Pet insurance

When we got Meg, 4 years ago, I debated long and hard about insurance but in the end decided to go with More Than and so far, I have been pleased with the service and level of cover provided.  Maximum claim of £12000 per year and this is regardless of whether or not a previous claim has been made for the same condition.  When we have had to make a claim, they have paid up promptly and it can all be done on-line - with the assistance of our Vet - so minimum fuss.

Although I am currently paying more per month for Meg than I am for a £25k caravan, it does give me peace of mind that if something really expensive cropped up, we will be covered.

On the question of prescriptions, I regularly request one for worming medications which would cost me £75 from the Vets (for six months supply) but I can get for half the price, on-line - including the £8 charge for the script. It's always worth asking because, by law, a Vet cannot refuse to issue one (although some, I know charge ridiculous prices to try to dissuade anyone from asking).

On another money saving matter - our Vet is part of a national chain and when Meg was first taken there, there was an offer of paying £49 up front and that covered her for all her booster injections and an annual check-up for life.  Don't know if it's still available.

Pet Plan offers 'cover for life'......but the monthly paynents are not cheap. I suppose if you want decent cover, you end up paying more for it!

David

One of my Cockers was recently put to sleep at the age of just seven with adenocarcinoma.  

He was insured with John Lewis, who are underwritten by RSA, and they have been excellent.  Henry was just two when he was diagnosed with Epilepsy.  This was poorly controlled, and his medications were gradually increased and added to.   His vet referred him to the University of Liverpool SAH where he underwent a battery of tests and MRI scan.  The neurologist found no underlying cause of his Epilepsy and it was deemed idiopathic.   Last October he was diagnosed with cancer and saw an oncologist at the University SAH who said there was nothing to be done for him.  He was given just months to live.

John Lewis have never queried any of the charges for Henry and agreed the payment for his two referrals which were in excess of £2,000.  They also paid for his euthanasia; the price paid for him; and also £100 towards his cremation.

In his last years his premiums soared, but they more than covered his monthly vet bills.

Sorry for your loss Robbie - and it's good to hear a positive story about insurance for our best friends. 

We have continued with the Kennel Club insurance plan, but thinking of cancelling that and setting up a savings plan to put the insurance cost in to that.  We have been lucky and not needed to call on the policy.  Just figure the £25 a month will mount up to cover most scenarios in our dog's old age.  If not then we have the funds to cover the next puppy.