Is pet insurance worth it?

BoiledBreadTomatoSauce

Just exactly as I've said really - I have a 4 year old cat and would like to make sure his health is taken care of.

Are schemes like Petplan worth the money? Or would they likely find away to wriggle out of paying should he have to go to the vets?

elsien

Its like any insurance - unless you can afford to self insure it's worth it if and when you need to claim.
For my last dog, I claimed a small fortune back, this dog very little (and I hope it stays that way.)
I have never had a problem with Petplan paying out and have been using them for years for my dogs. Can't comment on other insurers. As long as you're upfront about pre-existing issues, there shouldn't be a problem.
You're also generally better getting a policy that offers lifetime cover.

BoiledBreadTomatoSauce

That's good to hear - the quotes were form £16 to £26 a month so I think I'll go for it on lifetime cover.

Thanks a lot and fingers crossed it continues to stay that way your dog!

tacpot12

PetPlan are good in my experience, and worthwhile.

Blondetotty

I've been with PetPlan for years for my cats. First for my cat who was eventually diagnosed with thyroid issues and then cancer. They never "wiggled out" of paying anything.

Currently for a 14 year old cat I adopted 5 years ago and managed to get lifetime cover before they discontinued new lifetime policies where the pet is over 10 years old. He has kidney and liver problems and they've always paid, and paid quickly.

Also currently for a 2 year old pedigree cat who, touch wood, hasn't had any issues and won't have for some time.

Yes, PetPlan could be considered more expensive than some of the much cheaper companies around. I was quoted £5 a month for Asda or something when we looked at policies for the pedigree cat compared with £15 monthly odd for PetPlan but given PP have been around for years, I've never had a claim declined, they're quick to pay and customer service is great it was a no brainer.

Another thing that always worried me going with another company is if you take out a lifetime policy elsewhere you're stuck with that company for life if you claim on something as it would be considered a preexisting condition if you moved insurer. If another insurer raised it's premium based on a big claim or decided to exit the pet insurance market as one did a few years ago, it would mean potentially huge vet bills as the cats wouldn't be insured for their condition any longer. Given PP don't increase their premiums based on claims history but rather age, and only raise the excesses slightly and have been in business for years I would rather pay the extra they charge for total peace of mind.

That's just my opinion anyway!

MovingForwards

I self insure with cats.

Cat two - free balls off op, cost me under £200 for kidney treatment and PTS. Lived for nine years.

Cat three - £30 balls off op. Died getting run over. Lived for six years.

Cat one - free girlie op, suspected cancer cost me £300 and £350 ops and blood work; each op was to remove the whole side of breasts and tissue, one side the first time, then the other side a year or so later. Under £100 for scans, blood tests, vet time years later (vet would have opened her up, but I knew from scans the vet would PTS if he couldn't remove everything - op would have been £400) a day under 6 months after she saw the vet she died on my lap. Lived for 19.5 years.

Cat four - £35 balls off. Still going (ex's cat now)

Cat five (Current cat) - £35 girlie op.

Cats six and seven - £35 balls off and about the same for girlie op. Still going (ex's cats now).

So personally I don't bother and just pay as and when.

Possibly would take a different stance if a pure bred, but then probably wouldn't have one.

Boggles190

I have to vouch for PetPlan as well. Insure two cats with them and have had to claim for one when he became ill last year and developed behavioral issues as a result - they have paid out over £2000 since this.

Always found them hassle free to deal with and they generally know what they are taking about. There was one issue where they incorrectly turned down part of a claim, I raised it with them and they agreed their stance was incorrect, apologised and paid it.

I would only consider self insuring if you can afford £2000 - £3000. Treatment for a serious issue (chronic condition or car accident) will easily cost this.