Pet Insurance Cost Cutting System/MoneySavingExpert.com Discussion

Stephen_Webber

I'm starting to get the impression that the insurance companies have realised there's no money to be made in pet insurance, since all but routine visits to the vets invariably result in a claim. Hence they have to hike the premiums.

I'm starting to think I'd be better cancelling my cats' policy and putting the money in savings instead in the event they need treatment. My policy has gone from £12 a month to £20, which doesn't sound a lot, but it's still the best part of £100 a year more.

Bromley86

Judi wrote: »

So anyway i thought i would try Pet Plan. For Millie who is presently £13 a month, they want £35 a month!

Whilst Pet Plan is seen as the best, I'd bet that you can get a good lifetime policy for £15/dog. See my earlier post near the top of the page for companies.

Stephen. Out of interest, who is that with? I assume you have 2 cats.

Stephen_Webber

Bromley86 wrote: »

Stephen. Out of interest, who is that with? I assume you have 2 cats.

M&S. Their underwriter has changed and they moved me onto the premium package. There are a few terms I'm not keen on, like having to check with them if I need to see a vet out of hours.

Yes, I have 2 moggies, both free to a good home after waking me up twice last night :mad:

hethmar

Yes Judi, I think you should get a quote from Halifax - 10% discount for 2 dogs aswell and you can get £20 cash back if you go through quidco.

Petplan wanted £340 for my border terrier - Halifax is £152.66 with £6k cover and it is genuine life time cover with the full amount topped up every year even for chronic conditions - its £50 excess. I think M and S really have pooed on us all - because you hardly expect a virtual doubling of premium and from zero excess to £70. And Im stuck with them because Ive claimed and so will lots of other claimers be stuck with them - so what will happen - they will have all the pets that have had pay outs and possibly more likely to claim again and up the premium will go.

System

WOW Bromley86 HSBC works out a lot cheaper. :eek:

System

hethmar wrote: »

Yes Judi, I think you should get a quote from Halifax - 10% discount for 2 dogs aswell and you can get £20 cash back if you go through quidco.

Petplan wanted £340 for my border terrier - Halifax is £152.66 with £6k cover and it is genuine life time cover with the full amount topped up every year even for chronic conditions

Am off to do a quote

System

Halifax works out slightly cheaper but for slightly less cover - but then again, our dogs are only just gone 3 and 10 months and in good health so i am hoping that it wont be an issue.

hethmar

I was thinking of going with NFU because I like the fact they are old established and they do offer the lifelong cover no limits BUT as Brom says, the Halifax cover is higher (oh and Halifax excess is less than HSBC) I am just so wary now of being conned again by a company which suddenly decides to change all the terms and conditions.

Judi, did you enter a two dog quote on Halifax as it came out quite a bit cheaper when I did it compared with HSBC AND dont forget to go through quidco for another £20 back.

System

Yes i did though i was suprised it didnt ask me to answer questions about my second dog but i will check again.

Bromley86

Stephen_Webber wrote: »

M&S. Their underwriter has changed and they moved me onto the premium package. There are a few terms I'm not keen on, like having to check with them if I need to see a vet out of hours.

Yes, I have 2 moggies, both free to a good home after waking me up twice last night :mad:

Sorry, you'll have to keep them - I'm allergic . That after hours phone business seems to be top of peoples' pet hates with M&S (well, once you get past the hikes). Assuming you haven't claimed, you should be back to something near £12 for two if you change insurers. Last time I did a test quote for someone with Halifax it was £6/cat

Judi. Hopefully hubby will calm down now .