WPA vs The Exeter Which Is Best for Families in 2026
As an FCA-authorised expert with a history of helping over 900,000 UK individuals and families with their insurance needs, WeCovr understands the importance of protecting your loved ones. This article dives deep into two leading specialist providers of private medical insurance, WPA and The Exeter, to help you make an informed choice for your family's health in 2026.
WeCovr compares two specialist insurers for family health insurance
Choosing the right private medical insurance (PMI) for your family is one of the most significant decisions you can make. In a UK healthcare landscape where NHS waiting times for certain procedures remain a concern, PMI offers peace of mind, faster access to treatment, and more choice over your family's care.
While many people are familiar with household names like Bupa and Aviva, the UK PMI market is also home to specialist insurers who offer a unique approach. Two of the most respected are WPA (Western Provident Association) and The Exeter. Both are member-focused, not-for-profit organisations with a long history of putting their policyholders first.
But which one is the better fit for your family's specific needs and budget in 2026? In this comprehensive guide, we'll break down their policies, pricing, and philosophies to help you decide.
First, A Quick Refresher: What is Private Medical Insurance?
Before we compare the providers, it's vital to understand the fundamentals of private health cover in the UK.
PMI is an insurance policy designed to cover the costs of private medical treatment for acute conditions.
- Acute Condition: 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, or hernia repairs.
- Chronic Condition: A condition that is long-lasting and often has no known cure. It can be managed but not cured. Examples include diabetes, asthma, and high blood pressure.
Crucial Point: Standard UK private medical insurance, including policies from WPA and The Exeter, does not cover pre-existing or chronic conditions. Its purpose is to provide prompt care for new, eligible medical issues that arise after your policy begins.
Key Terms You'll Encounter
- Underwriting: This is how an insurer assesses your medical history to decide what they will and won't cover. The two main types are:
- Moratorium (Mori): You don't declare your full medical history upfront. Instead, the insurer automatically excludes any condition you've had symptoms, treatment, or advice for in the past five years. They may cover it later if you remain symptom-free for a continuous two-year period after your policy starts.
- Full Medical Underwriting (FMU): You complete a detailed health questionnaire. The insurer then tells you precisely what is and isn't covered from the outset. This provides clarity but may result in permanent exclusions for past conditions.
- Excess: The amount you agree to pay towards a claim. For example, if you have a £250 excess and a claim for £2,000 is approved, you pay the first £250, and the insurer pays the remaining £1,750. A higher excess typically means a lower monthly premium.
- Outpatient Cover: This covers consultations, diagnostic tests (like MRI scans), and therapies that don't require a hospital bed. This is often an optional add-on or has set limits.
- Hospital List: A list of hospitals where your policy will cover treatment. These are usually tiered, with more comprehensive (and expensive) lists including prime central London hospitals.
Meet the Insurers: WPA and The Exeter
Unlike many large insurers who are publicly traded companies answering to shareholders, WPA and The Exeter have a different structure, which shapes their entire approach.
Who are WPA (Western Provident Association)?
Founded in 1901, WPA is a provident association, meaning it operates on a not-for-profit basis. Any surplus is reinvested back into the organisation to benefit members, rather than being paid out as dividends.
Key Characteristics of WPA:
- Flexibility: Their "Flexible Health" policy is highly customisable, allowing you to build a plan that truly suits your family's needs.
- Shared Responsibility: A unique co-payment model where you pay 25% of each claim, up to a chosen annual limit. This can significantly reduce premiums.
- Advanced Cancer Care: WPA has a strong reputation for providing access to the latest cancer drugs and treatments, even if they aren't yet approved by the NHS or NICE.
- Technology Focus: They were one of the first insurers to offer benefit-driven apps and pride themselves on innovation.
Who are The Exeter?
The Exeter is a Friendly Society, another type of mutual organisation owned by its members. Established in 1927, they have a deep-rooted focus on community and long-term member value.
Key Characteristics of The Exeter:
- Simplicity: Their "Health+" policy is designed to be straightforward and easy to understand.
- Community Rating: For members who join under a certain age and remain with The Exeter, renewal premiums are based on the age they joined, not their current age. This can offer exceptional long-term value and predictability.
- Member Benefits: Strong emphasis on added value, particularly through their HealthWise app, which provides remote GP consultations, physiotherapy, and mental health support.
- Expertise: A strong track record in both health insurance and income protection, giving them a holistic view of member wellbeing.
