals) lowers your premium. | The Exeter's model is more traditional and easier to understand. WPA's approach offers more freedom but requires you to be comfortable with a co-payment structure. |
| Out-patient Cover | Offered as an optional extra. Typically structured with an annual monetary limit (e.g., £500, £1,000, £1,500) for consultations, tests, and scans. | Offered as an optional extra. A key feature is the option for unlimited out-patient diagnostics (MRI, CT, PET scans), with limits on the number of consultations. | The Exeter's unlimited diagnostics can offer incredible peace of mind for families worried about diagnostic waiting times. WPA's monetary limit is flexible but finite. |
| Mental Health Cover | A cash benefit for psychiatric treatment is often included in core cover. More comprehensive cover, including out-patient therapy, can be added as an option. | Out-patient mental health support is provided through their Healthwise app. More extensive in-patient and out-patient cover is available as an optional add-on. | Both insurers recognise the growing importance of mental health. The Exeter's app provides great day-to-day support, while both offer upgrades for more serious conditions. |
| Policy Excess | A wide range of excess options from £0 to £1,000. An excess is the amount you pay towards a claim each year. | A wide range of excess options, typically from £0 to £1,000. A higher excess significantly reduces your monthly premium. | An excess is a powerful tool for managing costs. A family might choose a £250 or £500 excess to make their policy more affordable. |
Family-Specific Benefits and Features: The Details That Matter
While core cover is essential, it's often the family-focused features that make a policy stand out. Here’s where the different philosophies of WPA and The Exeter become clear.
How WPA Caters to Families
WPA’s approach is built on flexibility and shared costs, which can be very appealing for budget-conscious families.
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Shared Responsibility: This is WPA's unique selling point. On many of their plans, instead of a fixed out-patient limit, WPA pays 75% of the cost of out-patient consultations and treatment, and you pay the remaining 25%.
- Real-Life Example: Your child needs to see a paediatric consultant, and the fee is £240. Under the Shared Responsibility model, WPA would pay £180 (75%), and you would pay £60 (25%). This model helps keep monthly premiums down, but you need to be prepared to contribute to the cost of treatment.
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Remote GP Services: Like most top insurers, WPA provides access to a 24/7 remote GP service. For a parent with a sick child in the middle of the night, being able to speak to a doctor within minutes is an invaluable benefit.
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Optional Dental and Optical Cash Benefits: WPA is famous for its cash plans. You can add a dental and optical benefit to your family policy. This provides money back towards routine costs like dental check-ups, hygienist visits, new glasses, and contact lenses – expenses that every family faces.
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Free Cover for Children: WPA often has offers that allow you to add younger children to a policy for free, which can represent a significant saving.
How The Exeter Supports Families
The Exeter focuses on simplicity and providing comprehensive support through its member benefits.
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Unlimited Out-patient Diagnostics: This is a standout feature. If you choose their out-patient option, while consultations may have a limit, the associated diagnostic tests (like MRI and CT scans) are often unlimited. With NHS waiting times for some diagnostic tests stretching for months—the median wait for 15 key tests was 8.1 weeks in March 2024 according to NHS England—this benefit provides families with rapid diagnosis and immense peace of mind.
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The Healthwise App: This is a cornerstone of The Exeter's member experience and is included with every policy. For families, it's a treasure trove of support:
- Remote GP: On-demand GP appointments for any member of the family.
- Second Medical Opinion: If a family member receives a worrying diagnosis, you can get a second opinion from a world-leading expert.
- Mental Health Support: Access to qualified therapists for talking therapies without needing a GP referral.
- Physiotherapy: Quick access to physiotherapy assessments and sessions.
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Straightforward Pricing: The Exeter's structure is very traditional. You choose your cover level and hospital list, and your price is fixed (barring annual renewal increases). There are no co-payment surprises, which many families prefer for easy budgeting.
Understanding the Underwriting: How Your Family's Health History is Assessed
When you apply for private health cover, the insurer needs to know about your medical history. This process is called underwriting.
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Moratorium (Mori) Underwriting: This is the most popular option for families as it's quick and simple. You don't need to fill out a long medical questionnaire. The insurer automatically excludes treatment for any medical conditions you've sought advice or treatment for in the 5 years before your policy started. However, if you then go for 2 continuous years on the policy without any symptoms, treatment, or advice for that condition, it may become eligible for cover.
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Full Medical Underwriting (FMU): With FMU, you complete a detailed health declaration for every family member. The insurer assesses this and provides a policy document that explicitly lists any conditions that are permanently excluded from cover. This takes longer, but it gives you absolute certainty from day one about what is and isn't covered.
A PMI broker like WeCovr can provide invaluable advice on which underwriting option is best for your family's circumstances.
Cost Comparison: What Can a Family Expect to Pay?
