Pet Insurance Cost Cutting System/MoneySavingExpert.com Discussion

magic57

I'm thinking of cancelling the insurance for our 12 year old labrador. First Direct want £44 per month with an £80 excess.
We claimed a couple of months ago for 2 lump removals but it was only about £200. If we'd self insured we still be quids in. Any comments welcomed. Thanks

mirrorimage0

cant you try and find a cheaper insurance, especilly at that age what if they get diabetes or hip dysplacia or athiritis, or even public liability if they happen to run out in front of a car or something

hethmar

Thats the problem magic, he is getting to an age when he will need more attention from the vet. As mirror says, cant you have a look around to see if there are any other companies you could insure him with - remembering that the condition associated with those 2 lumps wont be covered if you change.

hethmar

Tess, no insurer will cover a condition that already exists. Otherwise none of us would insure until that situation.

lowis

magic - if you move your insurance now then anything in the future that your new insurance deem to be related to the lumps will not be covered.

having just claimed around £12,000 over 18 months to have my cat treated for cancer i would suggest thinking twice about changing insurers. the premiums jump when they get old anyway - do some online quotes with other insurers to compare. and remember, lumps are rather innocuous and any future insurance company may try to relate just about anything to a 'lump'.

magic57

Thanks lowis. Like everone else we are feeling the credit crunch.

However our lovely lab is worth every penny so we have decided to stick with the insurance after all.

magic57

Thanks also morrorimage0 and hethmar.
I have tried to find cheaper insurance but most go sky high with an older dog especially a pedigree. We are sticking with our insurance for now. We have been with Direct line for several years. They paid up last time with no trouble. She's a lovely dog and worth it so we will have to save pennies elsewhere.

hethmar

Bless her, hope you have many more years of happiness with her. xx

beardiedog

Just received my Petplan renewal and it has gone up this year to £269.40 for their Budget low excess lifetime cover.

I've done a comparison on Defaqto and Marks & Spencer premier cover comes out very favourably at £172.68 - a saving of over £96.

I can't believe the price difference. Anyone know any reason why I shouldn't go for this?

lowis

if you haven't made any claims yet with petplan, and your pet has only ever had routine treatment (vaccinations, check-ups) and would therefore have no exclusions I can't see why not...you might want to look at AXA too.