Best pet Insurance

[CrazyDuchess]

Hellooo

So after a particularly hairy situation with my gorgeous girl Charlie (I have another thread on here which I received some fabulous support) please can I ask about pet insurance - what am I looking for, best providers, what to avoid.

Any help would be gratefully appreciated!

[NickMyLipple]

I'm also interested in this - I have let plan currently but it's very expensive! It's nearly £40/month for my two young cats and I'm sure there must be cover which is cheaper but just as good out there!

[CrazyDuchess]

Yeah that is a lot. I've just paid out £1400 for Charlie for 7 days plus 2 weeks worth on meds. £40 per month doesn't sound that bad.

Would be interested in what to avoid in particular

[EachandEveryone]

The vet rang to say that it's probably gastroenteritis with Dolly so that's a relief, I'll just carry on what I'm doing

[CrazyDuchess]

Just a hopeful bump

[dementedpixie]

I have the top level Tesco cover for my 2 kittens. Cost about half of what petplan wanted. Whatever was treated may be excluded with a new provider so check that out too

[EachandEveryone]

Meant to say I pay £25 each with Petplan that one visit would've been£260 I paid the £90 access. I can claim £4000 a year and it's a lifetime policy.

[dementedpixie]

Mine is £7500 per year, lifetime cover with £60 excess. £25ish per month for both (not each)

[EachandEveryone]

Do u have to pay anything upfront? She told me it's a 39percent deposit if I don't use petplan

[dementedpixie]

I've never had to claim so don't know about up front payment. Petplan just looked too expensive to me

[CrazyDuchess]

Thank you all this is very helpful

[oxcat1]

I have been looking at Bought By Many, as it looks like good cover at a cheap price. Seems too good somehow though?!

Have previously had Animal Friends and they were good to deal with.

[QueenieMum]

I've been looking into this for new QueenieCat. I would definitely opt for lifetime cover which covers ongoing illnesses and also consider the amount of annual cover a plan provides. I didn't insure our old cat as I could afford the vet fees for the things he needed when he was younger but I didn't consider what it would be like as he got older.

I've seen a lot of advice here on insurance and many don't like policies underwritten by RSA as they dictate which consultant you can see if needed and it's quite a short list. PetPlan is underwritten by Allianz. PetPlan, Tesco, John Lewis and Animal Friends are the most popular I've seen mentioned on here.

I guess it's down to luck and your own circumstances but insurance is definitely worthwhile for what is, in effect, private healthcare.

P.S. let me know which cover you go for as I haven't decided yet either! Hope Charlie is doing well too

[CrazyDuchess]

Thank you - Charlie is getting there it's just going to be a long time before she is back to normal :( she is eating and drinking just now keeping a close eye to make sure she doesn't deteriorate again!