Pre-existing condition or not?..my options

Lunamia

Hi, if there is anyone that could advise, Id be grateful. I'm currently insured with the Kennel Club as I have a pedigree pooch who is now 15 months old. They have hiked the insurance by over £100 this year, so I am (trying) to look at my options - I seem to be going round in circles though! I have noted that "pre-existing conditions" seems to be anything that he has received treatment for, or I've had advice about. - it comes under the heading of illness or injury. This is where I'm confused, and I loathe the idea of contacting insurers on the phone to ask, in case they give me the big sell. My dog has a waxy ear..sorry if it's TMI! He has had an infection once (they sedated him to look in his lug after he kept shaking his head and scratching) and a couple weeks back they gave us some drops to clear out the ear. The vet also suggested a flushing procedure, similar to human ear syringing. It's not an illness or injury, but it looks like I need to declare this an a pre existing condition - does that look right? I'm not good with talking on the phone and i'm trying to do as much as possible online but this pre existing biz has come as a shock. Or is it possible to insure him for the usual stuff and deal with any costs for that myself? Which I did by the way, the KC didnt cover it!  Any advice please? I d be very grateful, thanks.

KxMx

Yes that definitely falls under the umbrella of pre existing condition and you are required to declare it when taking out cover. 
An insurer will apply an exclusion when granting your policy. This could be anything ear related to both etc. If the exclusion seems OTT raise it with them- after I declared my late cat needed dental work the exclusion came back as all oral, dental, gastric. I phoned, they sent it back to underwriters, gastric was a mistake.
Some places like Pet Plan will consider removing the exclusion after 2 years if no further discussions with Vet or treatment is needed - Pet Plan removed my cat's dental/oral clause on this basis.
Absolutely you can take out insurance, and pay yourself for anything excluded, the insurance covering the rest.