National Friendly Income Protection UK
Explained by an independent adviser
National Friendly Income Protection UK
National Friendly is a specialist mutual insurer based in Bristol with a long history in the UK friendly society market. They offer income protection products designed to replace a proportion of your income if you’re unable to work due to illness or injury. As an independent adviser, we can tell you honestly whether National Friendly is the right fit for your circumstances.
Written by Ben Tomlin, Financial Adviser · FCA No. 1038034 · Last reviewed June 2026
▶ In plain English — who are National Friendly?
National Friendly are a mutual insurer based in Bristol — owned by their members, not shareholders. They’re part of the UK’s friendly society tradition and offer income protection products. They sit alongside The Exeter, Holloway Friendly, British Friendly, Cirencester Friendly and Shepherds Friendly as part of the specialist mutual income protection market in the UK.
As an independent firm, we’re not tied to National Friendly. If they’re the best option for your circumstances, we’ll tell you. If another provider offers better terms, we’ll tell you that too.
On this page
National Friendly income protection
National Friendly offer income protection products designed to replace a proportion of your income if you’re unable to work due to illness or injury. Available through financial advisers and directly.
Core product
Income Protection
Pays a monthly benefit if you’re unable to work due to illness or injury. Designed to replace a proportion of your income during a period of incapacity, helping you meet your financial commitments while you recover. Available with flexible deferred period options.
Structure
Mutual
Based in
Bristol
Specialist in
Income protection
Regulated by
FCA & PRA
Income protection for the self-employed
If you’re self-employed, a contractor or a freelancer, income protection is arguably your most important financial protection — there’s no employer sick pay to fall back on. National Friendly offer income protection suited to the self-employed, and we compare them against all other specialist and mainstream providers to find the best fit for your circumstances.
Monthly benefit if you can’t work
National Friendly income protection pays a monthly benefit if you’re unable to work due to illness or injury, helping you meet your financial commitments while you recover.
Flexible deferred periods
Choose a deferred period to suit your financial situation. A longer deferred period reduces the premium — useful if you have savings to cover a short-term absence from work.
Whole-of-market comparison
As independent advisers, we compare National Friendly against The Exeter, Holloway Friendly, British Friendly, Cirencester Friendly, Shepherds Friendly and all mainstream providers to find the best fit for your occupation and income structure.
A Bristol-based mutual insurer
National Friendly is a mutual insurer based in Bristol. As a mutual, it is owned by its members rather than external shareholders — meaning profits are reinvested for the benefit of policyholders rather than paid out as dividends. This member-focused structure is a hallmark of the friendly society tradition in UK financial services.
National Friendly Society Limited is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority.
Mutual
Member-owned
Bristol
UK headquarters
FCA & PRA
UK regulated
How National Friendly fits in the specialist IP market
National Friendly sits alongside The Exeter, Holloway Friendly, British Friendly, Cirencester Friendly and Shepherds Friendly as part of the specialist mutual income protection market. Each provider has different strengths in terms of occupation acceptance, product features, pricing and added-value benefits. As independent advisers, we compare all of them to find the best fit for your specific circumstances.
Why use an independent adviser for National Friendly?
National Friendly is a specialist provider — and knowing when they’re the right fit is exactly where independent advice adds value. As a whole-of-market adviser, That’s Family Finance can compare National Friendly against The Exeter, Holloway Friendly, British Friendly, Cirencester Friendly, Shepherds Friendly, Royal London, LV= and all mainstream providers before making a recommendation.
Our advice is independent, FCA-regulated, and free of charge at the point of advice. We are paid by commission from the insurer if you proceed — which we will always disclose clearly.
Other specialist income protection providers
We compare National Friendly against all of these and more.
The Exeter Income Protection Explained
Specialist mutual with strong own-occupation income protection, particularly for the self-employed.
Holloway Friendly Income Protection Explained
Unique income protection with a built-in savings element — money back if you don’t claim.
British Friendly Income Protection Explained
Flexible income protection including the Breathing Space product with pause and reduce options.
Cirencester Friendly Income Protection Explained
Specialist mutual particularly well regarded for manual and specialist occupations.
Shepherds Friendly Income Protection Explained
One of the UK’s oldest mutual insurers, founded in 1826, offering income protection.
Get Independent Income Protection Advice
Not sure which provider is right for you? Send us an enquiry for an honest, whole-of-market view.
Independent advice, available across the UK
That’s Family Finance provides independent protection advice to families and individuals across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Whether you’re in London, Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds, Bristol, Sheffield, Edinburgh, Cardiff, Glasgow, Essex or anywhere in between, we work with you remotely or in person to find the right cover for your circumstances.
We advise on National Friendly alongside all other major protection providers including The Exeter, Holloway Friendly, British Friendly, Cirencester Friendly, Shepherds Friendly and Royal London.
We are not National Friendly. That’s Family Finance is an independent, FCA-regulated firm (No. 1038034).
Want to know if National Friendly is right for you?
We’re independent and whole-of-market. Send us an enquiry or reach us on WhatsApp for an honest, no-obligation view.
FCA regulated · No obligation · Not tied to National Friendly
Common questions
Questions we’re asked about National Friendly.
What is National Friendly income protection?
National Friendly offer income protection that pays a monthly benefit if you are unable to work due to illness or injury. They are a mutual insurer based in Bristol with a long history in the UK friendly society market.
Is National Friendly a mutual insurer?
Yes. National Friendly is a mutual insurer, meaning it is owned by its members rather than shareholders. Profits are reinvested for the benefit of members rather than paid out as shareholder dividends.
Where is National Friendly based?
National Friendly is based in Bristol and is one of the UK’s established friendly societies with a history in the mutual insurance market.
Is National Friendly good for the self-employed?
National Friendly offer income protection suited to the self-employed. As an independent adviser, we compare National Friendly against The Exeter, Holloway Friendly, British Friendly, Cirencester Friendly and Shepherds Friendly to find the best fit for your occupation and income structure.
How does National Friendly compare to other specialist IP mutuals?
National Friendly sits alongside The Exeter, Holloway Friendly, British Friendly, Cirencester Friendly and Shepherds Friendly as a specialist mutual income protection provider. The right choice depends on your occupation, income structure and personal circumstances. As independent advisers, we compare all options to find the best fit.
How do I access National Friendly income protection?
National Friendly products are available through financial advisers and directly. As a whole-of-market adviser, That’s Family Finance can advise on National Friendly alongside all other major UK income protection providers.
Always refer to National Friendly’s own policy documentation for the most current details, including full product terms and conditions, covered conditions, definitions and exclusions.
We are not National Friendly. That’s Family Finance is an independent, FCA-regulated firm (No. 1038034). This page contains information about National Friendly’s products based on their published materials at the time of writing. National Friendly Society Limited is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority.