pet insurance - max benefit versus lifetime cover?

balletshoes

I'm starting to look for pet insurance for my cat, he's 18 months old, no health problems, vaccinated and neutered.

Quotes I'm getting from comparison sites are split into "max benefit" or "lifetime" cover - whats the difference, and which one should I be choosing?

Thanks,

krlyr

I don't have cats but I would always use lifetime cover for my dogs. I'm guessing the max benefit one is a 12 month policy? I would perhaps research the breed you have (or breeds in it if you know) and consider what health issues they're likely to develop - my dogs, for example, are breeds prone to hip problems and arthritis so I know that I would not want their cover limited to 12 months as these are potentially ongoing conditions that may require treatment for years.

picklepick

I'd always choose lifetime cover. A condition like diabetes for example, could easily rack up hefty bills and you'd only be covered for it for one year with a non-lifetime cover policy.

albacookie

Maximum benefit policies will pay until you reach the limit - £7000 for example. You can claim that in 1 year or 10 years but if you reach it you'll need to cover any further costs.
Life time policies will pay up to their limit (or there are a few unlimited ones) every 12 months then when you renew you get a new pot of money for the next 12 months.
Time limited policies pay up to their limit for 12 months then you have to cover ongoing costs.