Dog insurance options for older dog

[Buttons0522]

We have an 11 year old cocker whose insurance premium this year is nearly £900. Now feels the time to weigh up whether this high cost plus the co-payment is worth it and I’d be grateful for any advice.

We have a top whack £12k lifetime policy and never claimed on the policy before. We spent £700 on dental work last year which was not covered. She’s been fortunately very healthy on the whole so in terms of pre-existing conditions there’s nothing too concerning though we have seen a vet for an ear infection or two, an emergency incident involving a corn on cob swallowed whole and they discovered some skin fold dermatitis when doing the dental work last year which they treated and has been fine since.

Any advice on providers to look at? Are accident only policies worth it? Reducing the level to less than £6k?

thanks in advance for anyone able to help

IMO £6K insurance for a dog would be a waste of money - £6K really won’t cover much. If you have the money in the bank that if the worst should happen you can cover it, then cancel but otherwise I’d keep it.

Personal, I think 11 is quite young for a cocker? Don’t a lot live until they’re 13-15?

FWIW, my eldest girl (Goldie - 13) costs me £160 a month in insurance - £15K cover. I’m with Petplan. My mum pays £120 a month for her cocker (also Petplan) who is also 13. Although she has had some huge work done, hence high premiums, but the cover is £15K.

I’d never not be without insurance as I’d never forgive myself if something my came up I couldn’t afford to treat immediately - that was treatable - because I didn’t have the funds or insurance available instantly. Ultimately it’s about the risk you’re willing to take - and could you forgive yourself if something happened and you couldn’t afford treatment that would save her and she was otherwise healthy and happy and could live another few years