Compare Holloway Friendly Life Insurance Quotes Against The Market

Founded in 1880 by George Holloway, the man credited with inventing the concept of income protection, Holloway Friendly is a mutual society based in Gloucester. Unlike large PLCs, it has no shareholders to pay; instead, it is owned by its members (the policyholders).

While many insurers focus on life insurance as their primary product, Holloway Friendly is a specialist in Income Protection. They are widely regarded as analternative for those who may be overlooked by mainstream insurers, such as the self-employed, manual workers, and those in higher-risk occupations.

At a Glance: Holloway Friendly

• Financial Strength: A long-standing mutual society with a strong solvency position

• Product Focus: Specialist Income Protection (Short-term and Long-term)

• Unique Selling Point: "Own Job" definition of incapacity as standard, one of the easiest claims criteria to meet

• Best For: Self-employed individuals, manual trades, and those wanting a "budget-friendly" way to protect their sick pay

Types of Protection Offered

Holloway Friendly focuses on keeping you financially stable if you are unable to work due to illness or injury.

1. My Sick Pay (Flagship Product)

This is their modern, flexible income protection plan. It is designed to be jargon-free and highly customisable.

• Coverage: You can protect up to 65% of your gross taxable income (up to £65,000 per year)

• Claim Periods: You can choose to receive payouts for 1 year, 2 years, or the full duration of the policy (until retirement)

• Price Options: They offer Age-Based premiums (starting lower and increasing as you get older) or Level premiums (staying the same throughout)

• Guaranteed income vs. Reviewable: You can choose a guaranteed price that won't change unless you change your cover

2. Classic Plus (With-Profits)

A unique product that harkens back to the traditional "Holloway" model.

• Protection + Savings: It provides standard income protection but also includes an investment element

• Lump Sum: Part of your premium goes into a surplus fund. At the end of the policy (usually age 55 or 60), you receive a tax-free lump sum payout, provided the society has performed well

3. One2Protect

A streamlined, budget-friendly version of their income protection, often targeted at lower-risk occupations (like office workers) who want essential cover without the higher price tag of premier plans.

Key Benefits and Features

• Own Job Definition: Many insurers use "Own Occupation," but Holloway uses "Own Job." This means if you can't perform the duties of your specific job, they pay out. They won't ask if you can do a different, similar job

• No Standard Exclusions: Unlike many competitors, Holloway does not have standard exclusions for things like HIV/AIDS, drug/alcohol-related illnesses, or war-related injuries

• Terminal Illness Benefit: If you are diagnosed with a terminal illness (less than 12 months to live), they pay a lump sum equal to six times your monthly benefit in addition to your regular monthly payouts

• Waiver of Premium: While you are claiming, you don't have to pay your monthly premiums. Holloway covers them for you automatically

Additional Support Services

Being a mutual member grants you access to more than just a payout:

• Unlimited Virtual GP: 24/7 access to phone or video GP appointments for you, your partner, and your children

• Second Medical Opinion: Access to world-leading specialists to review a diagnosis or treatment plan

• Member Assistance Programme: Support for mental health, bereavement, debt advice, and legal issues

• Discretionary Grants: Holloway sometimes offers financial help toward medical treatments or operations that could help you return to work faster

Pros and Cons

The Pros

• Flexible for High-Risk Roles: They are much more friendly toward manual workers and tradespeople than many insurers

• Simple Language: Their policy documents are written in plain English, making them some of the easiest to understand in the UK

• Member Owned: Profits are reinvested into the society or used to benefit members rather than being paid to external shareholders

The Cons

• No Pure Life Insurance: If you are looking for a standard "Death Only" life insurance policy to cover a mortgage, you will need to look elsewhere or pair Holloway with another provider

• Lower Maximum Caps: Their maximum payout of £65,000 per year may be too low for very high earners compared to companies like Aviva or Vitality

• Claims Experience: While they have a strong long-term record, some recent reviews have noted that their bespoke, manual claims process can sometimes feel slower than the automated systems of larger firms

How to get a Hollway Friendly Life Insurance Quote

Holloway Friendly is an excellent choice for those who need reliable sick pay protection, especially if you are self-employed or work in a manual trade. However, because their products are so customisable, it is vital to ensure the deferment periods and benefit levels match your actual needs.

Our team of independent insurance advisers can help you decide if Holloway Friendly is the right home for your protection. We have whole of market access, so can help you to compare other policies and providers that may be more suited to your needs. 

Get Started for a Free, No-Obligation Quote from Holloway Friendly, as well as a comparison with other suitable life insurance providers.