Active discussions

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Sponsored threads

This topic is for sponsored discussions. If you'd like to run one with us, please email [email protected].

MNHQ

Mumsnet users share what they think of pet insurance providers

299 replies

EllieMumsnet · 23/08/2018 08:48

This activity is now closed

We want to know what you think of all things pet insurance as well as pet insurance providers. Have you found the perfect plan for you? Is there something you wish providers would do more of? Perhaps you can share how you found the pet insurer you are currently with?

Whatever your thoughts and feelings are about pet insurance and the providers, please share them on the thread below to be entered into a prize draw where one MNer will win a £100 voucher of their choice (from a list).

Thanks and good luck!
MNHQ

Standard Insight T&Cs Apply

Mumsnet users share what they think of pet insurance providers
OP posts:
Butterfly1975 · 24/08/2018 22:44

I've recently found it really annoying how much my premium had gone up despite my cat having no medical issues. I had to cancel at renewal and find another provider as it suddenly doubled! Had been with the same provider for several years (Tesco Bank) but when I phoned to discuss the sudden hike they had no interest in whether I renewed or not.

Like every other kind of insurance, pet insurance relies on shopping around every year for the best deal that meets your pets needs and ultimately your ability to pay. I can see why so many people take a gamble and don't get insurance for their pets Sad

pfcpompeysarah · 24/08/2018 22:59

I used to be with Animal Friends when our previous kitty was alive but stupidly cancelled it and then he got sick, as I was eligible for PDSA treatment I thought I would get him looked at there but then they closed the local branch down and it was a good 45 mins by bus to the other branch so not ideal, sadly he is no longer with us. We have a new kitty now and I made a point this time, given my previous experience, of taking out a lifetime policy with Petplan, who I researched and who seemed to come out best, i.e. they don't seem to increase their annual price too much and they pay direct to the vets and also vets seem to recommend them, presumably for that reason. I have not had to use the insurance yet, and fingers crossed I won't have to, but am confident that they will be better at dealing with my claim than other cheaper ones on the market.

user1496053440 · 24/08/2018 23:34

I think it is essential but not always easy to claim

SingingMyOwnSpecialSong · 25/08/2018 00:16

Petplan lifetime cover have been great with my cat and dog (and ex and my old dog). Fair premiums, although the renewals do make me gulp a little, and excesses. Dog has serious allergies which cost several hundred pounds over a couple of years to get under control. Never had a quibble over payouts, direct to vet, for that or more recent ligament issues. Really value the direct payments as I would struggle with large upfront vet bills. Also had great customer service when I separated from my ex and needed to change Ddogs policy details into my name.

I see people on forums suggest just saving the premium costs towards possible vets bills and always comment about how stuck I would have been getting the best care for my pets without insurance.

Margaurette · 25/08/2018 05:30

I hate that you're effectively locked in for the animals life.

wonderstuff16 · 25/08/2018 08:45

Waste of time. Set up your own pets bank account and put money into it each month and if you need it it's there and if you don't you keep the money! Need to be disciplined not to be tempted to touch it though.

sarah861421 · 25/08/2018 09:19

Generally speaking I find them very expensive. I have had cats for years and never taken them to the vets.

Headfullofdreams · 25/08/2018 10:27

I think it's good to have pet insurance. My friend has had so many vet trips with her dogs, it's saved her a fortune.

KentUnicorn · 25/08/2018 10:31

I think pet insurance is a waste of money because a lot of conditions get excluded early on and then you cannot claim anymore

cluckyhen · 25/08/2018 10:49

I got a lifetime cover for all 3 of mine with AF and as 2 have been diagnosed with a lifelong injury I am tied in with AF as they will continue to insure both - saying that they have been absolutely amazing everytime my boys have been rushed to the vets so i will happily pay the premium

deano777 · 25/08/2018 11:40

I think pet insurance is confusing. They should all just provide the highest cover then you know you don't need to worry. I think the lesser cover products are a waste of money. I also think the premiums are far too high.

