The Exeter is a UK-based mutual insurer founded in 1927, providing private health insurance through its flagship Health+ policy. As a friendly society with no shareholders,
The Exeter operates solely for the benefit of its members, reinvesting all profits into improving services and delivering greater value. This mutual status enables the company
to "punch above its weight," focusing on being the best rather than the biggest. Free from the demands of shareholder dividends, The Exeter channels its resources into what
truly matters supporting the needs of its customers and advisers.
The Exeter stands out for its mutual status, specialised cover for niche markets, and strong focus on customer-first innovation. With no shareholders, it reinvests
profits to enhance member benefits, offering tailored health and income protection alongside digital tools like the HealthWise app, making it a distinctive player in the UK insurance market.
The Exeter has a proud history dating back to 1927, when it was founded as a mutual society dedicated to supporting the financial wellbeing of its members. Over nearly a century, it has grown from a regional provider into a respected name in the UK’s health and protection insurance market. What sets The Exeter apart is its unwavering commitment to people over profit—reinvesting all earnings to enhance services, expand access, and deliver real value. With a modern outlook and a strong heritage, The Exeter blends tradition with innovation, offering tailored products and digital support that truly put its members first.
The Exeter’s Health+ policy offers flexible, high-quality private medical insurance designed to suit individual needs. It provides comprehensive core cover, including full inpatient and day-patient treatment, cancer care, and post-operative support. Members can tailor their plans with optional outpatient limits, mental health cover, and excess levels to manage premiums. With choices between guided and full consultant access, Health+ balances affordability with personalised care. The policy also includes free access to the HealthWise app, offering 24/7 GP consultations, mental health support, physiotherapy, and second medical opinions—ensuring members receive the support they need, when they need it most.
HealthWise App: Free digital healthcare services, including: 24/7 GP video consultations, Physiotherapy advice, Mental health counselling and Second medical opinions.
Family-Friendly Benefits: Includes parental accommodation if your child is in hospital and hospice donations in end-of-life care situations.
Post-Treatment Support: Access to home nursing, private ambulances, and post-operative physiotherapy when medically necessary.
Best Health & Wellness Offering at the COVER Customer Care Awards 2024.
Winner of Best Care & Support Experience at the Protection Review Awards 2023.
Winner at Investment Life & Pensions Moneyfacts Awards 2024.
Achieved 5-star ratings from independent rating service Defaqto.
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| In-patient treatment | Our core cover never limits in-patient and day-patient treatment. Any treatment is made available for as long as it’s needed at an eligible hospital based on your treatment option. With The Exeter Health Insurance MRI, CT and PET scans, as well as all treatment and consultations related to diagnosed cancer, are included under core cover. |
| Out-patient Surgery | If you need an out-patient surgical procedure it can be performed by a specialist at an eligible hospital based on your treatment option. |
| Out-patient treatment | The Exeter has multiple levels you can choose to enhance out-patient cover to include specialist fees and diagnostic tests such as X-rays, ECGs and pathology. Full Out-Patient Cover: Unlimited outpatient consultations and diagnostics tests. Limited Out-Patient Cover: Choose a limit of £500 or £1,000. If you select a cover limit, you can still add full cover for diagnostics tests. No matter your cover limit, you'll still be covered in full for MRI, CT and PET scans. |
| Cancer cover | Complete cancer cover. Cancer may be your biggest fear - so we take it seriously. Every Health+ member has cover for all stages of cancer, including access to the latest drugs and treatments. |
| HealthWise App | HealthWise gives you and your immediate family free, direct access to medical experts when you need them. The services can be accessed from anywhere in the world through your smartphone or tablet and include Remote GP appointments. Second medical opinions. Physiotherapy. Mental Health Support. Registered dietitian consultations. Lifestyle and nutrition calculators. Annual Health MOT. |
| Additional Benefits | The Exeter Health Insurance policies offers a range of additional benefits and options: Therapies cover. Mental health cover. NHS cash benefit. Private ambulance. Parent accommodation. |
As with most health insurers The Exeter have three options you can choose from for how your policy is underwritten:
Moratorium: No requirement for detailed medical history upfront, a moratorium period of two years is in place for any condition for which you have experienced symptoms or received treatment for in the last five years.
Full medical underwriting: Full medical underwriting means you disclose your full medical history when applying, allowing the insurer to assess and confirm which conditions are covered or excluded from the start.
Continued medical exclusions (Switch): You will need to answer a few questions regarding your medical history in the last five years and some questions on specific health conditions. The underwriting will transfer from your previous insurer rather than being re-underwritten. This option is only available to those with an existing health insurance policy with another insurer.
For more definitions of terms, please see our glossary.
An excess is the amount you will pay towards a claim, the higher the excess you choose the lower the premium will be. The Exeter offer the following excess options:
£0, £100, £250, £500, £1,000, £3,000 or £5,000.
The excess is available per person per year if you claim and per claim for an additional reduction in your premium.
Choosing the right hospital list ensures you have access to facilities you require, The Exeter have three hospital lists:
Essential, Standard and Extended.
Guided specialist:
Guided specialist is a lower cost alternative to having a hospital list. If you make a claim, we will recommend a shortlist of specialists based on your treatment and diagnostic needs.
