Pet Insurance

[Cob-Web]

I started with Direct Line, as they were really good - check the small print when you get your renewal next year, as they seem to add the exclusions then 

[harleys mum]

After reading some recommendations on a previous thread we went with M&S but when I re-checked the KC Healthcare plan that provided the 6 weeks free cover when I got Harley - they were cheaper than M&S and their benefits were better.  M&S covered up to £7,000 per illness or accident per year and the KC one was £10,000, and as KC  were cheaper I cancelled the M&S one and went with the KC, they were quite happy to insure Harley, even though there had been a break in the cover - and still at the original price quoted when I activated the 6 weeks free cover.

[Sheryl]

I know people have had wonderful experiences with M&S but I found them rude and slow.  If Petplan will accept Kali this year then I will change over.

[hamfam]

Healthy Pets were excellent for Lucys 3 claims pity we cant say the same for the vets accountant who apparently claims that maths is not her strong point

[Colin]

I know people have had wonderful experiences with M&S but I found them rude and slow. 

I know how you feel Sheryl - everyone here seems to be singing the praises of Healthy Pets but my experience of them was the opposite - I found them a complete and utter nightmare to deal with. I only put in one claim and it wasn't for very much but they quibbled over every last penny. It took a year to sort out and even then they only coughed up because I chose to give in and settle for less than I was due, rather than having to endure the pain of dealing with them any longer. Seems I was the unlucky one but just reading their name still makes me seethe.    

[Cob-Web]

I know people have had wonderful experiences with M&S but I found them rude and slow. 

I know how you feel Sheryl - everyone here seems to be singing the praises of Healthy Pets but my experience of them was the opposite - I found them a complete and utter nightmare to deal with. I only put in one claim and it wasn't for very much but they quibbled over every last penny. It took a year to sort out and even then they only coughed up because I chose to give in and settle for less than I was due, rather than having to endure the pain of dealing with them any longer. Seems I was the unlucky one but just reading their name still makes me seethe.    

I don't think you are alone Colin - I have heard similar stories from people who have dogs and other animals insured through them 

[Joelf]

I know people have had wonderful experiences with M&S but I found them rude and slow. 

I know how you feel Sheryl - everyone here seems to be singing the praises of Healthy Pets but my experience of them was the opposite - I found them a complete and utter nightmare to deal with. I only put in one claim and it wasn't for very much but they quibbled over every last penny. It took a year to sort out and even then they only coughed up because I chose to give in and settle for less than I was due, rather than having to endure the pain of dealing with them any longer. Seems I was the unlucky one but just reading their name still makes me seethe.    

I've heard similar horror stories from E & L; I know several people who have insured with them & when it came to the crunch they managed to wriggle out of the insurance payout. Years ago I was with PetPlan - they were quite good but expensive; at the moment the dogs are with Direct Line; I've only claimed once for Domino when he was a small pup but they paid up without quibbling so I speak as I find!!

[speedyjaney]

We have 3 pets insured with M&S and almost all our claims have been settled quickly and in full 

Only exception is SaffiWestie's allergy's. It seems she was seen by a vet for chewing her paws before she was insured with them (before she was 1 yr old) and when we tried to claim for the allergy tests and vaccines etc they excluded all skin conditions......we should have insured her earlier (she was almost 3 when we decided to insure her 

Costs are growing with her allergy tests and she is having a vaccine specially formulated for her....she is allergic to almost all grasses and trees but especially birch and oak 

Janey

[ladylola]

We used m&s the first year, second year premiums went through the roof, we also found them very unhelpful and rude, even though we never made a claim. I am with the Halifax now, the underwriters are the same as m&s, that is axa and the cover is similar, never made a claim so don't know if I can reccomend them yet. will have to wait and see if they double the premiums when they become due.

[Cob-Web]

I am with the Halifax now, the underwriters are the same as m&s, that is axa and the cover is similar, never made a claim so don't know if I can reccomend them yet. will have to wait and see if they double the premiums when they become due.

I'm not sure I would call the Halifax policy similar to the M & S policy - it has a £50 excess, it only covers £1000/£6000 a year in fees compared with £7000 under M & S, Halifax excludes all dental treatment (unlike M & S) and M & S offers fantastic Accidental Damage cover for YOUR OWN property, whereas most of the others, including Halifax, specifically exclude damage to the property of householders 

[loujo]

I use M&S pet insurance for Alfie and they have been really good.  I can't remember the exact amount we pay each month but we pay an extra £1 a month to have no excess.  Robbie is with Petplan and since we have claimed we can't move him because that condition won't be covered if we try to claim again.

[Hel]

I don't insure.

Although I have spent over £1000 on vet fees this year so far for different dogs, insurance would not have been cost effective.

I view the costs over my life time, rather than an individual dog's life, as I will always have dogs.

[Cob-Web]

I don't insure.

Although I have spent over £1000 on vet fees this year so far for different dogs, insurance would not have been cost effective.

I view the costs over my life time, rather than an individual dog's life, as I will always have dogs.

For me, the vets fees are only one part of the cover I seek - third party liability cover is up to £2 million with the policy I have.....and although I hope to would never happen, I consider it the responsible thing to do, in the same way as having third party car insurance 

[Hel]

I don't insure.

Although I have spent over £1000 on vet fees this year so far for different dogs, insurance would not have been cost effective.

I view the costs over my life time, rather than an individual dog's life, as I will always have dogs.

For me, the vets fees are only one part of the cover I seek - third party liability cover is up to £2 million with the policy I have.....and although I hope to would never happen, I consider it the responsible thing to do, in the same way as having third party car insurance 

I have 3rd party cover as part of my house insurance. but -  the Dogs Trust gives 3rd party insurance when you join and pay a tennar

[Cob-Web]

the Dogs Trust gives 3rd party insurance when you join and pay a tennar

Really? how does that work then? Is it only for dogs adopted from DT ?