Insurance recommendations for older rescue dog?

ChasingtheWelshdream

Good evening everyone,

We will soon be adopting an RSPCA rescue dog, and I'm looking to get insurance in place. I've read Martin's guide on here, but Confused.com wouldn't let me proceed as he *may* have a pre-existing condition. I say *may* as he occasionally holds one of his legs up when walking. The RSPCA vet had originally prescribed painkillers, but has since taken him off as he doesn't appear to be in pain. The notes simply say 'pre-existing leg condition, unspecified'. The previous owners declared no illnesses or conditions when they surrendered him for re-homing, but obviously we need to take this on trust. Is this acceptable to insurers, as we simply don't know any more details?

He is also around 8, but we don't have an exact date of birth. Is it OK to 'guess' by simply counting back 8 years?

I've had a quote from RSPCA insurance, but am wondering who else would be worth looking at?

Many thanks for your help.

HighamKneeDee

I too have a rescue, had him since he was 9, is now 15. The rescue centre told us he was 7 however this did not matter. Managed to confirm his age by calling the body that run the 'chip' scheme to enquire when he was chipped. This is what I posted last year about insurance. 

The point of my post is to advise that I was happy with the Pet Insurance company but am now more than happy with Equine and Livestock, who have their own online company called The Insurance Emporium. 

Good luck.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

"I first insured my current dog with Pet Insurance 3 years ago. Within 3 months he required a cruciate ligament operation. I thought I may encounter problems with the company paying out but they were brilliant. I had to pay 25% towards costs.

Roll forward 2 years and the premiums were at 3 times the amount at £54 per month. I discovered that Pet Insurance were underwritten by Equine and Livestock, who have their own online company called The Insurance Emporium. I have gone with them, they are 40% cheaper.

Yes I am aware that he is no longer covered for ligament problems but in my defence he has had both ACLs worked on, been clear of pain for 2.5 years and is now elderly. Yes it is a risk."

sheramber

Sorry, but E& L have a record of  wriggling out of paying claims. Cheap is not always best.
Have a look at Bought BY  Many. I have not used them but there are good reviews about them. They have several different policies.
You may find a company who will cover his leg after 2 years of no recurrence or treatment. Otherwise,any condition arising  with the leg or anything that can be related to it, such as arthritis, will be an exclusion. 
You will be coverd for any other illness or condition.

onwards&upwards

Were there any investigations into the leg?  

ChasingtheWelshdream

onwards&upwards said:

Were there any investigations into the leg?  

Thank you all. 

As far as we know, according to his record at the centre, the vet checked him over and prescribed painkillers which gave him a funny tummy. They took him off them as the medicine didn't appear to make any difference and he doesn't seem in in any pain. The centre said that leg stiffness is quite common in the breed (Jack Russell crossed with something unknown). He sort of hops along occasionally but otherwise seems very happy.


The only quotes I've managed online so far have been over £50 per month, which is manageable now, but not if they start doubling.

ChasingtheWelshdream

Ahh, so I've just looked at the Bought by Many and wonder if I'm misunderstanding the questions when I've tried to get quotes. Their lifetime prices were much more reasonable

Their definition of a pre-existing condition is basically anything that has had diagnosis, treatment or advice in the previous 2 years. Their pre-existing policy would not cover us as he has had treatment & advice within 3 months.

But looking at the other policies, the T&Cs state: "No cover for pre-existing conditions, which means any illness your pet has had treatment, medication or advice for in the last 24 months. Any other conditions are covered to the limits outlined below. "

So, am I correct in thinking we can get cover, but they would simply exclude anything to do with the leg/legs? If so, when I've been selecting 'yes' to the pre-existing condition cover on the comparison sites, I've assumed it means to declare in order to form an exclusion. Maybe 'yes' means requesting cover for pre-existing and that's why I can't get any further if their companies don't offer that option.

sheramber

No,  the question is   normally - has the animal got a pre existing condition to which  your answer is 'yes'.
I expect the comparison sites cannot handle cases with a pre existing condition and you need to contact the insurance company direct.
 

ChasingtheWelshdream

Thank you, I've been in contact with a couple of companies directly and hopefully have something lined up

Blue_Doggy

ChasingtheWelshdream said:

onwards&upwards said:

Were there any investigations into the leg?  

As far as we know, according to his record at the centre, the vet checked him over and prescribed painkillers which gave him a funny tummy. They took him off them as the medicine didn't appear to make any difference and he doesn't seem in in any pain. The centre said that leg stiffness is quite common in the breed (Jack Russell crossed with something unknown). He sort of hops along occasionally but otherwise seems very happy.

Have they checked him for luxating patella, which is where the kneecap slips out of position? Can be painful.

onwards&upwards

I’d definitely get that leg looked at again, it may be something that can be treated.

Pippwhips

I've got a rescue Jack Russell she used to yelp when out and used to lay down I just rubbed her hip and leg no problems now. But been told it due to them having short legs but big muscles.
Hope this help.
I used to get help with pdsa but not now and I found that insurance is £75 or more + extra excess as well