pet insurers - who is good & bad

Walter_White_2

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Back to the original post...

Got a 9 week old puppy and we have 4 weeks of complimentary cover via Pet Plan through our vets.


Looking for feedback as to who is good and bad, especially in relation to any claims made as this is obviously where it counts.


I am tempted to go with Pet Plan as they seem a well established provider, rather than counting how many nectar points I will earn if I buy Sainsbury's cover, but just wanted to see if there were any gems out there?

platterfish

I have the co-op pet insurance on the select policy.
It's underwritten by Allianz, the same as pet plan, the policy is pretty much the same apart from the lifetime cover is 5k per year and you don't get the option of choosing 4k/7k.

Sainsbury's is also underwritten by Allianz but the policy is different to pet plan, they offer max benefit - which will give you cover up to x amount for a condition for life and then stop, where as lifetime cover will cover you for x amount for all conditions per year.

It's your call really but don't buy based on points, buy based on what is right for your pet.

Edit: I'd also look at not bothering with the free 4 weeks and get a comprehensive policy set up asap, if anything was to happen in these 4 weeks then you would have to stick with pet plan as no one else would insure the condition for your pet.

kayleighae

I went through my vets and bought vet protect, for my Jack Russell I pay £21 a month and this covers all flea and worming treatment, check-ups, vaccinations, treatments. When I have taken her in for a problem I have paid the first £40 and then the rest is covered and when I had her spayed I received a significant discount. I'm happy with it

ripplyuk

I would go with Petplan as they have a good reputation or with another lifetime insurance provider. Though, be sure to check terms & conditions carefully. Lifetime insurance is the best as any long term illnesses are covered. Next best is maximum benefit and lastly, all the 12 month policies. The lifetime cover will obviously be more expensive than the others. Bear in mind that if your dog ever develops any health problems/injuries you may find it difficult to move to another insurer as they will exclude that condition and possibly everything relating to it. This means it's really important to choose a company you're happy with. This is also the reason to get a full policy in force quickly for your pup and not rely on the 6 weeks free type. Any issues during that time may not be covered later. Also, if you find a lifetime policy too expensive, even a cheaper policy will give you some peace of mind. Best of luck with the new puppy.

*Scarlett

Hi Walter White.

If you are looking at PetPlan I assume you want a comprehensive cover (they are normally considered to be good , if a bit expensive).

There are other insurers who can offer a good cover, perhaps at a lesser cost.

You could start on the comparison sites but you need to look at the cover provided by each insurer.

I would normally want to have "lifetime" cover for a condition/ illness and as high a cover limit as I can find (at a reasonable price).

Also make sure that the excess fee is affordable.

If you get a few quotes you can look here to compare cover and * ratings

http://www.defaqto.com/guides/insurance/pet-insurance-guide/

Also have a look at

http://www.which.co.uk/money/insurance/reviews-ns/pet-insurance/

From a personal point of view, we have insured our dog through Argos Platinum for the past 3 years. We had 1 claim (not for a major amount) that was settled without issue.

Best wishes with the new puppy!

Spikey1

Vet Protect......I quite like the sound of that Kayleighae. Is this an insurance policy or is it just a service offered by your local vet? Where can I get some info on it as I'm feeling a bit cheesed off with the costs of traditional pet insurance at the minute.


Thanks very much

rs65

http://www.vetprotect.com/

Sounds a bit like Denplan - insurance but not insurance

dacouch

The all-important small print:
Underwriters: This insurance is underwritten by Isle of Man Assurance Limited (‘IOMA’) of IOMA House, Hope Street, Douglas, Isle of Man, IM1 1AP. IOMA is authorised and regulated by the Isle of Man Government Insurance & Pensions Authority. IOMA is not subject to the same regulatory system as that applicable in the United Kingdom. Holders of policies issued by IOMA will not be protected by the United Kingdom Financial Services Compensation Scheme if IOMA should become unable to meet its liabilities. IOMA is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority (Register No 142307). IOMA is a member of the International Underwriting Association.

Complaints: If you have any concerns or complaints about any aspect of the VetProtect Total Care Scheme please contact in the first instance Mr Gavin Hill-John at VetProtect Ltd, or write to Isle of Man Assurance Limited, IOMA House, Hope Street, Douglas, Isle of Man, IM1 1AP. If your complaint concerns IOMA and is not dealt with to your satisfaction you can complain to the Isle of Man Financial Services Ombudsman. Copies of IOMA’s complaints handling procedure are available upon request.

Spikey1

Cheers RS65.......I've had a quick look.


I've got two British Bulldogs.....neither of who have ever had any health issues. I suspect however that they will fall into one of the higher rate bands. They both smoke cigars and fight Germans of course...so I understand why they are high risk.


Spikey

anselld

Tesco has been good in my experience.

asharon

Petplan is expensive, but they offer great service, no quibble payouts. Only ever been with them so no comparisson