Pet Insurance Cost Cutting System/MoneySavingExpert.com Discussion

blizeH

Just taken in two cats from an animal shelter (been there for over 6 months, poor things!) aged 8 and 9. Quite old.

Thinking of pet insurance, any recommendations for these circumstances? Really have no idea about their previous history etc.

Of course no insurance (or 'self insuring') is also an option, but my girlfriend is the sort who would happily pay £2k if it meant the cat would live an extra week or two which could cause arguments! (I'm not completely heartless btw, but would try to take a semi balanced approach to these things)

RobertinHerts

Finally got a cheque from Sainsburys for the claim made at the beginning of December plus a subsequent one. The phone calls seems to have moved things along. However they've disputed some medicine! Luckily we are aware of this through the phone calls, as they don't itemise the payments.

We now need to return to the vet to request confirmation that they should have paid for that too!

The treatment is continuing so there is already one more amount to be claimed, and very possibly a big one ahead.

RoxyK

Re recent posts on the huge increase in Kennel Club premiums in Dec I had a letter today apologising and saying they had investigated the matter following customer complaints and discovered I, like many others I presume, had been quoted the wrong premium! Thankfully I am really happy with the revised premium. I had no option but to stay put due to pre-existing conditions, and am really glad they have sorted this out.

hardpressed

Just had my renewal come through from Saga for £269 for my dog's insurance, got a quote from them on-line for exactly the same cover at £206, how can they justify the £63 difference? Phoned and ask them , they said there was a 5% discount for on-line, by my reckoning 5% of £269 is £13.50. The person on the phone said as I was renewing, the website would block me from buying at the cheaper price! So I will not be giving Saga my custom.

Thinking of going with AXA, anyone had any problems with them? Their quote is for £163, for the same or slightly better cover.

cathodetube

hardpressed It seems that all the pet insurers are doing a cheaper quote online than for renewal with existing customers. AXA seems to be doing it as well; if you do a search on the thread you will find comments about them. It seems worthwhile to chop and change while the pet hasn't had any major claims however once you do make one you will be prevented from claiming for the same with a different insurer. If you are saving £100 with AXA then that would appear to be the way to go but be prepared for an increase next time!

hardpressed

Just before I sign on the dotted line with AXA, can anyone confirm that it is real life time cover. I've read the policy statement and am none the wiser.

cathodetube

hardpressed wrote: »

Just before I sign on the dotted line with AXA, can anyone confirm that it is real life time cover. I've read the policy statement and am none the wiser.

I don't know what that means - usually there is an exclusion of 2 weeks before you can make a claim from the start of the policy, unless there is an accident - is that what you mean? Why not call them and have a chat?

hethmar

This is a useful comparison site. Much less complicated and misleading than the others Ive seen. The AXA policy is for life, if you have chosen the for life option.

Have a look at this chart and remember to tick on the for life option in the search. Be aware the site may be getting kick back off some of the insurers, so read every one of them, not just those bunged up the top of the list

http://www.money.co.uk/pet-insurance/lifetime-pet-insurance.htm

joe_t

hi,
my tesco policy runs out on the 18/2/11 and im starting a new policy rather than carrying on with the old one, the new one is also with tesco but almost half the renewal quote.

my question to you guys is as the new policy has no cover for the first 14 days so what do you do to make sure you are covered.
i intend starting the new one 14 days early but i phoned tesco and asked about this and they said your old policy might refuse to cover you as i would have 2 policies running.
the way im seeing it is if you change policies every year like i do you are effectivly only getting 50 weeks cover, and even by trying to do the right thing in covering yourself 2 weeks early you could be breaking the rules.
can i have some opinions on this please.
thanks.
joe......................

cathodetube

joe t, your old policy is the same company so am not sure how you get round that. surely they realise that you already have a policy with them? most insurance companies now offer new customers a cheaper deal and do not pass those savings on to existing customers. have you been honest with them and let them know it is the same animal?