Dog insurance: explain it like I'm 5

sheramber

Third party insurance covers you if anybody made a claim against you over something your dog did. Bit somebody or another animal, damaged their property, or knocked somebody off a bicycle and they broke a leg so couldn't work etc, etc.

You may be covered by your house contents insurance.

You get third party cover with pet insurance.


Do schnauzer's have any particular  health problems to consider?  Some breeds are prone to kidney disease , some are prone to cancer.

By the sound of it he is still lively and active . If he was mine I would be consider insuring for  say £7-8000 per condition, which will be cheaper than unlimited. Avoid those that are cheap, they are cheap for a reason.

 I would also put money away for any future bills not covered by insurance. if not needed then it will still be there, as long as you have the self control not to spend it on something else.

But It is your decision and your peace of mind. 

Would you be able to pay for any treatment necessary?

The dog I continued to insure never had a claim but the peace of mind that I  could pay for treatment was worth it for me, as I was on a fixed income. I changed companies each year to get a cheaper premium . New customers get s discount.  As he did not have any claims that was no problem. 

I used Tesco, and Morethan but there will be others. You will be limited by his age as many companies will not start to insure older dogs.

Remember, any pre existing  conditions will not be covered by a new company.

His insurance was less than £30 p m but he was a crossbreed which was why it was la lower cost. 

oh_really

Only common health issue on my radar is developing diabetes and dental problems (he has all his teeth intact). I dont want to rush into purchasing the wrong insurance product.
I spotted an ad for PDSA insurance (not their service for claimants), anyone know if they may be worth a shout. I'm really finding this a minefield tbh.

Thanks for comments so far folks, its appreciated.

https://www.pdsa.org.uk/taking-care-of-your-pet/looking-after-your-pet/puppies-dogs/small-dogs/miniature-schnauzer

sheramber

It is a minefield.

I have no experience of PDSA insurance but it has a high Defacto rating and PDSA is a reliable entity.
 
 Read the policy document carefully( not the summary) to ensure you know exactly what you are covered for.

Their lifetime cover has an annual limit on the amount of vet fee claims. That limit will be reinstated at each policy new year.

That means if you have a claim for more than the annual limit you will need to pay the excess.

Also, check the amount of excess you have to pay due to your dog's age.  That means a fixed amount e.g. £100 and an additional percentage  as well.

The time limit policy only covers a condition for 12 months from onset, with a maximum amount of the claim.

So an ongoing condition like diabetes would only be covers for 12 months. After that it would not be covered.

It is a  question of what you are comfortable with.

There is no easy answer. You may pay and never claim, or you may claim a lot.

I do not know if PDSA insurance hike premiums if you claim. Most companies do. So your premium goes up in relation to what you claim as well as the regular annual premium rise for increased costs.

Insurance companies are in business to make a profit for their shareholders . Those who don't claim pay for those who do and for that profit..

Good luck with your research.

squirrelchops2

Miniature schnauzers are highly predisposed to conditions such as pancreatitis, haemorrhagic gastroenteritis and sight loss as they get older (I have one and we have had them in the family for years).

However if you have got to 10 without pancreatitis you are doing really well and obviously give him a good diet. 

Our current boy is only 4 and have had him insured since a pup. His only issues are a funny skin allergy and ear infections but that is due to his incredibly hairy ears and he had gone 3 years without one.