The Exeter income protection review

Health & wellbeing

Unlike many other insurers, The Exeter don’t ask routine medical questions for applicants under the age of 42.

For those over the age of 42, whether medical information is required will depend on your monthly benefit amount.

Smoking

Smokers will pay more for life insurance. Premiums may be further increased if your nicotine consumption is heavy, or you suffer from a medical condition which can be aggravated by smoking.

Alcohol

Your application may be loaded, deferred declined if there is evidence of excessive alcohol consumption.

Family history

If there is a family history of certain conditions, The Exeter may need to obtain further information before a decision can be made on your policy.

Height / weight (BMI)

With The Exeter, you’ll need a BMI of 19 - 28 for standard premiums.

It can still be possible to secure cover if your BMI is higher or lower, but it’s likely your premiums will be increased. In some cases, you could be declined.

Hobbies

High-risk activities (those where accident or injury are more likely to occur) will normally be excluded from applications with a short waiting period.

Activities such as potholing, rock climbing / mountaineering, motorsports and aviation will normally be excluded with all waiting periods.

Occupation

Higher premiums may be charged for occupations that involve more manual work and/or higher business milage.

You could be declined, due to level of risk, if your occupation is one of the following:

• Houseperson
• Student
• Armed forces personnel
• Drivers
• Underground miners
• Oil rig workers
• Professional sportsperson
• Nightclub / bar security
• Police officer / fire-fighter
• Pilot / flight crew
• Certain equestrian professions
• Money / stock broker
• Merchant marines and similar occupations

Guaranteed insurability

If your circumstances change, you can increase your benefit amount up to a maximum of 50% or £833.33 per month (whichever is lower).

Flexible waiting periods for NHS workers and teachers - receive a benefit that compliments your sick pay arrangements. You’ll need to select a waiting period of 52 weeks.

Waiver of premiums

You won’t need to pay your premiums during a claim.

Employer change promise

If you change jobs and find your sick pay is restricted (for example, during a probation period) you could receive your benefit before your waiting period finishes. Terms and conditions apply.

Rehabilitation benefit

This will pay a reduced level of your benefit for a maximum of 24 months if you return to work but on a part time basis and your earnings drop as a result of your illness.

Proportionate benefit

This is designed to pay you a reduced level of your benefit if you remain totally unable to work in your own occupation but you return to a different occupation with a lower income.

Policy breaks

You may want to take a break from your job (for example, to raise your family or to study). With The Exeter you can put your policy ‘on hold’, retain the existing terms of your policy and reinstate it when you need to.

You can opt for a ‘short-term’ policy break for up to 52 weeks (your policy must be at least 4 years old to be eligible) or a long-term break up to three years. You’ll need to pay a monthly premium equal to 10% of your usual premium during this time.

HealthWise

An app which gives you and your family access to medical experts whenever you need them. Services include remote GP appointments, second medical opinion, physiotherapy, mental health support, registered dietitian consultations, lifestyle and nutrition consultations, health MOTs and repeat prescriptions.