Compulsory cover increase to pay by DD

Eagle6

My 12 year old Springer spaniel has been covered by pet insurance from the Insurance Emporium since we got him as a puppy. The premiums have increased annually as expected with all insurance. 
This year the renewal has increased by £89 to £606. I'm a 73 year pensioner and contacted them to ask to change my payment from an annual to a monthly payment. 
I was informed that it was only possible if I increased my cover which would increase the cost to over £700 which would mean an overall increase of over £200 from last year.
Why can't i just pay the premium by monthly payments?
Once your pet has a condition you are effectively forced to stay with the insurer as no insurer will take a pet with pre-existing conditions.
I think it's blackmail used against customers who are feeling the pinch of current financial issues.

sheramber

Insurance companies are in the business of making profits for their shareholders, not  to support pet owners.

Unfortunately, it appears this particular company do not offer monthly payments on the policy you have. 

You could write a letter of complaint. Details of this will be in your policy document. 

However, how a company charges is a business decision and not regulated. 

Elderly dogs are assessed a higher risk for claims. Personally,  I review whether I will continue insurance once my dogs reach double figures as the cost of the premiums plus any excess are likely to outweigh any treatment I would consider appropriate for an elderly dog. Instead I pout the money away to be used for vet fees if necessary.

if a dog has an ongoing condition that is different, but then that usually means a higher premium anyway.

KxMx

My cat had a 3k diagnostic bill, I put her through the tests because she was unwell and IBD was the most likely cause. Even the super specialist Vet said Cancer unlikely, unfortunately we hit those low odds.
I didn't persue treatment but the tests were still a (big) appropriate expense. 

Katiehound

Most insurers don't insure older pets especially if you are starting a new policy.

IMHO put the money aside, for example the £600 that insurer wants.

When a pet gets elderly I would want to know if any suggested treatment would be a) effective or b) improve quality of life because I would (cynically) think that some vets see £££ signs.
 Just because we 'can try this/  do this ' it is not always in the best interests of the animal.