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Originally Posted by sharger  I hope your dog is ok and getting better... It must be distressing 
Petplan works out for me anyway twice as much as More Than but I can't see any real added benefits? I'm not sure about approval side of things though, maybe Gibbsy will be along soon and give us some insight? |
Pet insurance is really complex. There are so many companies involved with varying rates and type of cover that you really have to look at the small print. We had five dogs together at one time and none were insured as pet insurance at the time was in it's infancy. However, one of our close friends was also our vet and were certainly allowed 'mates rates'. When she had children she left the profession and boy were we in for a shock.
With our two Field Spaniels they were insured with Saga and Marks and Spencer. Both gave excellent cover and at the time were the best for not a lot more. But both dogs became very ill, one with immune mediated thrombocytopenia and the younger one with severe epilepsy. Both companies were very supportive and paid out on every claim, one being £3,600.
Once you start claiming with a company then it is almost impossible to change to another as they will not cover that particular compaint. So your stuck. Premiums for both our Fields went up by over 500% which we had to keep on paying so that the dogs could continue with their treatment. Saga even covered the pet cremation costs and both refunded the original cost of purchasing the dogs as they were both under seven when they had to be put to sleep.
So something else to contemplate when picking your insurance. For this reason that is why I went with More Than as they, at the time, gave the best 'life' cover. Pet Plan is one of the very first companies and are promoted by the Kennel Club. When we bought Mali from her breeder she came with six weeks cover as the breeder was with the Kennel Club scheme. Pet Plan was more expensive for the same cover as we have with More Than. Unlike car or home insurance I have found it better to stick with one provider to have continuity of cover.
We have not had to claim against insurance for Mali and I hope that we will never have to, but I'll gladly part with £16.22 a month for a quality life cover that gives me piece of mind.
One tip I will give you is to telephone the various companies and barter with them on the phone. Worked for me and has worked every renewal since. Have fun with your puppy and please please do not take him out of the home or garden until he has had all his jabs, unless you want an early trip to the vet.