About British Friendly
British Friendly is a mutual income protection specialist founded in 1902. As a mutual insurer, they are owned by and run for the benefit of their members. They offer both short-term and long-term income protection policies and are well-regarded for flexible underwriting and member benefits.
Key features
- Own occupation definition available
- Short-term (1 or 2 year) and long-term policies
- Guaranteed and reviewable premium options
- Member benefits including GP access, legal helpline, and counselling
- Fracture cover available
- Deferred periods from 4 weeks
Pricing
British Friendly's short-term policies are among the more affordable income protection options available. Long-term guaranteed policies are competitively priced. Reviewable premiums start lower but can increase at review.
Claims
British Friendly has a strong claims record and is known for responsive, human claims handling. As a mutual insurer, their focus on member outcomes is reflected in their claims service.
Pros and cons
- ✓ Specialist mutual insurer with 120+ year history
- ✓ Flexible for manual workers and complex histories
- ✓ Useful member benefits
- ✓ Affordable short-term options
- ✗ Smaller insurer — less widely available than mainstream providers
- ✗ Long-term cover may not match the depth of The Exeter or LV=
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes — British Friendly is well-regarded, particularly for self-employed applicants and those in manual occupations. Their member benefits and flexible underwriting are notable advantages.
Both are strong IP specialists. LV= has a longer payout period and stronger brand recognition. British Friendly may be more flexible for certain occupations and medical histories. Compare personalised quotes from both.