UK health and life insurer, The Exeter, has released new data from its Consumer Health and Finance Tracker, showing that two in five (40%) adults in Wales are saving nothing each month – almost double the UK average of 21%. The data highlights how financially exposed many households across Wales are if they are unable to work due to illness or injury.
Welsh households under pressure
The amounts being set aside are modest, with adults in Wales saving an average of £256 per month – below the UK average of £328. More than four in ten (42%) say they feel less financially secure than six months ago, compared to 37% of UK households, pointing to greater financial strain across the region.
The data also raises questions about longer-term financial resilience. A third (33%) of adults in Wales say they are not confident their family would be financially secure if something happened to them unexpectedly – above the UK average of 29%.
Protection gap a growing concern
Nearly a third of adults (30%) in Wales have no insurance products in place – above the UK average of 25%. With no policy to cover lost income, an unexpected illness, injury or period off work could quickly leave households unable to cover rising bills.
This lack of protection may be shaping how households manage day-to-day finances. While 11% of adults in Wales have taken extended leave from work, nearly a third (30%) have relied on savings during this period as their main source of income.
Jamie Page, Head of Protection Distribution at The Exeter said:
"As everyday costs like food, energy and rent continue to rise, it's understandable that putting extra aside each month can feel out of reach. The challenge is that, without any savings to rely on, an unexpected illness or a period off work can put real pressure on finances very quickly.
Income protection can provide a financial safety net to ease this pressure, offering reassurance and a regular income to fall back on if you're unable to work. Speaking to a financial adviser is a good first step to understanding what cover might suit your circumstances.”
ENDS
Methodology:
The Exeter’s Consumer Health and Finance Tracker is based on proprietary research of 2,000 nationally representative UK consumers. The research was conducted on behalf of The Exeter by Censuswide in March 2026.
PR Contact
Priyanka Dutt, Rostrum
T: +44 0759 5711 758
E: theexeter@rostrum.agency
About The Exeter
The Exeter is a multi-award-winning UK health and life insurer supporting UK families in the event of ill health or injury. Specialising in health insurance, income protection, and life insurance, The Exeter is a mutual friendly society, owned by its members and run for their benefit.
The Exeter is a trading name of Exeter Friendly Society Limited, which is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority (Register number 205309) and is incorporated under the Friendly Societies Act 1992 Register No. 91F with its registered office at Lakeside House, Emperor Way, Exeter, England EX1 3FD.