WPA vs The Exeter: A Head-to-Head Comparison for Families
Let's put their flagship family policies side-by-side. The table below compares WPA's "Flexible Health" policy with The Exeter's "Health+" policy on the features that matter most to families.
| Feature | WPA (Flexible Health) | The Exeter (Health+) | WeCovr's Verdict for Families |
|---|---|---|---|
| Core Cover | Full cover for inpatient and day-patient treatment, including surgery, hospital charges, and specialist fees. | Full cover for inpatient and day-patient treatment, including surgery, hospital charges, and specialist fees. | Tie. Both provide excellent, comprehensive core hospital cover as standard. |
| Outpatient Cover | Highly flexible. Choose a cash benefit from £0 to £1,500+ to spend on diagnostics, consultations, and therapies. | Choose between a standard limit (e.g., £1,000) or an enhanced, unlimited option. | WPA offers more granular control for budget-conscious families. The Exeter is simpler to understand with its set limits. |
| Cancer Cover | Excellent and a key strength. Covers advanced therapies and drugs not always available on the NHS. Includes palliative care and NHS cash benefits. | Comprehensive cancer cover is included as standard. Includes palliative care, end-of-life nursing and an NHS cash benefit. | WPA slightly edges it for its proactive approach to funding new and experimental treatments. However, both offer fantastic cancer care. |
| Mental Health | Optional add-on. Offers up to £1,500 for outpatient therapies and up to 28 days of inpatient care. | Covered as standard. Includes unlimited remote psychological support via HealthWise, and inpatient cover is linked to core policy limits. | The Exeter wins for including mental health support as standard and offering it digitally via their HealthWise app, which is incredibly useful for modern families. |
| Therapies Cover | Covered under the flexible outpatient cash benefit. You decide how to allocate your pot of money. | Included as standard. Unlimited remote physiotherapy assessments via HealthWise. Face-to-face sessions covered under outpatient limits. | The Exeter is strong here due to the unlimited remote physio access via its app, perfect for sports-loving families. WPA's model gives more choice if you prefer a specific therapist. |
| Pricing Model | Standard age-based pricing, but with a unique "Shared Responsibility" co-payment option that can lower premiums by making you a partner in the cost of care. | Community-rated at renewal for members who join before age 65. Your premium increases are not based on your advancing age, just medical inflation and claims. | The Exeter offers outstanding long-term value for families who plan to keep their policy for many years. WPA is great for lowering initial costs. |
| Excess Options | Standard excess (£150-£1,000) AND/OR Shared Responsibility (pay 25% of claims up to a cap of £1,000-£5,000). | Standard excess options from £0 to £5,000. Straightforward and easy to understand. | WPA's Shared Responsibility is a game-changer for those comfortable with co-payment. The Exeter is simpler for families who prefer a predictable, fixed excess. |
| Child-Specifics | Parent accommodation included. Cover for children up to age 25 if in full-time education. | Parent accommodation included. Cover for children up to age 25 if in full-time education. | Tie. Both insurers are very family-friendly in their core policy wording. |
| Digital GP | WPA Health app provides access to a 24/7 remote GP service. | The HealthWise app provides 24/7 remote GP consultations. | Tie. Both offer excellent, on-demand GP access, a crucial benefit for parents with sick children. |
Deep Dive: The Unique Features That Could Sway Your Decision
The table gives a great overview, but the devil is in the detail. Let's explore the standout features that truly differentiate WPA and The Exeter.
The Cost Factor: WPA's 'Shared Responsibility' vs The Exeter's 'Community Rating'
This is perhaps the biggest philosophical difference between the two.
WPA's Shared Responsibility
Instead of, or in addition to, a standard excess, WPA offers a co-payment model. You agree to pay 25% of the cost of every eligible claim during your policy year, up to a pre-agreed cap.
Example:
- You choose a Shared Responsibility cap of £1,000 for the year.
- Your son needs an MRI scan costing £800. You pay 25% (£200), and WPA pays £600.
- Later that year, you need physiotherapy costing £400. You pay 25% (£100), and WPA pays £300.
- You have now paid a total of £300 towards your £1,000 cap. For any further claims that year, you would continue to pay 25% until you hit the £1,000 limit. After that, WPA pays 100% of all eligible claims for the rest of the policy year.
Who is this good for? Families who are generally healthy and want a lower monthly premium. It encourages you to be mindful of treatment costs, as you are a "partner" in the expense.
The Exeter's Community Rating
This is a powerful feature for long-term policyholders. For members who join The Exeter before they turn 65 and stay on the Health+ policy, their renewal premium is not impacted by their age.
Normally, PMI premiums rise each year simply because you are a year older and statistically more likely to claim. With The Exeter's community rating, your renewal price is based on the "community" of members who joined at the same age as you. Your premiums will still increase due to medical inflation (the rising cost of healthcare) and your claims history, but the significant "ageing" factor is removed.
Who is this good for? Young families who see private health cover as a long-term investment. The savings over decades can be substantial compared to standard age-banded pricing.
Mental Health Support for Modern Families
With growing awareness of mental health challenges in both adults and children, this is a non-negotiable for many families.
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The Exeter's approach is particularly strong for accessibility. Including mental health support as standard and integrating it into their HealthWise app is a huge plus. A teenager struggling with exam stress or a new parent feeling overwhelmed can access professional support discreetly from their phone, often without needing a GP referral.
