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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

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Mumsnet users share what they think of pet insurance providers
OP posts:
TellMeItsNotTrue · 27/08/2018 12:27

I've had a lot of hamsters over the years and have found that insurance is geared up towards cats and dogs rather than the many other animals people have as pets

When calling to discuss insurance the person I speak to often doesn't see the point in insurance for a hamster, but I've actually had to use it in the past and I've certainly saved more than I've spent on insurance over the lifetime of the hamster

mollysmammy · 27/08/2018 14:23

We had the 'Advanced Plan' from Direct Line my cat sadly passed away from liver cancer, however, we did everything we possibly could to try and save her (she was only 7). In hindsight it would have been kinder to let her slip away rather than undergo treatment, but as I'm sure any pet owner knows it's very hard not to 'try' and have hope. It was in excess of £4,000 before they told us there was nothing else they could do Sad Direct Line were excellent and paid out with no issues. No way could it have been afforded otherwise. I cannot understand why anyone would not take out pet insurance, I appreciate it's an idea to put the premium amount away each month, BUT if your one year old pet needed treatment, there would only be a few hundred to pay for treatment, and if there were limited funds available it could be a case of having to make a very difficult decision or Crowdfunding, the total needed might not be met whilst the animal suffers.

foxessocks · 27/08/2018 17:27

We once rescued a kitten (literally rescued a kitten!) and didn't get pet insurance as we just didn't get round to it, unfortunately the kitten was very poorly (we had him for quite a while with no idea there was anything wrong, he seemed really healthy) , lots of different vets tried to diagnose the problem but they couldn't do anything to help him. He took a turn for the worse on Christmas Eve and the kindest thing to do was have him put to sleep - unfortunately no vets were open so he had to go an emergency vet and it cost us hundreds and hundreds. We wanted the best for him so paid it but my goodness we have always got insurance since!

cherylann2461 · 27/08/2018 23:00

I have pet insurance but my word how it has gone up this year. Just too worried not to buy it.

user1485629191 · 28/08/2018 08:48

its getting more and more expensive and feel there should be bigger discounts for long term customers.

Rocioo · 28/08/2018 10:03

I currently don't have pet insurance but as I have a cat who's getting older I think I will get one. I use websites which compare different deals to find the best one, I just wish they were cheaper!

DogsandKids94 · 28/08/2018 10:09

I use Animal Friends, the insurance is good value and very competitive with larger companies. Touch wood we have not had to use them yet but from the reviews I have read they seem to be very efficient when needed Smile

Teaspoon74 · 28/08/2018 12:53

I find it all a bit bewildering tbh. There are so many clauses about what is and isn't included and what pre existing conditions will be treated and what won't be, plus issues around age etc of pet, that part of me thinks it would be equally good to just stick money into a pet bank account for the day it is needed!!

As a case in point, when we took in a stray cat a few years ago, our vet assessed them as being around 2, but said that they would record him as under 1 as that would make it easier and cheaper to get cover. Like the word of a vet isn't enough to confirm that an animal is fit and healthy.

I'm fearful for any changes resulting from Brexit - will that be used as an opportunity to hike up cover for any pets needing to travel overseas?

HelenSw4les · 28/08/2018 18:10

We used Petplan for our dog, Lacie and found them excellent. paid for Lacie's care direct to the vets and there were no quibbles, I would thoroughly recommend them.

billybear · 28/08/2018 21:18

have over years always had a dog ,have always used animal friends pet insurance claimed a couple of times always paid out ok not too expensive when one dog died they were very nice on the phone,know quite a few friends and family who have also gone with this company.

GetKnitted · 28/08/2018 23:04

it is pretty much essential isn't it, otherwise you might be stuck with an awful decision down the line of whether to pay the mortgage or save the cat .

Blainalass · 29/08/2018 14:34

To start with you can find good cover at a reasonable price, then year after year the premiums rise steeply and the cover is more restricted.

hiddenmichelle · 29/08/2018 17:00

petplan - always found them great

rhinosuze · 29/08/2018 21:08

I think they are expensive and exclude a lot - I sort of get it as vets are expensive but I feel like you can spend a lot on it and not get much benefit

I think being clearer and maybe offering different levels of cover so you can choose would be good

runkaterun · 29/08/2018 22:21

We self insure........

Seablueeyes · 29/08/2018 23:21

We used a comparison website to find the cheapest deal for the level of cover that we require for our seven year old cat.

We pay annually as it is cheaper long term than paying monthly.

We switched last year after staying with the same provider for six years due to the cost increasing annually. We felt loyalty to them as we had a big claim when our other cat died and they paid over £500 towards the cost of operations that tried to save him but after being loyal for a subsequent two years, couldn’t justify the cost.

We haven’t claimed this year so will use a comparison website again at renewal time.

DaringtoDream · 30/08/2018 07:35

I’ve been with Tesco for 4 years. Each year I take a new policy with them though as it’s much cheaper than renewing the existing policy. Can’t fault them, we’ve had several claims thanks to a very curious and cheeky pooch and it’s been very straight forward each time. Would definitely recommend them.

Ellisisland · 30/08/2018 13:54

I've got lifetime cover with Petplan. Have had a lot of pets with various issues and so far have had minimal issue with them paying out. Any issues are normally to do with the vets rather than the insurance company.
I look for cover that will;
Pay out swiftly
Lifetime cover
Cost vs value
Vets recommended
.
Another reason for Petplan is that the vets I have had seem comfortable with them, and have seemed reassured when I say that is who my pets are insured by

YearOfYouRemember · 30/08/2018 19:55

We have our four main animals insured and my previous cat was 8nsured for her whole 18.9 years. I dread to think how much I paid in premiums for two small claims and one of £2000.

We made a claim last year after our cat was beaten up by the neighbours cat. We claimed £145. Was paid less. New premiums came in, total cost up by £140 Hmm. We've moved insurers. Really stupid of them as they've lost years of premiums for the older two cats and now our new kitten.

Lfoulds0209 · 30/08/2018 21:27

we always shop around for pet insurance for our dog and look for a reasonable price but an exceptional cover quality

MrsFrTedCrilly · 30/08/2018 23:30

I think the rules about shopping around apply (as for any insurance) at renewal, there’s seems to be no value staying with a provider in my experience.

Gammeldragz · 31/08/2018 00:03

I have two cats, insured with tesco as they were cheap and there was a cashback offer with quidco. Pleasantly surprised by their customer service and ease of making a claim. I was expecting difficulties but there were no issues at all. Includes vetphone support included which I used and found helpful. Previously used Argos and Asda but as I never had to claim I don't have anything to say about their service.

7flipper7 · 31/08/2018 09:56

We have had some good experiences of them paying out but you have to be really careful when choosing which type of insurance as bills can run very high if you have a serious illness. My one bug bear is the how much the premiums go up each year as the dog gets older, when they are more likely to have something wrong. We still shop around at the moment as ours is young - not sure what we will do when they get to 8 years.

Rufus27 · 31/08/2018 13:23

Always used Pet plan as I assumed (not really sure why - power of advertising?)it was the best. Then after a drop in pay, did a bit of research and ended up using Sainsbury’s and Animal Friends (different pets, depending on who quoted best price). Cannot fault either. Their communication and speed of dealing with claims was far superior to Petplan, plus I like Animal Friends’ ethos.

Honeyroar · 31/08/2018 15:36

Can anyone suggest a cheap and cheerful insurance for a lab. I haven't insured for a few years but we have a new younger dog that I feel we should have insurance on while we build the pot back up after we had to pay for an op for my horse a few months ago. All our other animals are old and have issues that means they're not worth insuring.