Why are vets not regulated? 22 May 2017 at 10:56AM in Campaigns corner 4 replies 8.6K views

PJ62

Am amazed they are not, and only found that out today. Vet charges are extortionate. Yes, I have insurance, but even so, they
take their cut too...mine charges £99 for a new claim. Was voted the best pet insurance too (wasn't the reason I chose them) recently. Any insurance you choose will not cover dental work.
We all love our pets, but come on, when they get ill and need to be seen, I feel we are being fleeced.

unforeseen

PJ62 wrote: »

Am amazed they are not, and only found that out today. Vet charges are extortionate. Yes, I have insurance, but even so, they
take their cut too...mine charges £99 for a new claim. Was voted the best pet insurance too (wasn't the reason I chose them) recently. Any insurance you choose will not cover dental work.
We all love our pets, but come on, when they get ill and need to be seen, I feel we are being fleeced.

Compare vets fees against private medical treatment. Similar types of expense for vet and private hospital hence the charges.

reehsetin

Vets are registered http://www.rcvs.org.uk/registration/check-the-register/register-categories/
And you can raise concerns http://www.rcvs.org.uk/concerns/

But I doubt anyone will take much consideration about pricing complaints though, vets need to make money to stay afloat and do their job, you're able to check prices beforehand and pick an alternative vet if needed

ssparks2003

Pets on the whole are a luxury, if you can't afford to look after a luxury don't have one.

Merlin's_Beard

There's general concern that most vets don't charge enough: there was a survey last year that showed 15% of practices have negative profitability, ie are paying to stay in business.

And I suspect the £99 is a processing fee for the practice, and your excess for your policy. Unless it's a high end referral practice.