Pet Insurance guide discussion area

straytoaster

Thanks for pointing that out, I had missed it. My pup is 9 weeks old, so my general view of policies that age poorly is that I can get a cheap policy now and then switch as he gets older. I understand that he may pick up some knocks along the way which would count as preexisting conditions when it came time to switch, but I am guessing that it will be more cost effective in the long run? I appreciate any thoughts on this.

KxMx

Pre existing conditions can be tricky, anything and everything that can possibly be related will be excluded, so say pup has an issue on one leg then they are likely to exclude anything on all 4 legs. 

Anything discussed with a Vet but not treated will also be counted as pre existing and excluded. 

It's far more cost effective IMO to go with a reputable insurer like PetPlan from the start.

sheramber

Have a look at Bought By Many. I have  not used them but there have been favourable reviews on here from those who have. They have several options available.
if direct payment by the vet is important then check with your vet which companies they will direct claim from. One of my vets would only direct claim from Petplan.

straytoaster

Went with Petplan in the end. Thanks for the replies.

RabMcHuggett

Hi, I'm looking for help with my dog's insurance policy.
I'm with Petplan just now, and there are a number of exclusions in his policy going back to previous claims. The list of exclusions is quite long and includes things like vomiting and lethargy, so in the event i make a future claim, and the symptoms are that he has been vomiting, then i will probably not be covered! 
It's my fault for taking out this kind of policy, but is anyone aware of other providers where these will be included? I have tried Waggel and they say they will look at a claim by claim basis but there would be 'strong exclusions' on a number of items. It's very annoying because he is a fit and healthy dog, but the list of exclusions makes it almost not worth insuring him given they cover a whole range of potential items, 

thanks

Jedraith

I'm looking at Bought by Many for a policy for my 2 cats. One has hip dysplasia, arthritis and asthma and I got a Petplan policy after this but now they want £50 a month and these conditions aren't covered. BBM has a policy that would cover preexisting for £52 a month as as he is nearly 9 I suspect that is going to start showing soon and may need vet treatment - it was found on an x-ray as a side thing and has never needed treatment. 
Are there any updated recent reviews? 

Dentoned

Im after some advice, I have had a oliocy for my cat for the past 5 years. he's generally in good health, but he's developed a gamma eye and today I took him to the vets who gave him son injectable antibiotics and some anti inflammatories. It came to £80. Now my excess is £69, I don't want to claim *nbut* should I tell them? if his face gets worse and needs an operation down the line? Im not sure what to do?

Savvy_Sue

You need to tell them, even if you're not claiming. 

sheramber

You need to read your policy document.
Some insurance companies will not accept a claim out with a certain period so if you don't tell them about it and he needs further treatment in the future you may not be able to claim then.
Although you don't claim it could affect your future premiums as  there may be an ongoing risk of further treatment required.
A phone call would probably be prudent ro cover yourself.

Jenni_D

There may come a time (and price point) where deciding to self-insure becomes feasible. i.e. put away in a savings account the amount you were planning to pay for insurance, then use it if/when your pet requires treatment.

Of course there's an element of risk to this - what if your pet requires treatment within a few months of starting to do this? However if you put away £50 per month and it was 3 years before any treatment was needed you'd have a fund of £1,800 available.

There's no easy answer to this.