Honeyroar · 25/08/2018 12:19

I don't insure any of mine (horses, cats, dogs) as the premiums always go up and up plus insurers exclude so much. I have a few thousand in savings and an empty credit card if need be. Even with a horse and a dog having operations and a horse and dog on permanent medicines I've still spent less than I would have on paying for insurance over the last eight years. I also find the vets a little more thoughtful.

I do have third party insurance for the dogs and horses through The Dogs Trust and the BHS as I think that's vital.

twinklenic · 25/08/2018 14:37

we have 2 dogs, a cockatoo and a lizard but dont have insurance. We pay as we go for our vets and luckily havent had to pay out much. I find pet insurance very expensive and doesnt seem to include many things

Marg2k8 · 25/08/2018 15:29

I think they vary drastically. Always bear in mind once your pet is really old and the premiums go sky high, is it really worth paying. We stopped when our dog was very old, as we would never have put him through the trauma of an operation if anything happened, as we don't think he would have come through it.

maclinks · 25/08/2018 15:34

Pet insurance is really expensive and they are really pernickety when it comes to claiming. I adopted a 5 year old healthy dog , the vet inspection said they where healthy too. I insured the dog, 6 months later they developed a small problem with there paw that eventually required surgery, the insurance company wanted proof of previous health even though they had the original health certificate ... how do I prove what their health was in the past, as it is completely unknown. ! I did point this out, a case of mis-selling , they eventually did pay out but it took 6 months of arguing. Not best pleased.

grantd1 · 25/08/2018 15:57

L&G seem good so far. Although most providers seem too expensive so I switch every year for the best deal.

Panicmode1 · 25/08/2018 16:44

My three year old retriever was diagnosed with a mast cell tumour in her eye last year. Tesco have been brilliant so far as she racked up thousands just in tests alone and is now costing c £300 a month in chemo, bloods and follow ups. I made sure we went for lifetime cover, as I'm a bit stuck with them now. If I moved insurer, I don't think they would take her cancer risk on. I know some people put money aside every month, but even if I had put the monthly cost of the premium aside (£27 a month at the moment) from the day I got her, we would be significantly out of pocket.

petalflowercherrybomb · 25/08/2018 17:23

We're new to this as our kitten is only young. We're with petplan as we just continued with them after we received a free trial at the vets. I'm interested if it's the best choice. Being a pet mum is stressful!

TracyKNixon · 25/08/2018 19:38

Pet insurance, or putting money aside in a savings account, could prove expensive if you're short on cash. However, charities such as the PDSA, Blue Cross and the RSPCA may be able to help.

These charities offer free or subsidised vet care for pets whose owners are on certain means-tested benefits, among other criteria. As charities, though, they rely on donations to continue their work and some, such as Blue Cross, actively ask for a contribution towards costs.

To see if you could benefit from charity help, check eligibility criteria from the PDSA, Blue Cross and the RSPCA.

defineme · 25/08/2018 20:59

I have tried price plan comparison websites but all the prices seem much of a muchness. I wish there was a lower amount excess available, the amount of times I paid just under £50 for my ill cat!

ArtyKitty · 25/08/2018 21:13

I have covered for life from petplan. Expensive but i think we're roughly even Stevens after a cut pad and then a dog bite requiring several appointments, two lots of antibiotics, and then stitches. I am always skeptical when I hear the question, 'Are you insured?' as to whether the suggested treatment will be in the animal's best interest.

Belmo · 25/08/2018 21:21

Not got any for our cat - last time I looked the list of exclusions was so long it seemed pointless.

cabininthewoods2016 · 25/08/2018 21:33

Petplan petplan petplan! They have paid out every time i have claimed. No questions asked. £1000 each year for skin condition meds with last dog and with new dog £3000 for orthopaedic surgery with specialist when pup was only 4 months old.

Cannot thank them enough.

beckyinman · 25/08/2018 21:35

Shop around - if you can afford to take the hit of small niggles you can get a better deal for the big stuff you can't afford

pinkjjf27 · 25/08/2018 22:19

I used to be really loyal and go with the same company but i recommended my freind her the premium was very much lower than mine as a loyal customer, my the premiums just went up and up. I have never claimed so now i shop around no one desrves my loyalty