Dog insurance: explain it like I'm 5

oh_really

Ok, horror of horrors, we've just forund out the mutt isnt insured, potentially hasnt been for years. I'm now looking to rectify this, today. Nothing has happened and nothing to report, health appreas good and nopt aware of any underlying/ existing conditions.

Male miniature Scnuazer, 10yo this autmn. What type of insurance should I be looking at and what companies are worth of consideration?

Eli5.

Tia.

JGB1955

At that age it might be best to just put £50 aside each month and 'self insure'.

Having said that - you need, at the minimum, £1M public liability insurance.  Dogs Trust provide it for (I think) £25 p.a., half that if you're elderly, like me!

Soot2006

So many options. I have been with Petplan for years for my dogs (and horses) and have always had good service. Other opinions may vary, but my experience has been straightforward and claims have been processed quickly.

oh_really

Ouch, I've just been on a comparison site, cheapest quoted is £560 purely pets up Admiral £2009.

This being cover for accidents and illness, lifetime cover.

Think I'll have a good shop around. I cant remember how much we paid in  premiums previously but it was nothing like that.

JGB1955

We have an ESS who has no boundaries - insured with various companies over the years but each time, the excess got larger as did the premium.  Multiple 'grasses removed from ears, under sedation', at least £600 on a fatty lump removal....About 3 years ago he decided to 'catch' a thrown stick directly down his throat (on a Sunday...obviously).  Bill was £3K+ and paid for (I think, by Legal & General).  Enough was enough....

Brie

To be brutal about - how long does a mini Schnauzer last?  What are the breed weak points?  And how much are you willing to devote to him lasting?? 

If there's only potentially a couple of years then you need to make a judgement call about how much it might cost to pay for things yourself versus how willing you would be to let him go if he gets something dreadfully lingering.  I mean if these pups tend to peg out due to sudden coronary failure at 12 years well what's to insure?  If they get slowly advancing mobility issues that will last them from 11 to 20 then ok maybe insure. Basically think like an insurance company and balance the risks involved.

fyi - I've never had pet insurance and have had a couple of really shocking bills over the years which I have paid willingly.  But her royal highness is a sweet mog despite being an elderly, occasionally incontinent, hobbling, diabetic cat on an expensive specialist food plan and being on the receiving end of medication that makes beluga cavier look cheap. 

sheramber

At 10 years old I consider the dog. Is it still like a young dog or is it a very 10 year old dog.

I have had a 10 year old who was an old dog.

I stopped his insurance and put money away for vet fees. Due to his age and condition  there was a limit as to what treatment  would be appropriate for him. he died when he was 12. 

 But, I have also  had one that was still spritely and active at 10. As he had always been healthy and had no ongoing conditions, I insured him  with limited cover until he was 12 and then just put money away. he lived until he was nearly 15 years.

Many companies will not start new cover at his age or will only cover for a limited amount.

Have a look at Bought by Many . I do not know of they have anything suitable but they do have various policies.

Savvy_Sue

oh_really said:

Ouch, I've just been on a comparison site, cheapest quoted is £560 purely pets up Admiral £2009.

This being cover for accidents and illness, lifetime cover.

Think I'll have a good shop around. I cant remember how much we paid in  premiums previously but it was nothing like that.

No, but you have to bear in mind that a) the dog was maybe half his current age and b) the cost of insurance goes in one direction only ... 

Seriously, I think you have to consider the points made above and be very hard-headed about what you're prepared to pay either directly or for insurance, versus what you're prepared to put him through. 

The Dogs Trust public liability sounds like a good starting option ... 

elsien

Your dog is at the age where some insurers won’t touch him, and others will charge a bigger premium plus a higher excess plus a percentage of the final bill on top of that. 

Anything he has been to the vet for in his 10 years could potentially be classified as a pre-existing condition even if he’s healthy at the moment. 

There is also the difference between proper lifetime cover and the cheaper options that say they are, but aren’t really. 

Final question - what level of treatment would you want to put your boy through if he does get ill? I’d be tempted to look at third party if you feel that necessary and put some aside each month. 

KxMx

I didn't put my cat through treatment but the diagnostic bill was £3k. Big bills don't always come just from treatment. 

oh_really

sheramber said:

At 10 years old I consider the dog. Is it still like a young dog

He still runs about like a puppy. Constantly being approached by strangers when they see him strutting about, handsome and he knows it.

Only vet visit beyond routine annuals was a few years ago he demolished a bag of (100) chocolate coins,unpicked the silver wrappers and devoured the chocolate, this on a weekend where we had to pull a vet away from a horse to deal with. Apart from that all good and unremarkable.

Eli5, why do I need the public liability insurance? He's a little Schnauzer, he's never had it in 10 years, why now?

I'm really not sure what to do re the insurance now.