Has anyone used Animal friends insurance?

[InQuiresandplaceswheretheysing]

Penelope’s insurance renewal has gone up £400 and they want me to pay £91 a month, she’s only 6! The best quote I’ve had is animal Friends. Are they any good?

I used them for 8 years with my previous dog, they was fine, I went for their top cover because my dog had a few health issues and was ageing

My vet recommended Petplan and they paid up when needed. I pay about 45 a month for 2 middle aged cats.

I used them, we had a £99 excess, they don't cover dental and they changed the policy 2 years ago to no longer cover all manner of age related illnesses cats get so totally not worth it for me as they didn't pay out once and I am now paying stupid money out of pocket because my cat is an older girl.

We did a few years ago. There was a flood and the vet's surgery had to close due to damage just after the first meeting for this ailment (cancerous lump in a dog). We continued the treatment at another branch with the same actual vet but they charged 2 Excesses even though we sent proof of the flood damage, name of the veterinary surgeon etc.I wouldnt use them again.

I got stiffed by them, I’d also recommend Pet Plan but it might be worth asking your vet which ones they find more likely to pay out without quibbling. With insurance you get what you pay for IME

I used them for my last dog and for my current elderly dog. Never had a problem. They've always settled claims quickly and the premiums are reasonable.

PP mentioned her vet recommending PetPlan, that's because vets often have an affiliation with them and get commission so bear that in mind.

I've had them for years and had one claim when my dog was young then a lot of claims as my elderly dog became unwell. They always paid quickly and I've gone with them with my new dog. The installment is very low currently but I know it will go up in time. I've no complaints.

I also have PetPlan, 2 middle aged cats, and pay £90 a month! Think I'll be checking with the company at renewal time...

I’m with Animal Friends for my dogs. I put a claim in last week and it’s been approved. I always pay the vet myself and then reclaim. The process has been pretty easy, worst bit was trying to get the form printed off for me to complete and then send to the vets.

Could be because of your location. My 7 year old cats live in the cheapest zone for insurance. Prices went down when we moved from London.

Pet Plan do NOT pay commission to vets

My screen is now full of adverts for Animal Friends.

I use animal friends for my cat and dog. Never had issues with either policy. Always paid out quickly and so far they have never refused a claim. The monthly premiums are half of what petplan was charging me.

I pay £22 a month for my 10 year old cat with Tesco as it covers dental and his teeth are awful. Had a few out and it costs hundreds but covered on his plan

That's interesting @SusanJJ. I didn't know pet insurance was based on location. Thanks for the info!

I think it is because the crime rate in an area affects pets as well as property. And the amount of traffic for outdoor cats.

I used them but never needed to claim so can’t really say. I stopped as my renewal went up a lot

I got a quote from them a few years ago and whilst they were the cheapest when reading the small print they didn’t cover accidents resulting from the cat being outdoors. Sometimes the cheapest isn’t the best.

I had Animal Friends and found they were fine. When I had to have my old boy PTS I got a lovely message from them and they refunded my month's payment.
I was paying £14 per month which I thought was reasonable for an 18yo cat.

Their superior plus now covers dental as my dogs policy is due for renewal and they made a big song and dance about it being added.

You would obviously have to check individual policies but its not 100% excluded now.

I'm with them for my dogs and had 3 claims.
Dog 1 : First for a broken arm, immediate direct to vet payment.

Edit* to say SUSPECTED broken arm. The little horror was absolutely fine and miraculously went from screaming in pain at the slightlest touch to running about the consult room, baring her full weight after a £700 X ray 😑😑

Dog 2 : An elective surgery which was quite expensive, the vets did a preauthorisation which was approved then AF paid the vet directly (i just paid excess, which is £159 but I chose that for some reason?!)

And a claim for allergies and immunotherapy going through now for her.

Her premium has gone up from £25 in her 6th year to £57 in her upcoming 7th but she did have that elective surgery.

I imagine its going to shoot up a lot more next time because of the immunotherapy claim being added and the fact she will be turning 8 and they add a 20% increase for seniors.

So I'm not sure if I will be continuing it beyond that but they have been good with payouts and i find the pre authorisation and direct pay very helpful as it takes the stress out of finding the money upfront then worrying it may not be reimbursed.

Really?! I was looking at insuring my kitten with them, I nearly did a few days ago but something distracted me.
She will be indoor but they escape don't they! So what they wouldnt cover a cat getting run over?

I used them a couple of years ago for my old dog. When he got ill they refused to pay for any treatment on the grounds of pre existing condition even though the vet stated that the two things weren’t related, Our vet did their best in terms of palliative care but he died quite soon after.

Yes I've used Animal Friends for several cats over the years. One had heart disease come on suddenly with expensive vet bills, all was paid for by them. Haven't had any issues.

In fairness they might have changed things now but tbh it put me off even considering them. The clause was well hidden in the T&Cs and it wasn’t until I got the policy docs I discovered it. Thankfully I was able to cancel straight away. I’m with LV now. Whilst not the cheapest they have been in excellent when I had to claim a few months ago .