Pet Insurance Cost Cutting System/MoneySavingExpert.com Discussion

kr15snw

We use sainsburys pet insurance. And Im not too sure about the costs, but they have been wonderful.

They even paid out on our springer when he got bit by an adder and spent a week at the vets, even though we had literally just paid our first payment! They were very understanding and put it through easily

They have also paid out lots for the same springer who has ear problems, and so has to be deep cleaned reasonably regular and it now looking at operations

Nomad25

Rock ... me ... hardplace. M & S premiums up 50% on multi cat household! Have been looking around since Nov. Hadn't tried AXA - so today gave them a go and their premiums are even more than M & S. Have asked M & S to requote for standard cover as against their premium cover. Does anyone else get the feeling that these insurance companies have by 'stung' in the past on vet claims? because they are really crucifying the consumer.

katy2

I must have been very lucky with my pets, I have never insured them and never had any astronomical vet bills.

I have two dogs just now, one 8yrs, one 3yrs, they have both seen the vet for vaccinations and both been speyed, the 3yo hasn't had any other treatment, the 8yo has been once for an upset tummy, one visit.

Previous pooch the same, speyed and vaccs, she did have a mammary tumour removed, cost about £150, but no other treatment during her lifetime.

Quick caculations tho, average of £20 per month per dog, I have saved at least £5280 on insurance cost. :eek: I am firmly with some money in the jar for pet veterinary costs.

I hate to think what I would have forked out if I'd also paid for cat to be insured. Present cat, 3yrs, been speyed no other visits. Dearly departed cat died at 17yrs, only vet visit to be speyed.

elsien

I've just had this years renewal certificate, and it seems that the excess has changed from the fixed amount (£105 per condition on last years) to a percentage - the new certificate says 20%.

Is this usual for older dogs who've had lots of claims, as it's not something I've come across before. It seems like it could work out more expensive for me, but the dog is now probably 8 or 9, with some ongoing permanent conditions, so looking elsewhere isn't really an option.

Just curious as to whether this is a general change, or specific to petplan?

chuckles1066

elsien wrote: »

I've just had this years renewal certificate, and it seems that the excess has changed from the fixed amount (£105 per condition on last years) to a percentage - the new certificate says 20%.

Is this usual for older dogs who've had lots of claims, as it's not something I've come across before. It seems like it could work out more expensive for me, but the dog is now probably 8 or 9, with some ongoing permanent conditions, so looking elsewhere isn't really an option.

Just curious as to whether this is a general change, or specific to petplan?

It's an insurer being crafty.

They know your dog has ongoing treatment and they know that you looking elsewhere for cover isn't an option.

You're stuck between a rock and a hard place unfortunately.

icheekymonkey

Hi

I have a Pet Insurance for my Cavalier King Charles Spaniel with www.pet-insurance.co.uk who are underwritten by e & l insurance.

It is a Lifetime Pet Policy which means that as long as the premiums are paid, she will be covered for life for any ongoing illnesses.

I pay it monthly by direct debit and it's £12.54 per month which is considerably cheaper than a lot of the others I looked at.

Definitely worth a look at.

pboae

There's a good reason why they are cheap. It's the same reason that most vets refuse to deal with insurers underwritten by E&L.

Try typing something like "review E&L" into google and see what other people have to say.

Insurance that doesn't pay out when you really need it, is a waste of money no matter how cheap it is.

icheekymonkey

Have just read the full thread now and am going to cancel the policy with e & l - once I have sorted out another one. Will probably have to go with PetPlan as it seems the one to trust.

The problem I have now is that she had to have a visit to the vet's before Xmas.

I don't want to breed from her and so am having her 'done'. However, was caught out and she had her first season in November. Spoke to the vet and advised me to wait until January to bring her for op. Middle of December, she started licking herself and 'swelled' again, - took her to the vet who advised me she was yet again in season and gave her an injection to stop the bleeding and made appointment for February for her op.

My question is, what do I put for insurance renewal as anything to do with neutering and spaying is not usually covered anyway.

Any suggestions?

edit: I have looked at the receipt from the vets and the injection she had was to simply stop her heat so in the box where it asks if we have had any trips to vet for anything other than routine vaccinations and check ups, I think I will just be able to say she had a jab to suppress her heat and is now being spayed. Think I will ring vets tomorrow just to check.

pboae

I have to agree about Petplan, they are expensive, but so far they do seem to be the most reliable. Most insurers will waive the 6 week clause (i.e. where you cannot claim for the first 6 weeks) if you are insured with someone else alreadty. Double check that when you enquire about the policy.

I think you will be fine with your description of the jab as well. Do check with your vet, but I can't think what they would exclude that isn't excluded already.

Good luck!

icheekymonkey

Thanks pboae - was surprised at the cost - is only about £10 per month more. Is actually less now than when I first got a quote - maybe because she is a few months older.

Is definitely worth paying the extra for peace of mind - wish I would have gone with them in the first place. The good thing is there is 12 months for price of 10 at moment so should at least cover the change over period.