The cost of private medical insurance varies significantly based on age, location, cover level, and the excess you choose. The following table provides an illustrative example only to give you a general idea.
Scenario: A non-smoking family of four. Parents are aged 40 and 38, with two children aged 9 and 6. They live in a mid-cost region like Bristol and choose a £250 excess.
| Provider | Policy Type | Indicative Monthly Premium | Key Features Included in this Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| WPA | Flexible Health (Mid-Tier) | £160 - £210 | Full in-patient cover, full cancer cover, £1,000 out-patient limit with Shared Responsibility, standard hospital list. |
| The Exeter | Health+ (Mid-Tier) | £175 - £225 | Full in-patient cover, full cancer cover, unlimited out-patient diagnostics, standard hospital list, Healthwise app. |
Key Factors Influencing Your Premium:
- Age: Premiums are based on the age of the oldest adult on the policy and rise as you get older.
- Location: Living near hospitals with higher private treatment costs (especially Central London) will increase your premium.
- Cover Level: Adding comprehensive out-patient cover, therapies, or dental options will increase the price.
- Excess: Choosing a higher excess (e.g., £500 or £1,000) is one of the most effective ways to lower your monthly premium.
- No Claims Discount (NCD): Most insurers operate an NCD system. For every year you don't claim, your premium is discounted at renewal, up to a maximum level.
WeCovr's Added Value: More Than Just a Comparison
Choosing between two excellent insurers can be challenging. This is where working with an expert, independent broker like WeCovr makes all the difference. We provide impartial advice to help you find the perfect fit, at no extra cost to you.
But our support doesn't stop there. When you take out a family health insurance policy through WeCovr, you unlock exclusive benefits:
- Complimentary Access to CalorieHero: Good health starts with good habits. We provide our customers with free access to CalorieHero, our AI-powered nutrition and calorie tracking app. It's a fantastic tool to help your family learn about balanced diets and build healthy eating habits together.
- Discounts on Other Insurance: We believe in holistic protection. Our PMI clients are eligible for discounts on other essential cover, such as life insurance, income protection, and critical illness cover, helping you protect your family's finances from all angles.
- Unbiased, Expert Advice: Our team lives and breathes the private medical insurance UK market. We'll take the time to understand your family's priorities and budget, comparing not just WPA and The Exeter, but all leading providers to ensure you get the best possible cover for your money. Our high customer satisfaction ratings are a testament to our commitment to clear, honest guidance.
Beyond Insurance: Wellness Tips for a Healthy Family
While insurance provides a safety net, fostering a healthy lifestyle is the best long-term investment in your family's wellbeing.
- Eat the Rainbow: Use the NHS Eatwell Guide as a fun family project. Aim for at least five portions of varied fruit and veg a day. Involving kids in cooking and using an app like CalorieHero can make nutrition education engaging.
- Move Together: The NHS recommends that children aged 5 to 18 do at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity each day. This doesn't have to be structured sport. Family bike rides, long walks in a local park or woods, or even a kitchen disco are great ways to stay active together.
- Prioritise Sleep: According to the ONS, almost a quarter of UK adults report sleep problems. A consistent bedtime routine, limiting screen time before bed, and ensuring bedrooms are dark and quiet benefits everyone from toddlers to parents.
- Talk Openly: Create an environment where children feel safe to talk about their feelings. The NHS's Every Mind Matters platform has fantastic resources for supporting the mental wellbeing of young people.
Our Verdict: Is WPA or The Exeter the Best Choice for Your Family?
There is no single "best" provider; the right choice depends entirely on your family's priorities and financial comfort zone.
You might prefer WPA if:
- You want the lowest possible monthly premium and are comfortable with a co-payment system (Shared Responsibility) for out-patient care.
- You value the freedom to choose from a very wide range of consultants and hospitals.
- You want to add a comprehensive dental and optical cash benefit to your policy.
You might prefer The Exeter if:
- You prioritise budget certainty and want a straightforward policy with no co-payment surprises.
- The peace of mind that comes with unlimited out-patient diagnostics is a top priority for you.
- You would make good use of the comprehensive support services offered through the Healthwise member app.
Ultimately, the best way to make a confident decision is to see personalised quotes and have an expert talk you through the nuances.
Does family private medical insurance cover pregnancy and childbirth?
Can I add my children to my existing private health cover policy?
What is a No Claims Discount on health insurance?
Ready to Protect Your Family's Health?
Navigating the world of private health cover can feel complex, but you don't have to do it alone. The friendly, expert team at WeCovr is here to help. We'll compare WPA, The Exeter, and other leading UK insurers to find a policy that fits your family's needs and your budget—all at no cost to you.
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.
By tapping the button below, you can book a free call with them in less than 30 seconds right now:
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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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