My rescue German Wirehaired Pointer cross has been insured with Animal Friends since we had him. In 2018 he swallowed a rubber toy (possibly child's teething ring) and needed an emergency operation on a Sunday costing £3K to remove it. In 2019 Animal Friends doubled our insurance to £833 a year. I tried arguing with them that this was ridiculously high given that now we knew this could happen we'd be taking a lot of care to prevent it happening again - but to no avail and I didn't have time to do more research at the time. Also my numerous emails saying that they weren't providing insurance, just a method of payment in arrears fell on totally deaf ears.
I've just had a email from them saying our next year's insurance will cost £1096 - this despite no vet trips claimed on the insurance since the op - all the dogs has had are routine vaccinations that we've paid for.
So, do you have any recommendations for a good insurer? Particularly one who would cover low chance of swallowing a rubber toys without a ridiculously inflated premium.
Their mail also says the following - what are they trying to say? They know they are overcharging?
"Thank you for trusting us with Musedog's insurance, it's great to have you in the Animal Friends family!
You have been with us for a number of years. You may be able to get the insurance cover you want at a better price if you shop around.
If you think we can be beaten on price for the same level of cover and service, ring our friendly UK call centre and see what we can do!
If you are considering moving away from Animal Friends, it may result in pre-existing conditions being excluded from your new policy by your new provider.
If you would like to change your cover, have any questions, or to update us on any changes please call us on xxxx xxxx"