Dog insurance

Author
Discussion

usn90

Original Poster:

1,640 posts

77 months

Saturday 22nd January 2022
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I have a 7 year old border collie, I’ve been thinking about taking out some insurance cover for any unexpected vet bills, now I’ve never had pet insurance before.

Im not specifically worried about paying for minor injuries, but more if he needs treatment for serious illness I.e cancer etc.

my friend had cover for £5000, although later found out that was for 5 separate claims, so £1000 per condition.

Any advice would be welcome

nute

756 posts

114 months

Saturday 22nd January 2022
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I found that insurance costs rose hugely for my dog once he turned 7 and went up steeply every year from then on. This was for insurance which gave a decent degree of cover. I didn’t bother but just kept the money knowing I will fund anything which is required.

Challo

10,838 posts

162 months

Saturday 22nd January 2022
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We use bought by many, lifetime cover and up to about £10k I think.

Byker28i

68,106 posts

224 months

Saturday 22nd January 2022
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Haven't got it for our 13 year old dog now as the one we were on took it from £60 a month to £220 a month when she turned 9.
Most pet insurance we looked at would increase cost over 9 years old.

Got Bought by Many for our puppy, £40.05 a month for the top premium, £15k cover etc.

moorx

3,931 posts

121 months

Saturday 22nd January 2022
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Our two whippets are/were (we lost one last year) with Pet Plan. They both have/had chronic illnesses which have been covered.

I've had a number of dogs, some insured, some not - the only company I've used other than Pet Plan was M&S, but they no longer do pet insurance. I'd personally only use Pet Plan, as I've had a good experience with them. They are not the cheapest, but.....

Make sure you get lifetime cover (Pet Plan call this 'Covered for Life' https://www.petplan.co.uk/pet-insurance/dog-insura... )

Bear in mind that the insurance company will want to see vet records, and will exclude any existing/previous medical conditions.

The other thing to consider - and it sounds harsh (but I speak as someone who has experience of cancer in several dogs and who put them through surgery, including limb amputation, to try to cure it) - cancer treatment for dogs is not straightforward. My parents and brother have also had dogs with cancer. We didn't have a positive outcome for any of those dogs, and I would probably make different decisions now. And before anyone suggests that the vets 'exploited' me because I had insurance - none of my dogs with cancer were insured; their treatment was paid for out of my pocket.

Best of luck smile