Pet Insurance Cost Cutting System/MoneySavingExpert.com Discussion

HybridReality

Found this forum while struggling to find suitable pet insurance.

I'm looking to insure two 4 1/2 month old kittens, have looked at all the right insurers (full/true lifetime cover) but I'm finding it very hard to find details of excess terms in most of the policy terms online.

Some will freely admit to having to pay a percentage of the vets fees, as well as the flat excess charge, once your pet is a certain age, but many others don't mention any specifics of the excess in the first place. I tried emailing Halifax but the email never seems to get through (returns to my inbox).

I'm aware this is 10 or so years in the future in my case, but if one of the kittens gets ill and I'm stuck with one insurer to get full cover on all conditions, I'd rather I could avoid the percentage trap if humanly possible.

Any helpful persons know of cover plans without the vets fee percentage?

hethmar

This is what Halifax says on its FAQ page:

What are the excesses I will have to pay, should I make a claim? (top)

There is a £50 excess for veterinary fees, and £100 excess for third party liability and accidental damage.


http://www.halifaxpetinsurance.co.uk/pet/schemes/pb/halifax/pages/faqs.htm

and their helpline:
If you need help call: 0800 328 7906

HybridReality

I probably didn't word my first post particularly clearly. What I'm trying to find out in specifically is if certain insurers change the excess once your pet reaches old age.

I might just be overly cynical. If they don't state you'll have to pay an extra percentage in 10yr+ pets, does that definitely mean they don't have one for older pets, and the £50 excess is for any age, or just that they haven't mentioned it in their policy terms on their website? I'm aware policies can change over the years, but best to look for the the advantage if possible.

Unfortunately, unless it's a real life and death situation, phones aren't an option personally. Is phoning a company going to be the only way to get a full idea of the terms, or are the websites full policy terms as well?

Apologies if I'm a bit dense on this stuff, this is the first time I've ever had to look into insurance of any sort.

hethmar

I guess its best to give them a ring on that freefone number but Id have thought if older pets had the percentage charge added on then in would be shown in the FAQ

lowis

axa just have a 75 excess for older pets at the moment...no percentage.

petplan are £50 plus 20% vet fees

hardpressed

Has anyone any experience of Saga Pet Insurance, it looks as if their higher prices cover is for life, but then I'm getting confused by all these insurances.

hethmar

Hi, just had a look at both policies they have appear to be genuine for life - in that they state the amount per year rather than per condition. Compare the price they quote with others on here though, like AXA, M and S, Halifax and Petplan.

HybridReality

I was looking into AXA, as it was my cheapest quote, as well as the seemingly flat rate excess.

Anyone have any experience with them, or know if they have the option to pay the vet direct and how well/quickly they tend to pay?

hethmar

AXA underwrites several of the other insurers. They used to underwrite M and S. Never heard anything detrimental re them. Dont know about paying vet direct, have you read the FAQs on their site? Or contacted them by phone?

lowis

i am with AXA, i have not yet made a claim, but i believe that on the claim form there is an option you cna tick which states that you would like the vet to get the payment directly.