Nearly four in 10 UK adults are living with at least one ongoing medical condition, according to new research from health and life insurer The Exeter, underlining the scale of long-term illness across the working population.

The study found that 39% of adults report an ongoing condition, rising steadily with age from 30% among 16 to 24-year-olds to 47% of those aged over 55. Women were slightly more likely than men to report living with a condition, at 41% compared with 37%.

EMPLOYMENT AND HEALTH

Employment status also appears to play a role. Among self-employed workers, 44% said they live with an ongoing health condition. Without access to employer-funded benefits or sick pay, this group often faces greater financial exposure and a heavier reliance on personal protection.

The Exeter said the findings come at a time when concerns about access to healthcare and financial resilience remain prominent, making awareness of protection options increasingly important for those managing long-term conditions.

ADVICE AND DROP-OFF RATES

The insurer pointed to the role of advisers in helping consumers navigate protection choices, particularly where medical underwriting is involved. Recent AMI Protection Viewpoint research shows that 47% of consumers drop out after receiving a quote, suggesting uncertainty around process and cost remains a barrier.

The Exeter said advisers are well placed to explain the end-to-end journey, including why underwriting is required and how underlying medical conditions can affect pricing, helping clients to make more informed decisions.

Jack Southcott, head of protection distribution at The Exeter, said: “Almost 40% of UK adults live with an ongoing medical condition, yet many still feel unsure about whether protection is available to them.

“With nearly one in five people abandoning the protection journey altogether, there’s still work to do to help clients understand their options and take the next step towards cover.

“Clearer conversations about what’s genuinely possible, especially for those living with long-term conditions, can make a huge difference.

“When clients understand they’re not automatically excluded, they’re far more likely to take that next step towards getting the cover they need.”