News.

• Search interest in the “cost of private healthcare” has increased by 1,100% compared with the preceding year 
• Interest in “private health insurance” rose by 120% over the same period 

• Adults in Wales save an average of £256 per month, below the UK average of £328 
• 42% feel less financially secure than six months ago, compared to 37% across the UK 

• South-West adults save an average of £260 per month, below the UK average of £328 
• 43% feel less financially secure than six months ago, compared to 37% nationally 

Our Head of Healthcare Proposition, Dawn Prescott, commented on the July NHS waiting list figures, which show the number of patients awaiting treatment has risen.

• Nearly a quarter of women (24%) save nothing each month compared to 17% of men
• Over half of women save less than £200 a month (59%) 

• 43% sought alternative care via at least one private healthcare service in the last six months
• Half (49%) expect NHS waiting times to rise across the rest of the year
• Nearly one in five (19%) funded this treatment through a credit card or personal loan

• Gross premium income grew to £135m, up from £125.1m in 2024
• 2025 saw a 21.6% increase in income protection new business premiums
• The mutual’s membership rose by 3.5% to 151,503

Gary Warman steps into the CFO role following Michael Payne’s departure to Lloyds Banking Group

Seven colleagues from The Exeter’s Distribution team will be cycling 340 miles in June, having raised over £23,000 for the fight against cancer.

Maximum benefit increased to 65% of income as part of wider product updates

UK health and life insurer, The Exeter, has today announced its 2025 claims statistics, reporting that over £71m was paid out to members across its health insurance, income protection and life insurance products last year.

Advisers are increasingly recognising the role that financial protection plays during periods of vulnerability, particularly where clients may be at risk of economic abuse. In The Exeter’s October 2025 adviser survey, more than half (54%) reported that they believe financial abuse is becoming more prominent among insurance clients.

Remote GP appointments accounted for 76% of total app usage, increasing by more than 22% year-on-year

Dawn Prescott, Head of Healthcare Proposition, commented on the need for the health sector to meet the needs of a diverse population.

Karen Woodley, Head of Healthcare Distribution, has commented on how heightened public awareness of NHS delays is driving healthcare interest.

•    For advisers working with income protection providers, product quality has grown in importance, rising from 26% in 2024 to 36% in 2025

•  37% of advisers expect health insurance demand to grow in 2026, compared with 30% in 2025
• Advisers citing rising business costs as their biggest challenge increasing from 32% in 2025 to 38% in 2026

Jack Southcott, Head of Protection Proposition, has commented on the importance of being open about  mental health history when applying for income protection.