Pet Insurance

[Acrosstheuniverse123]

I have never had it and never needed it, but am getting worried now i have a new kitten that perhaps I should. Throwing £12 a month away for fifteen years when my cat may not need treatment seems criminal. i had thought of opening a special savings account, but would probably be tempted to use it. I wonder how many people have it and do you think it is worth it?

[Vinorosso74]

I think like all insurance you may need it, you may not. However as vet bills can run into thousands it is worthwhile. It is also worth having a savings account to cover things such as annual boosters, some dental work and the excess (which is less on a young cat).

[Toddlerteaplease]

I have too level cover for my indoor cats, and was thinking of dropping it down a level. Good job I didn’t as they both ran up enormous vets bills in the space of a few months. (Completely unrelated conditions) not having to worry about money was worth every penny of the premium! I worked out that it’s going to take 19 years for me to be out of pocket based on their current premium! One of them has just been diagnosed with cardiomyopathy so that’s going to be more claims. 😫

[Acrosstheuniverse123]

That's sobering. Who are you insured with Toddler? I know some policies won't pay out on loads of things.

[Oops4]

I pay for petplan which is a bit pricier than some but have more than got my money back, and we haven't even really had any major issues! Our most recent was sedation and a leg X-ray which alone cost £400! My cousins kitten tried to jump off the bath and got caught in a clothes rail and was thousands in vet bills. I would definitely recommend a good insurance, you get what you pay for. Putting the same amount away each month is unlikely to cover the majority of more serious very bills.

[Vinorosso74]

Yes Petplan are excellent though more expensive. I definitely recommend reading the small print very carefully!

[Grumpyoldpersonwithcats]

I have never had pet insurance and having insurance would not have paid me with any of my cats individually, let alone considering the cost across all eight cats I have owned to date.
So not mandatory from my perspective.

[MrsKilminster]

Read my thread OP! I stopped insuring my cat when she was about 8 or 9 and never had to spend anything on her until now....If you don't insure, just make sure you have a fund (of at least £1,000) if you need it.

[pomegranita]

My elderly cat has never been insured. Up until age of c.15 I was definitely “quids in”, but in the last couple of years, the tables have definitely turned: She now needs daily kidney, thyroid and blood pressure medication, regular blood tests and check-ups and a special renal diet. I am spending something towards £200/month on her at present and I’m really feeling the pinch. Not sure how much of that would have been covered under an insurance policy and for how long (the need for medication will be lifelong) - I guess it depends on the policy T&C. I had considered the prospect of accidents and illness, but not chronic long term illness.