Not sure what insurance to get. Two adopted 3 year old pooches

[NoMoreLimbo]

Hi all. I adopted two adorable dachshund brothers this spring. They are now just over three years. I have not got around to insure them yet but must do so now. Would someone be able to recommend a good insurer for multiple pets please? Also I have no clue what the level of vet fees to set to be able to claim annually ? What’s ‘normal’ ?? Thanks

Just be aware that anything you have been to the vets for, even without a diagnosis or claim would need to be declared so the insurance company can determine anything to be excluded. For example I know of people having any stomach issues excluded due to diarrhoea episode treated at the vets. They will ask for vet history if you claim in the future.

I would recommend a life policy for as much yearly vet you can afford. Vet fees mount up quickly. Over £2k for one period of bad D&V and I was facing an operation after an accident for over £5k although fortunately not needed.

My understanding is dachshund's can have back problems so I would be looking for many many thousands per year cover.

We have just insured our rescue with Bought by Many. We looked at others but this came out best. It also gives you choices of the level of insurance you want.

Do you know the dogs' full medical histories? If not, you will need to tell the insurer that, and may only get limited vet cover for the first year or so.

The companies which get the most shout outs on MN are Petplan and Bought By Many

Look for lifetime cover with no per-condition limit (premiums may go up, but you'll still be covered) with as high an annual ceiling as you can comfortably afford

Thanks so much all!
@wetotter I do have the full history and as far as I can tell they have been healthy and fine.
@BiteyShark yes! Good shout about the backs. At this hour in the morning I did not think of that.
@Buddywoo I will look at this insurer and the others.
I had hoped to have a max level of £1000 per year for vet fees but now realise it may be too low.

I had hoped to have a max level of £1000 per year for vet fees but now realise it may be too low.

That is way too low. I have £4000 and that is too low but unfortunately I can't now change it due to all the claims I have made. I would be wanting at least double that.

I just tried using a comparison site ‘meerkat’ and a lot of them come back with a ££ per condition per year and 5% of the remaining claim! Seems steep

Try adding them to your house insurance?

Tesco Premium insurance, I can't recommend them enough. The service is excellent and covers you up to £10k per year. Our dog was rescued from a puppy farm and they still only charge £26 per
month, even after £6k vet bills.

I had hoped to have a max level of £1000 per year for vet fees but now realise it may be too low.

Far too low. I would say an absolute minimum of 10k per year. Vets bills add up very quickly indeed.

@BiteyShark

I had hoped to have a max level of £1000 per year for vet fees but now realise it may be too low.

That is way too low. I have £4000 and that is too low but unfortunately I can't now change it due to all the claims I have made. I would be wanting at least double that.

Sorry should have made it clearer when I said I would be wanting at least double I meant £8k minimum (not double your initial suggestion) .

Personally I wouldn't pick any with a percentage charge on top of an excess as you will still end up with a big bill.

@leafeater good idea! I will look at that. Thanks for the tip for Tesco @Snakeplisskensmum

@BiteyShark I agree re the % increase! That really does not sit right with me.

Having met many daxies going for rehab post spinal op at hydrotherapy (one lady had 2 daxies that had ops about year apart) they ideally need to go for hydro 2-3 times a week along with intensive physio so the costs for rehab alone can be high. Some can be conservatively managed without surgery if disc isn't too bad but a fair few it isn't really an option if want them to have quality of life & chance to regain use of hind end.

My 13yr dogs with petplan they maybe more expensive than many but they don't hike up your premiums after claims so can claim for all worry free, nor try to get shot by making it unaffordable once you've had big claims or your dogs old & high risk. They pay out reliably & quickly, therefore most vets & specialists will allow direct claim rather than having to pay bill upfront. An MRI alone is £1.5-3k (depends on location) that's just to diagnose the problem.

I pay 20% of vets bills since my dog hit OAP (10yrs I think) which I'm fine with if keeps my premium affordable as paying for what you use. So many on dog arthritis group
with other insurers were forced to cancel & now uninsured having to pay in full, not able to have treatments/medications they'd have liked. My dogs meds alone are £90 a month, more than premium.

I’m with Bought By Many
7k lifetime £44 a month
I have referral code that gets you a £20 amazon gift card if you want to message me

Thanks again all. I need to research a bit I think. Its a bit daunting. Some people I know with dogs do not insure them at all!