Would you save money insuring a 15 month old dog with an annual, rather than life time policy? Is it too much of a gamble?

[Lacreon]

I've a Cav King Charles who is 15 months and so far happily hale and hearty. I've paid for a lifetime policy this last year which has been £25 per month, but renewal time shows I can pay either £14.70 per month for annual cover up to £6k, or £21.93 for an lifetime policy with a max limit of £12k per year.

I'm dithering, do I gamble on nothing happening and pay £176 in total, or is it not worth tempting fate, so paying £237.

Any advice please? Feel like my brain is about to implode!

Lifetime, every time. The ongoing costs of long term medication can be high and unfortunately cavaliers are a breed prone to health problems. You may regret paying less now if it means your cover runs out after 12 months.

I think, on balance, you are probably right affa. I was wondering if it was worth trying to save a few quid whilst he's young and healthy, but I guess you never really know what's round the corner...

I have always had lifetime for all dogs and so far have never needed it, (have needed to use insurance, but never for anything on going), I do however know people who have felt they had no choice but to have dogs pts as they simply couldn't afford treatment.

To me the extra £60ish would be a no brainer against ever being in that situation.

We have lifetime cover. Two large dogs, 12 and 10, now paying £99 and £80 each month. 12 year old has had many many ops and drugs, so we're 'in profit' financially. 10 year old hasn't (so far touch wood) had many things to claim for so we're losing financially but gaining healthwise (ours as well as hers, stress of major ops affects us too!) I think as you have one dog and you're insuring anyway then I'd go for lifetime. £7 doesn't buy you much in the shops, but it could buy you peace of mind.

Shit I think I only have annual. I find it all a bit confusing tbh

Lifetime especially for a Cavy!!!
they are very prone to heart issues(and a list of other issues) and often need lifetime medication for heart issues which can end up being quite costly.

That's unanimous then!

Thank you for all the feedback - it does get confusing Owllady, I've spent HOURS today on comparison sites trying to get my head around it, but looks like Morethan's top policy is the best value for money for my mutt.

Life cover without hesitation for all my dogs.

It's a nightmare comparing policies isn't it? Hate to add to your pain, but do read through all the policy documents and compare fine print, as some policies cover more than others - eg PetPlan cover dental where a lot of others don't and some have restrictions on the amounts they will pay out for things like cruciate injuries.

Should have said ours is with Petplan.

Lifetime. CKCS are almost guaranteed to have heart problems. If it's severe enough to need medication, then it will be needed for life.

My last 2 dogs have racked up tens of thousands in vet bills over the last number of years so I'd never gamble with inadequate insurance cover.

Lifetime but check the small print - lifetime does not always mean lifetime on all conditions any more.

Pet Insurance Surveys UK this site may help you choice the right insurance it is

Hmmm I have morethans top policy too
I still don't understand
They always pat out though :)

A friend regrets insuring her Westie with Tesco Standard pet insurance. In the first year the pup had a cataract which the insurance covered. Next year he had a cataract in other eye and she had to pay for herself. Pup also developed a host of allegeries causing skin problems/infections which after the first year she now has to pay for all ongoing medication and treatments herself as they are now existing conditions and no other insurance company would cover them now.

We've bought the best we can afford just now (PetPlan £28 month) for our 1 year old Labrador and its already paid out over £400 after he ate something nasty and had a tummy upset (overnighter in vets, drips, xrays etc).

Don't pay to insure against every eventuality. We only pay to cover vet's fees. Lifetime cover is definitely best in case your dog develops a chronic condition, when annual cover will only pay the first year's fees.

Just be aware that MoreThan is one of the few that doesn't cover behavioural problems