Pet Insurance guide discussion area

sheramber

the exclusion period is to prevent people from taking out a policy when they discover their pet will need treatment. You need to overlap the policies to ensure continuity of cover.

The only time cover continues is when you renew cover with the same company.

Of course, if your pet is ill during the period of double cover you will only be covered by the first policy and will then need to stay with that company for any further treatment as that condition will be then be a pre existing condition and an exclusion on the new policy.

You really need to read the policy document ( not the policy summary) throughly to make sure you know exactly what is covered.

Bronniedog

Just got my renewal details for a 9 year old dog, currently insured with Tesco.. £655. Got a quote for a new policy through the Tesco web site £350 plus cashback. Just like car insurance, check the market before you renew and go through a cashback site wherever you can. Martin's insurance renewal advice is the same across the whole of the insurance market, check before you renew. inertia will cost you dearly (pun intended)

sheramber

Bronniedog wrote: »

Just got my renewal details for a 9 year old dog, currently insured with Tesco.. £655. Got a quote for a new policy through the Tesco web site £350 plus cashback. Just like car insurance, check the market before you renew and go through a cashback site wherever you can. Martin's insurance renewal advice is the same across the whole of the insurance market, check before you renew. inertia will cost you dearly (pun intended)

Br aware that if you cancel the existing policy and take out a new one any illness or condition ,or anything that can be related to it,that your dog has had will be a pre existing condition and be excluded from the new policy.

You don't need to have made a claim for it. The fact that it existed is enough to call it a
pre existing condition.

ShannonCook

Anyone know about Agria Pet Insurance?

PhiltheBear

Yes, they market as the Kennel Club and GCCF (Dogs and Cats respectively). Having had a policy with them I'd never, ever, do so again. I had a dog that needed specialist examination for a heart condition. Firstly, they charged me an excess on the claim for the exam at my vet, then another excess for the specialist (although this was for the same condition). The dog unfortunately died shortly afterwards. When the claim was (eventually) settled they not only charged me those 2 excesses but also the remainder of the year's insurance premiums (the policy had been with them 2 months) and deducted it all from the pay out. What should have been about £2,000 was paid out at a few hundred pounds. I'm not alone in this. They were investigated by the Sunday Times (twice) and on Watchdog. Don't touch them with a bargepole.

squibbs25

Ok, so didn't receive the renewal info so called direct line to find out when renewal is etc, turns out it's today!!!
Well the policy premium has jumped from £31.76 to £45.77 with £190 excess on the advanced policy (without extras) so covers vet fees and 3rd party libality.
This is for 2 Jack Russell's , both healthy, no conditions, ( nor pre existing) and no claims - been with direct line since we got the puppies and they are now 5
I rang this morning and the best they can offer me is £41.50 pm

Can anyone suggest another reputable insurer, it's a minefield.
Tesco have quoted £33pm on the premier lifetime policy for both dogs with an excess of £60, any advice?

Please help, I'm going stir crazy!!!!

sheramber

squibbs25 wrote: »

Ok, so didn't receive the renewal info so called direct line to find out when renewal is etc, turns out it's today!!!
Well the policy premium has jumped from £31.76 to £45.77 with £190 excess on the advanced policy (without extras) so covers vet fees and 3rd party libality.
This is for 2 Jack Russell's , both healthy, no conditions, ( nor pre existing) and no claims - been with direct line since we got the puppies and they are now 5
I rang this morning and the best they can offer me is £41.50 pm

Can anyone suggest another reputable insurer, it's a minefield.
Tesco have quoted £33pm on the premier lifetime policy for both dogs with an excess of £60, any advice?

Please help, I'm going stir crazy!!!!

I have one dog insured with Tesco but have not had to claim. A friends, who is a veterinary nurse has claimed for allergy tests for her dog and is very happy with Tesco.

Coop insurance has the same underwriters as Petplan and also state they don't increase premiums if you claim ( which many companies do)

Remember there is an exclusion period when you start insurance with a new company so should try to overlap them.

If you renew with Direct Line can you cancel after a month ( to allow an overlap) without penalty?

Of course, if you need to claim from Direct Line in that time you would need to continue with them.

Pet Insurance is a minefield.

westcountry_saver

Just had my renewal for my Bichon cross. It's gone up by a couple £ a month, but now he's 9 years old the excess has gone up to £150 from £75 and 10% of any treatment. I've never claimed so I will check if I can get it cheaper.

squibbs25

It's crazy how the prices have gone up, I expected an increase but not to the extent that it has gone up.

bmthmark

I rang my vet and asked which companies the vet has has successful claims with and which ones they have had problems with.
They said they can't give any recommendations as they legally are not allowed.
But they said Petplan and Agria have been very good, with no issues. They have had lots of problems with Animal friends.