Need pet insurance, where do I START??

spinningsheep

Hi guys, I have had a cat, a lovely black and white moggy. He's 5 and a big softie and i've called him Elvis. Anyway, I want to insure him and I went on Moneysupermarket.com,but it asks what breed he is.....he's just a moggy!! Any suggestions from anyone and what I need to look for on the insurance? He is already wormed, neutered and wormed and has no pre-exsisting medical conditions that the home knew of, as he has been examined already.Thanks.

Ian_W

How about Martin's article, gives all the right things you need to consider like "cover for life" and links to the main providers websites:
Pet Insurance Cost Cutting System

Most pet insurances don't cover illness in the first 14 days but will cover injuries in that time.

NickyBoy

Re the cats breed, he's probably a SHD - short haired domestic, or domestic shorthair.

I just moved our cat insurance to M&S, but shop around and compare the cover levels first.

justme111

Ian_W wrote: »

How about Martin's article, gives all the right things you need to consider like "cover for life" and links to the main providers websites:
Pet Insurance Cost Cutting System

Most pet insurances don't cover illness in the first 14 days but will cover injuries in that time.

I just moved my to [EMAIL="M@S"]M@S[/EMAIL] as well

Look for a cashback from Quidco - if you do it through them.

check whether the cover is limited per condition

check for payments you would need to make in case of claim, many of them have different terms re-amount of money or percentage of claim

And most importantly re-think whether you really want to ensure him.

SLMLK

Please read the small print very carefully before deciding which insurance to take out. They vary enormously as to what cover they actually give. Some pay a maximum per condition or per year and now many limit a claim on a combination.

They may also change the cover each year. My dog used to be covered for £6k per condition. He has ongoing ear problems, which used to be covered. Now the policy says that the maximum amount only applies to the first year of the condition and after that, it is not covered at all.

When a pet reaches a certain age they will also crank up the premiums. You will find that they usually do this when your pet reaches the age that other insurance companies won’t take a new policy on for (it varies, but is as low a 7 with some). Our premiums trebled when he reached 7. My mother’s dog insurance policy trebled when her dog reached 8.

The excess varies too, but in my experience that is a small issue.

charley1965

A moggy is known as BDSH or DSH (British Domestic Shorthair). I have 4 cats and would recommend Petplan - all mine are insured through them. They may be a little more expensive but pay claims very quickly without quibbling. Also if your cat has a life long condition they will renew the amount you can claim every policy year, some pet insurers will not do this or will stop insuring the cat when it reaches 10 years old - the time you need insurance most in my opinion. Make sure you read the smallprint is my advice it may seem like you're getting a good deal with cheaper premium, but the cover may be lacking.

pigeonpie

A friend has just insured her 2 cats and got the best deal from AXA, who at present have a good reputation. She moved from M&S as they weren't as good she found. It's really NB that you choose well up front as if you have to make any ongoing medical condition claim you are stuck with your insurer (as others will exclude it if you move to them). Try to get the best you can afford ie comprehensive with about £5 - 6k per condition per year renewable, not £5k for life - and the lowest excess that's reasonable. Read all the small print! I'd also ask at the vets who they recommend or who they have problems with.
And avoid E&L who may be cheap(er) than some, but you'll spend your life chasing them for payment