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The Exeter UK protection products
The Exeter offer a focused range of protection products, with income protection as their flagship product. Available through independent financial advisers.
Founded
1927
Structure
Mutual
Based in
Exeter, Devon
Specialist in
Income protection
Added benefits
Health+
Income protection for the self-employed
If you’re self-employed, a contractor, or a freelancer, income protection is arguably the most important cover you can have. There’s no employer sick pay to fall back on, if you can’t work, your income stops. The Exeter is one of the most respected providers in this space.
Own-occupation definition
The Exeter offer an own-occupation definition on their income protection, meaning a claim is assessed against your ability to do your specific job, not just any job. This is the gold standard definition and particularly important for the self-employed and those in skilled occupations.
Flexible benefit and deferred periods
Choose a deferred period (the waiting period before the policy pays out) of 4, 8, 13, 26 or 52 weeks to suit your financial situation. A longer deferred period reduces the premium. Useful if you have savings to cover a short-term absence.
Suited to variable income
The Exeter understand that self-employed income can vary year to year. Their underwriting approach takes this into account, making them a more practical option for contractors, freelancers and business owners than some mainstream providers.
Wider occupation acceptance
The Exeter are known for being willing to consider a wider range of occupations than some mainstream providers, including those in manual, specialist or higher-risk roles that other insurers may decline or rate heavily.
Waiver of premium included
Waiver of premium is included as standard on The Exeter’s income protection policies, meaning your premiums are waived during a valid claim, keeping your policy in force when you need it most.
Health+, The Exeter’s added-value service
Health+ is The Exeter’s added-value wellbeing service, included at no extra cost with their protection policies. It gives policyholders access to a range of health and wellbeing services without needing to make a claim.
24/7 GP helpline
Access to a 24-hour GP telephone or video consultation service, allowing policyholders to speak to a qualified doctor at any time without waiting for an NHS appointment.
Mental health support
Access to mental health support including structured counselling sessions and the ability to speak to a mental health professional. Designed to help policyholders address concerns early.
Second medical opinion
Access to a second medical opinion from a specialist consultant, particularly valuable following a serious diagnosis, allowing policyholders to seek an expert review of their diagnosis or treatment plan.
Wellbeing tools
Access to a range of online wellbeing tools and resources to support physical and mental health, helping policyholders maintain a healthy lifestyle and manage stress.
What does it mean that The Exeter is a mutual?
The Exeter is a mutual insurer, meaning it is owned by its members (policyholders) rather than external shareholders. This structure means that profits are reinvested for the benefit of members rather than paid out as shareholder dividends. Mutuals have a long tradition in UK financial services and are often associated with a more member-focused approach to business.
The Exeter was founded in 1927 and is based in Exeter, Devon. They are authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority.
Other well-known mutual insurers in the UK protection market include Royal London and LV=, both of which we also advise on.
1927
Year founded
Mutual
Member-owned structure
Exeter, Devon
UK headquarters
Why use an independent adviser for The Exeter?
The Exeter is a specialist provider, and knowing when they’re the right fit (and when they’re not) is exactly where independent advice adds value. As an adviser, That’s Family Finance can compare The Exeter against every other major UK income protection provider, including Holloway Friendly, British Friendly, Cirencester Friendly, LV=, Royal London and Legal & General, and recommend the policy that genuinely suits your occupation, income structure and circumstances.
Our advice is 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.
You might also find this useful
Other income protection and protection providers we advise on.
Royal London Protection Explained
A fellow mutual insurer with strong income protection and the Helping Hand added-value service.
LV= Doctor Services Explained
Another mutual insurer with strong income protection and added-value GP and wellbeing services.
Canada Life Protection Explained
Life insurance, critical illness and income protection from one of the UK’s longest-established insurers.
Guardian Critical Illness Cover Explained
Adviser-only pure protection with some of the most comprehensive CI definitions in the UK market.
Get Protection Advice
Not sure which provider is right for you? Send us an enquiry for an honest view.
Protection advice, available across the UK
That’s Family Finance provides 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 The Exeter alongside other protection providers, including Royal London, LV=, Legal & General, Aviva, Guardian, Vitality and Zurich.
We are not The Exeter.
Self-employed or in a specialist occupation? Let’s talk.
Send us an enquiry or reach us on WhatsApp for an honest, no-obligation view on whether The Exeter is right for you.
Not tied to The Exeter
Common questions
Questions we’re asked about The Exeter.
Health+ services are provided by third parties and are not part of the core insurance contract. They may be amended or withdrawn by The Exeter at any time. Always refer to The Exeter’s own policy documentation for the most current details, including the full list of covered conditions, definitions, and exclusions.
We are not The Exeter. This page contains information about The Exeter’s protection products based on their published materials at the time of writing. The Exeter is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority.
Talk it through with us
Tell us what you have in mind and we will come back to you, usually the same day. We are open Monday to Saturday, 9am to 8pm.