The Exeter has enhanced its NHS cash benefit, increasing payments and simplifying how members can claim when receiving NHS treatment.

The UK health and life insurer said the changes are designed to strengthen financial support for members who rely on NHS care, while making the benefit clearer and easier to use across different treatment pathways.

The enhancements apply to all live plans and most legacy plans, subject to some product-specific limits. Members will now receive higher payments for NHS in-patient stays, alongside the introduction of a new day-patient benefit for eligible NHS day-case treatments.

The NHS in-patient cash benefit has increased from £150 to £250 per night, while a new £150 per day benefit has been introduced for eligible NHS day-patient treatments. The excess deduction has also been removed, ensuring members receive the full benefit payable.

The annual cap for NHS cash benefits varies by product, with a maximum of £10,000. Claims made under the benefit do not affect a member’s no claims discount.

There is a single annual cap of up to £10,000 across NHS cash benefits, and for any single hospital visit members can claim either the in-patient or day-patient benefit at one time, but not both. The insurer said this combined cap provides greater flexibility, allowing members to access support in line with their actual treatment plan rather than being constrained by separate sub-limits.

Dawn Prescott, head of healthcare proposition at The Exeter, said: “Our goal is to provide members with practical support during life’s most uncertain moments. These enhancements reinforce the financial help available when members choose NHS care, acknowledging the vital role the NHS plays, while ensuring our cover remains generous, straightforward, and easy to access.

“By increasing benefit amounts, introducing a new day-patient benefit, and removing the excess deduction, we’re making the experience simpler and more flexible. Many treatment pathways, especially for conditions like cancer, now span both in-patient and day-patient settings.

“Members have the freedom to use their benefit in the way that best fits their personal journey, with an annual cap of up to £10,000, subject to product-specific limits.”