Pet Insurance Cost Cutting System/MoneySavingExpert.com Discussion

The_Only_Homer_Simpson_UK

Hi all
we just got a lovely little Shih Tzu 9 weeks old and looking around have narrowed the 3 insurers to Petplan £29.19pm) for £6k cover lifetime , AXA for (£23.52pm) £7k lifetime and HSBC for (£18.58pm)£6k cover lifetime
Any guidance welcome ref experience or recommendations,
all I can say is that upon ringing AXA they were vague about if they would cover for life ie "we would have to assess at claims time if we would continue cover"
petplan although dearest said "we would for example cover arthritis beyond 15yrs"
Decisions decisions?

hethmar

Well Im not sure what AXA was on about when you rang as they do have a policy for life - where you enquiring about a cheaper version or something??

Petplan is dearest but I think you are already feeling secure with them.

I have M and S for one dog (cant move, spent too much on allergy tests with them) and they used to be underwritten by AXA - my other dog is on Halifax which is still underwritten by AXA.

If you are happy paying the extra money ..................

The_Only_Homer_Simpson_UK

Hi Hethmar AXA's was a policy for life just the guy i spoke too was rather vague when i asked the question about if dog develops an illness that is long term would we be covered and for how long bearing in mind its a policy for life ---his reply was as posted ....... Not tried halifax will have a look
any feedback on HSBC anyone?
thanks

hethmar

Well, he must be a new boy or something If you continue to pay the premium they should cover you for the dogs life.

Halifax and HSBC are both underwritten by AXA I believe, so in theory, AXA direct should be the best buy. But check it out IF I were insuring my dogs from the start again Id go with Petplan.

Do you use quidco.com? Several of the insurers mentioned give cash back through that.

The_Only_Homer_Simpson_UK

Hi
really appreaciate your feedback, I have not explored Quidco but will have a look :T vet was pushing petplan with 2 months free so will weigh up the benefits , seems pretty obvious really that if you care about your pet then nothing but the best will do , but with the MSE head on I am always looking for the cheapoest alternative without sacrificing the quality thanks again

hethmar

I think Petplan give £25 back and the 2 months free through quidco.com - have a look.

NB Cant see the 2 months free any more - its offering £25 cash back plus 10% reduction on your first years premium. You will have to work out which is the better bargain £25 + 10% or the 2 months free.

When do you need it? When does your puppy breeder insurance run out? Just that Ive noticed that petplan tend to contact you with a better offer after you do an online quote and give your phone number but dont actually go ahead

The_Only_Homer_Simpson_UK

Going to vets this afternoon as they have to see him again to certify its the same dog that went for its first boost on Monday LOL! the savings will be 2 x £29.19 by signing up via the vets . As regards the free insurance via KC thats a bit of a minefield as you have to set up a direct debit with them

The_Only_Homer_Simpson_UK

The_Only_Homer_Simpson_UK wrote: »

Going to vets this afternoon as they have to see him again to certify its the same dog that went for its first boost on Monday LOL! the savings will be 2 x £29.19 by signing up via the vets . As regards the free insurance via KC thats a bit of a minefield as you have to set up a direct debit with them

Hmm had another thought don't know why this did not dawn on me earlier.... took KC 6week free insurance up and can cancel if I want the D/Debit in week 6 and if i want to then switch to say petplan then get another 2mths free before that starts pulling from the bank account ...... now why did i not think of that earlier !! Im not obviously in the elite moneysavers club yet but looks like i am learning fast!!!

what say you ?

f1re_cr4cker

ok ive narrowed it down to 2 choices AXA or petpals any ideas on which is best? PEtpals also seems to offer no excess......

hethmar

Well, dont know anything about petpals but Id be wary of any insurer offering no excess, a lot of us got burnt on that one when M and S started up, 2 years later premiums virtually doubled and the excess was bunged on. Those of us who had claimed were stuck with them.

AXA underwrites a lot of the others.

Petplan is probably the safest bet but if its way above the rest?

Just did a mock quote on one of mine on the Petpals site. The cover does seem to be genuine lifetime. They are quoting £75 excess on both of their policies though - not sure where you saw no excess? Have to say for my dog they are about 25% more expensive than the policy I have for him with Halifax - which is underwritten by AXA.