And, anyone who is thinking of changing to AXA (who used to underwrite M & S), there is a really big difference in the policies:
The M & S policy states that they will not pay "any claims that result from any illness that your pet should have been vaccinated against. For dogs, vaccinations should be for distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, parvovirus."
Compare that to the wording in the Axa policy:
You must comply with the following conditions to have the full protection of Your Policy. If You do not comply We may at Our option cancel the Policy or refuse to deal with Your claim or reduce the amount of any claim payment.
- You must ensure that Your Pet is vaccinated each year against distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis and parvovirus
They may look the very similar, but there are two key differences. One is that the entire AXA policy could be invalidated if you chose not to have your dogs vaccinated (even on veterinary advice). Secondly, my vet (like an increasing number nationally), follow a three yearly vaccination schedule.....which again, means that they would not be covered by the insurance, even though they have been vaccinated to the schedule that the vaccine is licensed for!