Buddies pet insurance?

[Dieu]

Hi. 4 week free trial that came with our pup was with Buddies (organised through the breeder obviously), and now I'm not sure whether to just stick with them, or start our pup on Petplan who are also the insurers for our cat. At around £17 per month for our moggy though, I'm sure Petplan would prove a costly option for our Shih Tzu! Any thoughts on good insurance for 2 pets (cat and dog). Thanks very much.

[Lokibuddyboo]

Try going on a couple of insurance comparison sites like compare the market just be sure to read the small print before buying as cheapest isn't always the best.

[Dieu]

Thanks Lbb

[WeAllHaveWings]

We are with petplan for our 2 year old Labrador and it is expensive (£32/month) but I've have never really heard anyone complain about them and the vet has always been pleased we have petplan as they never have any problems with them paying out. So I feel comfortable if we have any problems we are covered.

if you do deviate from the main insurers make sure you do you homework as once your dog has any health problems it is difficult to change as any pre existing conditions wont be covered.

[kimbasmum]

I have a couple of independent websites about pet insurance... which should help you work out which policy is right for you.

It is very important to realise that all pet insurance policies are different in what they cover.. how much they will pay.. and how long they will going on paying for!

For example were you aware that if you take out a Buddies policy you will have to pay 20% of vet fees yourself when your pet reaches the age of 6?

It is not uncommon to have to pay a percentage of vet fees for older pets but it is more normal for pet insurance companies to start charging at about 8 years old.

Certainly worth doing your research before getting quotes... as the price comparison sites don't give you anything like enough info!

My pet insurance sites are

www.pet-insurance-guide.co.uk
www.pet-insurance-surveys.co.uk

[WaitingForFrostyMornings]

I'm with animal friends. They make substantial donations to animal charities with their profits.
They are competitively priced too but check the small print if you want to do shows/trials etc as these are not covered in their standard policies.

[Ridingthegravytrain]

I'm with PetPlan on covered for life policy. I think covered for life is important whatever policy you choose. Also I use them because they are animal only and won't decide to stop doing animals and screw you over like a few other companies did!! Nfu are also really good and usually a little cheaper

[VetNurse]

I've never heard of buddies but I would advise you to go with a well know insurance company. I use Petplan for my pets. I would avoid E&L and animal friends. They have a bad reputation for not paying out.

[daisy5569]

I agree with vetnurse re animal friends, they are cheap but I had a problem getting them to pay out for a claim for my old boy recently. Claim was submitted by my vet and declined, vet then wrote to them to ask them to reconsider and they still declined the claim saying the claim was related to his cushings even though the vet stated it wasn't and the cushings was well managed. I then wrote to them to cancel the policy and to complain about them not paying out luckily for me they reconsidered and paid out although it was at the third time of asking.
In future I think I will do lots of research before taking out insurance and would try and buy a policy with as few restrictions as possible. Cheap isn't always the best