BoughtByMany vs Petplan?

[NumptyMum]

Has anyone had experience of BBM? We're getting a kitten (yay!), and at the moment the premium quoted for £7k lifetime cover comes in at £8 pcm less than PetPlan, and keeps the same excess of £69 for older cats (with the 20% of vet fees, in line with what looks like most other insurance companies). So it looks like a good deal, but equally it's a newish company... any experience of them out there?? I did also look at Tesco but the premium quoted was £38.39!! BBM is quoting £14.27.

Tesco is brilliant. That premium seems a bit high. As I only pay £42 to insure both of my cats who've run up £12,000 of vets bills.

Hi Toddler - yes, I was really surprised (and disappointed!) by the Tesco premium, esp as I've seen the various recommendations on here. No idea why so high when compared to the other insurances, unless it's because the cat isn't microchipped yet. He will be, but breeder seemed to be suggesting we get it done when he's neutered which we'll do at 6 months (breed type recommends later neutering, so it's for his own health that it's delayed). Even Petplan was £15 less than them!

hahahaha - just gone back into the Tesco quote and it's now up to nearly £43 per month. They really do not want my business.

My parents also had an oddly expensive quote for their boy. So they went elsewhere. I think not being microchipped might be the reason. I'd go and get him done immediately. Just for peace of mind.

Have you got a clubcard discount?

Hi Toddler - Tesco is the shop furthest away from where I live, so I don't actually shop there and don't have a clubcard.

Re microchipping, if I wait until he's microchipped before I get quotes, it would leave me without cover until he's done... is it an easy thing to get done? (ie do they need op?).

As a vet dealing with claims BBM is a nightmare to deal with total different system for claims to any other company, demanding phone calls and emails. Very pushy trying to get their claims jumped to the front of the queue of claims. No appreciation of how busy veterinary practices are and that people completing claims have other important roles in the practice i.e. They can't just stop monitoring an anaesthetic to quickly complete their paperwork. They are the only insurance company to do this.

Thanks for that input Lone, useful to know. Might stick with Petplan.

Re the microchipping, any advice there - is it best to get done asap after we bring him home and THEN get insurance? Or get the insurance from the day we pick him up, and just get the microchipping done when he's neutered?

I have no problem microchipping my colleagues appear more reluctant and like to wait to neutering, but we do all dogs by 8 weeks of age. If there is even the slightest risk of getting out before neutering I would chip ASAP. Insurance should be from the moment you collect the kitten as you never know what might happen and they all have a 14 day waiting period for medical conditions trauma is usually immediately covered.

Microchipping takes literally seconds. I'd get it done ASAP.