Dog Insurance

If_My_Pennies_Were_Pounds

I'm needing a bit of advice about the type of insurance we should be getting for our German Shepherd who just turned 1 in November.

We currently have a Direct Line Essential policy which only covers '12 months of cover for necessary treatment for each illness, injury or disease up to a maximum of £4,000.' and thankfully nothing has happened in her first year.

I'm looking to change her insurance before any condition arises that may prevent us from switching to a policy which will cover a condition for life.

Direct Line's Advanced policy covers 'Necessary treatment for each illness, injury or disease up to a maximum of £6,000.' - am I correct in thinking this isn't a for life policy either? Does this mean just £6,000 per illness or per illness, per year?

I'm so confused about what policy will give her the best cover, can anyone recommend the best type of cover or what phrase/keywords I should be looking for within a policy?

Thanks in advance!

PinkPeach

Hi, it is a minefield looking for dog insurance so I know how you feel!

Take a look at this MSE guide, esp the section 'What to Watch Out For', http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/insurance/cut-pet-insurance-costs#step2

I'm currently with John Lewis but was previously with Homebase. Please note that in order to have the lifetime cover with Homebase you need to choose their 'Platinum' option.

As it's not always clear how long an insurer will pay out for per condition I'd give anyone you are interested in a ring to see what they say.

PinkPeach

If_My_Pennies_Were_Pounds wrote: »

We currently have a Direct Line Essential policy which only covers '12 months of cover for necessary treatment for each illness, injury or disease up to a maximum of £4,000.' and thankfully nothing has happened in her first year.

Direct Line's Advanced policy covers 'Necessary treatment for each illness, injury or disease up to a maximum of £6,000.' - am I correct in thinking this isn't a for life policy either? Does this mean just £6,000 per illness or per illness, per year?

Just re-read this again and from the look of it, I would assume that the Advanced policy will be per illness, per year. These policies always cost more but I'd opt for them everytime as you never know when a condition may occur that could last for years.

If it's any help I found this on the John Lewis website:

Look carefully at the type of cover offered. Some policies may appear cheap, but if your pet gets a long-term illness you may not be covered.

• Annual cover means each illness is covered for a year. If your pet's illness lasts longer than a year, the cover will end.
• Individual condition cover lets you claim up to a certain amount for each illness. A long-term condition may well go over this limit.
• Lifelong cover means that you can claim for a condition, no matter how long it lasts, up to a set total each year.