The Exeter is the latest health insurer to launch a guided care option for its private medical insurance (PMI) product.
The Health+ guided option provides members with a shortlist of suitable specialists to treat a condition at the point of claim and aims to recommend specialists convenient to a member’s location.
The more restricted and insurer controlled range of care options available through preferential fees with chosen specialists also means lower premiums for customers.
Those using the guided option will still be able to access The Exeter’s Health+ cover.
This includes core cover with unlimited in-patient and day-patient treatment, cancer cover, and a range of benefit add-ons and access to added support through HealthWise.
In response to adviser feedback and a growing market trend toward guided options, The Exeter said it hoped the new addition would provide more people with access to affordable health insurance.
The protection and health insurer’s Challenging Times research into the health and financial fears of UK workers revealed 53% of respondents felt affordability was a barrier to buying insurance.
Karen Woodley, head of healthcare distribution at The Exeter, (pictured) said: “At a time when households are faced with a range of financial and health challenges, the ability to access private healthcare solutions may seem further out of reach than before for many people.
“With the addition of the guided specialist option to our Health+ product, we can provide even greater flexibility for those looking to access lower-cost private alternatives without compromising on the speed or quality of care they receive.”