Pet Insurance Discussion Area

Former_MSE_Andrea · 10 December 2004 at 5:36PM

Click reply to ask questions and discuss the Pet insurance cost-cutting article.

Moppy_2 · 26 December 2004 at 7:07PM

I am finding pet insurane a total minefield. There is so much small print. I am looking for a policy which will continue to run if your dog develops a long running illness. Some seem to run out after 12 months of treatment. can anyone give me advice. I am really having trouble.

Moppy

[Deleted User] · 5 January 2005 at 6:35PM

If you have a pet with an existing condition you will not find an insurance company willing to cover that existing condition. But if you do - PLEASE let me know.

There are policies that cover ongoing conditions for life BUT only if the condition develops AFTER you take out the insurance.

Many policies will only cover new conditions for one year (as mine did) so if you are shopping around, it's definitely worth paying a bit extra for the 'whole of life' cover.

Most companies will still offer you insurance for new and unrelated conditions regardless - but will not cover the exsting condition.

My cat's insurance expires in May - she developed a lifelong renal condition only weeks after the policy started. I've made numerous claims (totalling over £500 so far) for the special diet, tablets, regular blood tests (£50 per test), and the recent crisis which hospitalised her - but it all stops in May! Meanwhile I've built a little fund up for her - which is still an option for anyone else instead of buying pet insurance.

I can (and will) still insure her, but the renal condition will be excluded.

Vet bills can be horrendous so unless you put away a reasonable amount each month (£50?) you may not be able to afford that unexpected bill.

By the way - my cat is back to her usual mischievous self now.

Moppy_2 · 7 January 2005 at 8:50PM

;D ::)[flash=200,200][/flash]

Thanks for the advice. After ploughing through the small print of many major companies I decided to insure with Marks and Spencers. I chose their policy because it was a life policy. I feel they were better, because if my dog developed a life long condition they will pay out £2000 each year instead of it ending when the £2000 limit is reached. I found they were best value for this type of policy.

What I will say is take care when looking for insurance. Do not go for the cheapest as they cover very little. Always read the small print. Ask for a copy of the policy before you sign up. Many have them on their websites, but you really have to look for the link.

Moppy

Heddwen_2 · 10 February 2005 at 1:00PM

Hi

Can anyone reccomend a good company for prt insurance? I would prefer a policy that gives 'unlimited' cover for vet fees as we possibly wouldn't be able to afford to pay for any ongoing treatment should the 'yearly or per condition limits' run out (if that makes sense?).

I would also like to pay in monthly installments, should this need considering when recomending a company. Also interested in any special offers if booked online etc.

I have already tried 'Healthy Pets' but due to an admin error on their behalf (they cancelled my DD several times and blamed me) they said I would have to now pay the yearly premium in full which I cannot afford in 1 lump sum!

Thanks everyone!

dougk_2 · 10 February 2005 at 3:39PM

I would recommend pet plan
http://www.petplan.co.uk/

Well established company and recommended by lots of vets!

Also very helpful and polite on the phone and even answer emails quickly!

dean_sarah · 23 February 2005 at 2:47PM

Need to sort out some pet insurance for my dog, recently gave her a home after being resuced, she is about 14 months old.

Does anyone recommend a particular company??
Going to try Direct Line and Tescos, but any other suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks

Sarah

Bossyboots · 23 February 2005 at 9:58PM

I use Petplan. They are expensive but were one of only a couple around when I got my dogs. However, unlike most of the other companies they will insure an illness for life. This means that if, for example, your dog suffers from arthritis from an early age they will pay for the treatment for the lifetime of your dog with no yearly limit. A lot of the other companies only insure in the first policy year of illness and up to a maximum figure for that year. Our little dog suffered respiratory problems for his last three years and we were able to have it treated knowing he was insured.