Pet Insurance Cost Cutting System/MoneySavingExpert.com Discussion

thomas18

Having spent the last couple of weeks ploughing through many quotes for the best policy for my dog, I must say that the wording and terminology of a lot of these policies are confusing to say the least. I don't think any other type of insurance is as complicated as choosing pet insurance.

I was thinking of going with argos platinum cover as I believed that was a 'for life cover' until phoning them up confirmed that it is a 'per condition' policy.

As previously stated Axa, Halifax, Hsbc,Petguard, NFU and Petplan are the main ones that seem to offer true cover for life.

It's a minefield.

hethmar

thomas18 I think its awful how they seem to purposely make the terms vague. I feel very sorry for people who dont understand their policies are not "for life" as they imagine.

Strangely enough though, I thought that Argos one was a duffy but Bromley who seems to be an expert on this says its a genuine for life one. Are you sure it didnt say per condition per year?

hethmar

Oh my goodness, looks like it isnt per year from this.

2.1 Veterinary fees cover
We will pay for all reasonable and customary charges made for Treatment carried out by a Vet. Cover is provided for up to 12 months from the occurrence of an Incident occurring to the Pet, up to the limit of £2,500 (silver), £4,000 (gold). Platinum cover is continuous for each separate Incident up to the limit of £7,000 per Incident.
Treatment in respect of any Condition can continue until the original Vet fees limit has been reached subject to the Policy remaining in force, being continuously renewed at each anniversary and premiums paid on time

Bromley86

Aarrgh! You're right hethmar! I was only an expert when I drilled down into the wordings and that was over a year ago - looks like I was suckered with that one by their intro page . I missed that "Cover is provided on a per incident basis" applies to all three policies.

I've gone back and edited my original post, just in case.

thomas18

I was unsure about argos platinum, so thats why I phoned for clarification, and they confirmed it was £7,000 per condition NOT per year.

I am probably going to go with petguard which Is a lifetime cover policy (unless someone corrects me). Petplan my number one choice is too expensive unfortunately.

Just a quick thank you to Bromley86 and hethmar for their helpful input on this thread. :beer:

topyam

I have a lab who is over a year old. I used the Defaqto tool as well. I have went with Petguard - their policy ticks all the boxes and is cheaper.

hethmar

I got Halifax Thomas - my M and S, too good to last with no excess nearly doubled and then they bunged in £70 excess as well this year. Sadly cant move one of mine as we have claimed and that wouldnt be covered with another insurer I was a bit nervous of Petguard as its seems to be the new boy on the block and I was concerned that they may do an M and S and double prices after getting their customer base. I suppose in an ideal world Petplan would be the one to go for, but they are so expensive.

And many thanks for pointing out that the Argos Platinum isnt for life.

chocolatepennyfarthing

Topyam, whats the Defaqto tool please.

Thanks

topyam

http://www.defaqto.com/consumer/insurance/pet/compare-dog.aspx

It's an independent website that allows you to compare insurance policies. It recommends the level of cover a policy should have, and you can see how each provider's policy meets this criteria. It helped me understand the confusing world of pet insurance for my dog. Sometimes cheapest is not the best re pet insurance.

f1re_cr4cker

hi could some1 confirm that healthy pets are good insurers? ive just done a quote and the price is VERY reasonable at £15 with a £50 excess on the GOLD level. on the t&cs it says:
What is the maximum Veterinary payout per year?
We can pay up to the policy limit (£1000, £3000, or £5000) for each condition. There is no limit on the number of conditions in a year.

Am I covered for ongoing conditions?
YES - Healthy Pets will cover you for ongoing conditions up to the maximum benefit of your policy (£1000, £3000 or £5000) subject to you renewing your policy with us and premiums being paid up to date.
Do you cover pets for their lifetime?
We will cover your pet for its lifetime up to the maximum amount of benefit for each separate condition. (£1000, £3000 or £5000) subject to you renewing your policy with us and premiums being paid up to date.