Health insurance does not cover accident and emergency situations. Most leading health insurers do not cover treatment overseas, self-inflicted injury and professional sports related injuries are also not covered on a health insurance policy.
As with most health insurers The Exeter's exclusions are very standard, they do not routinely cover:
Allergies, allergic disorders or food intolerances.
Birth control, conception, sexual problems and gender reassignment.
Chronic Conditions.
Contamination, wars, riots and some terrorist acts.
Cosmetic Surgery.
Fertility treatment and infertility.
Pre-existing conditions.
Pregnancy and childbirth.
Navigating health insurance especially understanding what’s covered can be complex, but our expert advisors are here to guide you in choosing the right policy and underwriting option for your needs.
Like all health insurance providers, The Exeter considers a range of factors when calculating the cost of your private health
cover—some of which you can influence, and others that are fixed.
The Exeter offers a customisable health insurance policy that you can tailor to suit your individual needs and budget. By adjusting options such as out-patient
cover levels, hospital lists, and the excess amount, you can manage the scope of your coverage and influence the cost of your premium.
In addition to your policy choice, here are several key factors The Exeter takes into account when generating your quote:
Age: Age is one of the most significant factors—the older you are, the higher your premium tends to be. Taking out insurance early is a smart way to control future costs.
Who's covered: Including family members on your policy will result in higher premiums. Insurers do offer varying discounts for couples and familys.
Location: Where you live can impact pricing. Health insurance tends to be more expensive in London and the South East, where private treatment costs are typically higher.
Level of Cover: Comprehensive cover (e.g., private diagnosis and treatment) costs more than basic or treatment-only options. Extras like mental health cover, dental, and optical benefits increase the overall premium.
Excess Level: The higher the excess (the amount you agree to pay toward a claim), the lower your monthly premium will be. Choosing a high excess can reduce upfront costs.
Lifestyle and BMI: Most insurers now offer discounts based upon health and lifestyle. Your body mass index (BMI), fitness level, health conditions, and other lifestyle choices can affect your premium.
Smoking Status: Nearly all insurers charge higher premiums to smokers, reflecting the greater risk of illnesses such as cancer, heart disease, and respiratory conditions.
Hospital and Consultant Access: Choosing a wider hospital network or the ability to select any consultant usually costs more. Guided care or restricted networks lower costs by limiting provider options.
No Claims Discount: The Exeter policies have a no-claims discount that increases each claim-free year. Claims on your policy could negatively impact your renewal price.
Understanding the key factors that affect your premium can help you take control of your health insurance costs. At Insured Health, we’re committed to supporting you throughout the life of your policy—helping you preserve the valuable benefits of private healthcare. We offer some the most competitive prices on the market, guaranteed not to be beaten elsewhere. Ready to take the next step? Get your personalised quote today.
What are the benefits of health insurance?
The main benefit of health insurance is that it gives you access to private healthcare. You can often bypass long NHS waiting times and receive prompt diagnosis and treatment getting you back to health sooner.
How does private health insurance work?
You’ll usually pay monthly or yearly for your cover. Then, if you become unwell or are injured, you can make a claim. Your insurer will then pay some or all of the cost of any private healthcare that you need.
How do you make a claim on health insurance?
Most insurers require a GP referral before you access private treatment. Some offer online GP appointments or allow direct access to specialists through a triage process. In most cases, you’ll need authorisation before seeing a specialist. The insurer usually pays the provider directly, though you may cover any excess or costs beyond your policy limits.
Will my premium increase every year?
Premiums can rise annually due to age and inflation in medical costs. Making a claim on your policy can impact your premium. If you've noticed an increase, speak to one of our advisers today.
I have medical history can I get cover?
Yes, you can still get health insurance if you have a medical history, but it may affect what’s covered. Some conditions you’ve had treatment or symptoms for may not be included right away. Depending on the policy, these conditions could be covered later if you don’t need any treatment for them. Speak to one of our advisers who can help find the right policy for your needs.
How much does private health insurance cost?
Costs vary based on factors such as your age, health, location, level of cover, and excess amount. Policies can range from under £30 per month to several hundred, depending on these variables. For an accurate price speak to one of our advisers today.
At Insured Health, we help you compare prices and cover from top UK health insurance providers like Aviva, AXA, Bupa and Vitality. Our service is completely free, and we remain fully independent and impartial to ensure you get the best advice for your needs.
Our expert, approachable advisers are here to guide you through every step with ease. They’ll take the time to understand your personal needs, compare prices and policies on your behalf, and provide clear, honest advice to help you find the best and most affordable cover.
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We offer the most competitive prices available from insurers, you will not get a cheaper price for health insurance elsewhere.
Our service is entirely free, and we pride ourselves on being independent and impartial.
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At Insured Health, our customers trust us to make finding the right health insurance simple and stress-free. They consistently praise our knowledgeable, patient advisors who take the time to understand individual needs and provide clear, pressure-free guidance. Reviewers value our competitive pricing, better coverage options, and annual policy reviews that ensure lasting value. By comparing top UK providers, we deliver transparent, personalised service that gives customers confidence, peace of mind, and exceptional care.
