Pet Insurer refusing to pay out because dog has previously had a bad tummy

Nezza_2

Since my insurer, Animal Friends, rejected my claim for £1000 to cover my poor little dog's recent pancreatitis (which the vet says he's never had) because he's previously visited the vet with upset tummies or diarrhoea, prior to me taking this policy (how an upset tummy in 2014 is a symptom of his current pancreatitis I don't know!) and therefore considered a pre-existing condition, I've uncovered lots of other horror stories about refusals from pet insurers, including on this forum.
I'm wondering if there is any kind of campaign going to stop these companies from using any excuse going to prevent paying out?  It's an absolute disgrace that we take out our policies in good faith and spend hundreds on premiums for nothing.   If there already isn't some kind of official fight back then I think one needs to be established.  I have just found the following examples: dog with an injured leg - rejected because it was 'probably' caused by it being overweight, should have been disclosed as a condition, and cat refused payment for pancreatitis because it was once sick (which the vet put down to fur balls) but over ruled by the insurer, saying it was a sign of a digestive complaint and should have been disclosed.   
As you can tell, I'm pretty angry now.  It's a lot of money, but it's also the principle of it! 

tacpot12

You need to complain to the insurnace company. It would be best if you can get the vet on your side, and get some evidence that the previous problems are nothing to do with his pancreatitis. If you can't get this evidence, then they might be right, and you might use the fact that it is unclear to come to a settlement whereby they cover a lower proportion of the costs than they would normally do. 

You can complain to the Financial Ombudsman after tou have reached a stalement with your complaint to the insurance company. You might benefit from having a read of their information on problems with claiming when the insurance company regards the condition to pre-existing. See here: Pet insurance (financial-ombudsman.org.uk)

elsien

What they said. ^^^

There’s little point talking about a campaign until you’ve exhausted all the formal processes. 

I’ve had a refused claim paid out  when my vet provided further information. 

When you took out the insurance, what did they ask about previous illnesses - can you dig out that wording? 

sheramber

You used to have to declare any pre existing  conditions before you took out insurance. Exclusions would then be listed on the policy.

Now , it is covered by a statement that they will not cover any condition that recurs or could be linked in any way to a previous condition.

You can , of course, ask if specific previous  conditions will affect the policy before you take it out, but very few people do.

Animal Friends are one of the worst  for linking previous conditions to a current claim.


Ask your vet for confirmation that the current condition is in no way linked to the previous episode.

Forward that to the  Animal Friends following the complaints procedure, which will be detailed in your policy document.

if they still reject the claim they should include advice you that you can take your complaint to the Ombudsman

If they do not reply within 8 weeks you can  go ahead and forward your complaint to the Ombudsman.

Nezza_2

Thanks everyone.  Having checked the online application for insurance the definition they give for pre existing claim is very misleading. I shall also be talking to my vet first thing in pursuit of the info needed to prove that ingesting something dodgy causing sickness etc is not linked to pancreatitis.