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WPA's approach offers solid, traditional cover as an optional add-on. While not as digitally integrated, the cover itself is robust, providing a set number of therapy sessions and inpatient days if needed.
Digital Health and Value-Added Benefits
Both insurers understand that a modern health policy is more than just paying for hospital stays. It's about proactive wellbeing.
| Benefit | WPA Health App | The Exeter's HealthWise App |
|---|---|---|
| Remote GP | ✅ 24/7 service | ✅ 24/7 service |
| Remote Physio | ❌ (Covered via outpatient benefit) | ✅ (Unlimited remote assessments) |
| Mental Health Support | ❌ (Phone support line available) | ✅ (Up to 6 sessions per condition per year) |
| Second Opinion Service | ✅ | ✅ |
| Diet & Nutrition | ❌ | ✅ (Consultations available) |
WeCovr's Analysis: The Exeter's HealthWise app is arguably one of the best integrated digital health platforms in the UK PMI market. For a family, having a single app for GP access, physio triage, and mental health support is incredibly convenient and adds tangible day-to-day value to the policy.
Real-Life Family Scenarios: Which Policy Works Best?
Let's apply this knowledge to two common family profiles.
Scenario 1: The Young Family with Toddlers
- The Family: Mark (34), Sarah (32), with children aged 2 and 4.
- Priorities: Low monthly cost, quick access to a GP for frequent childhood illnesses, and peace of mind for potential minor surgeries (like grommets or tonsillectomies). They plan to keep the cover long-term.
- The Exeter might be the better choice here. The Community Rating is a massive draw for a young couple, promising more stable premiums in the future. The HealthWise app is perfect for worried parents needing a quick GP video call at 10 pm when their toddler has a fever. The policy's simplicity is also a plus for busy parents who don't want to micromanage a flexible benefits pot.
Scenario 2: The Family with Active Teenagers
- The Family: David (45), Laura (43), with children aged 14 and 16.
- Priorities: Excellent cover for sports injuries (physiotherapy), access to top specialists if needed, and robust mental health support for teenage pressures. They are financially comfortable but savvy about value.
- WPA could be an excellent fit. The Shared Responsibility model could work well. A few sets of physio sessions for a sprained ankle would involve a 25% co-pay, but this is manageable and keeps the core premium down. Their key priority might be WPA's renowned cancer cover and access to advanced treatments, offering ultimate peace of mind as they get older. The flexibility to choose any consultant or therapist (within their fee guidelines) is also a significant advantage.
The WeCovr Advantage: Added Value for Your Family
When you arrange your family's private medical insurance through WeCovr, you get more than just expert, impartial advice. We provide our PMI and Life Insurance clients with exclusive benefits at no extra cost:
- Complimentary Access to CalorieHero: All clients receive free access to our proprietary AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app, CalorieHero. It's a fantastic tool to help the whole family build and maintain healthy eating habits.
- Discounts on Other Cover: Protecting your family is our priority. As a WeCovr client, you'll be eligible for discounts on other essential policies, such as life insurance or income protection.
- Exceptional Service: We pride ourselves on our high customer satisfaction ratings. Our job is to make the complex world of insurance simple for you.
Our Verdict: WPA or The Exeter for Your Family in 2026?
So, which specialist insurer wins? The truth is, there is no single "best" provider. The right choice depends entirely on your family's priorities, budget, and long-term view.
You should lean towards WPA if:
- Flexibility and control are your top priorities.
- You are comfortable with a co-payment model (Shared Responsibility) to achieve lower premiums.
- You want the reassurance of their market-leading approach to funding advanced cancer treatments.
- You want the freedom to create a truly bespoke policy.
You should lean towards The Exeter if:
- Long-term price stability is a major concern, making their Community Rating highly attractive.
- You value simplicity and an all-in-one policy structure.
- Your family would make heavy use of an integrated digital health app for GP, physio, and mental health support.
- You prefer a straightforward, predictable excess system.
The best way to find the perfect fit is to compare personalised quotes. An independent PMI broker like WeCovr can provide quotes from both WPA and The Exeter, as well as the wider market, ensuring you get the most suitable cover at the best possible price. Our expert advice is free, and we handle all the paperwork for you.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Family Health Insurance
What is the difference between an 'acute' and a 'chronic' condition for my insurance?
Will my family's private medical insurance premium go up every year?
Is it cheaper to buy PMI direct from WPA or The Exeter, or through a broker like WeCovr?
Get Your Personalised Family Health Insurance Quote
Ready to find the right private health cover for your family? The experts at WeCovr are here to help. We'll compare WPA, The Exeter, and other leading UK insurers to find a policy that fits your needs and budget. Our advice is independent, our service is highly rated, and our help is completely free.
Get your free, no-obligation family PMI quote today and give your family the gift of peace of mind.
Related guides
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.
Just a quick and simple form and an easy conversation with one of our experts and your valuable insurance policy is in place for that needed peace of mind!