Pet Insurance Cost Cutting System/MoneySavingExpert.com Discussion

meerkat2007

aurora5772 wrote: »

Catlou - yes, that's right, this is direct with AXA

Cathodetube - no dogs, just the two cats (Dog Breeders insure cats too).
I mentioned introductory discount because it is the only thing that would make sense with the huge amounts involved. When she queried it, she was told that the increase reflects the market as a whole, not whether she has claimed - she hasn't. If that is truly the case, then cats must have had an unbelievably bad year!!!! It would also mean that everyone with cat insurance is going to have the same sorts of problems. She spoke to a manager, who said the amounts were right. He pointed out that her cats are both eleven now, but as my mum said, that's not exactly an unforseeable change as they were ten last year!!! He also couldn't explain why last year's premiums were so low - his implication that they were unexpectedly low. She has lodged an official complaint with AXA, mainly to get an investigation and proper explanation, because what she's been told so far doesn't make sense.

It makes me wonder if someone misplaced a decimal point in the computer program that calculates the premiums ... :eek:

simontheiceman

Mephista wrote: »

Hi all
Even better, we should form a coallition and create our own pet insurance company which offers exactly the best of what we feel dogs need at a reasonable price we ourselves would be prepared to pay:p. Now hows that for an ideal world??:rotfl:

Which is why I am soon to be offering practice only based cover with basic treatment for £10 per month. This runs along the lines that referral is not offered, chemotherapy is not included nor are excessive lab tests or "novel" expensive treatments. In essence Its what clients most often want - basic treatment at a basic price with no frills. Is only for my clients tho! If it goes well (and client research shows a demand) , then I'll offer it wider.

In the meantime... http://www.vetsure.com/ are offering a new way of doing things.

cathodetube

Simon, Had a look at the website you posted the link to and didn't understand it. It said you had to choose from certain veterinary groups which I hadn't ever heard of in my area.

Mephista

simontheiceman wrote: »

Which is why I am soon to be offering practice only based cover with basic treatment for £10 per month. This runs along the lines that referral is not offered, chemotherapy is not included nor are excessive lab tests or "novel" expensive treatments. In essence Its what clients most often want - basic treatment at a basic price with no frills. Is only for my clients tho! If it goes well (and client research shows a demand) , then I'll offer it wider.

In the meantime... http://www.vetsure.com/ are offering a new way of doing things.

Hi simontheiceman

I'm really glad that a properly qualified vet is taking interest in this site as it helps give a perspective from the other side and also helps when you're giving out advice. I like your idea of keeping things basic - I wish some of the vets here did the same or even allowed their clients to pay a monthly premium to them directly which would cover expenses and also ensure the loyalty of the client thus benefiting the practice.

By the sounds of it, that's a little along the lines of what you are suggesting. Good luck with that. Let us know how you are getting along.

As for vetsure, like everything else on offer, it does not apply to Northern Ireland as there are none of our vets listed there but thanks for the advice anyway.

Do let me know how you get on at your own practice. Maybe other vets will see this and like the idea??:T

meerkat2007

I'd love to be able to set up a standing order direct to my vet, to help spread the cost of things like dental treatments that are never covered by insurance.

The mechanic who services my car is the husband of an old school friend (plus he lives right round the corner, which can be a godsend), and when I had a conversation with him about it, he was very amenable to the idea in relation to car servicing and repairs.

Yes, I could save the money in a separate account, but it's just too tempting (for those of us with very little willpower) to borrow a tenner for this or twenty for that, and before you know it, your fund is depleted!

emyrt

New to this forum and I'm looking to insure my 10 week old Beagle puppy. I notice recently that many people are recommending AXA pet insurance. Has anyone here had a policy with AXA for any number of years? I's like to have an idea of how their premiums grow year on year.

Thanks!

cathodetube

No guarantees in pet insurance unfortunately. Someone recently had a huge jump in premiums with them. I did with Marks and Spencer which is why I left them. It is safe to say that while your dog is young they will be reasonable? (whatever that is) and then they will grow. You won't get vaccinations covered, nor dental problems. The area you live in will also determine how high your premiums are. You will have to pay the excess part of your claim - usually £75 or more - and possibly a percentage of each claim. The percentage levy seems to be the new favourite from the insurance companies. Pet insurance hasn't been around for very long - maybe 14 years. It's not compulsory you know. I have found it completely useless for my animals.

misfire

I have a 11 year old (ish) rescue cat - we have had him for 10 years! I have always used direct line for our cat insurance.

This years renewal was £18 per month.... BLIMEY! it was £4 a month when he was little!!

I am looking at quotes for cat insurance from another provider - but how much cover for vet fees is average? I always had the policy that only covered for vet treatment for a year.

Any suggestions or recommendations appreciated. I know if I don't insure him something will happen to him.... so definitelywant insurance but hopefully not at £18 per month.

walwin

Why not get a quote from AXA? http://www.axa.co.uk/insurance/pet

£7000 cover with the pot being topped up each time you renew.

I pay £7.19 a month for my 11 year old puss. Having said that, we do live out in the boonies, so that probably has some bearing on the price.


I've thankfully never had to claim, but there are some on the forum who have and it's been a painless process

tjbizzle

:mad: so received a our pet insurance renewal which is underwritten by AXA premium for our dogs has gone up from £181.64 each to £462.12 and the excess has gone up from £50 to £75 plus 25% of the vet bill where as last year we just had to pay the £50 the excess is one thing but how on earth do they justify the leap of over double in the premium:mad: