Pet Plan certainly aren't the cheapest pet insurer, but they are one of the best!
The main bonus that puts them ahead of the rest is their 'cover for life'. This means that each year, following the excess payment (mine is currently £45), the animal is covered for continuing illnesses. Many insurance companies only pay out for the same disease for one year only, or up to a certain amount. If your animal is diagnosed with a long term illness, this can mean disaster with these companies, as you will shortly find yourself paying the bills even though you thought your pet was insured.
Pet Plan insure cats, dogs, horses and rabbits (there may be more that I am not aware of). You get a discount if you insure 3 animals with them. Pedigree animals are more expensive to insure than crossbreeds and Pet Plan rarely refuse to pay out on claims, which are usually settled within a week. You have to pay the vets up front yourself and then claim the money back. You can pay Pet Plan yearly or monthly by direct debit. The price varies according to the type and size of the animal and the area you live in. Therefore a great dane in London will cost much more to insure than a Yorkie in Yorkshire. They do not pay for pregnancy, speying, grooming, cremation, dental work, or home visits.
As you can tell I have been very impressed with Pet Plan and all of my pets are insured with them. One of my Pekingese was diagnosed as having auto-immune disease and they have paid out nearly £1,000 so far. Due to their 'cover for life' I am ensured of continuing cover for the rest of his life.
UPDATE ------ I have just got my renewal for this year with a note saying that when my dog reaches 10 later this year, I will have to pay the excess (increased to £50) PLUS 35% of each claim. This makes the insurance a lot less cost effective. However, Pet Plan justify the charge as they say 60% of dogs over 10 years old make a claim. I shall be continuing.
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
Advantages: Cover for emergencies or illness which could be very expensive otherwise Disadvantages: Cover only limited to a certain amount and a certain time frame on my policy
Oct 8th, 2000
(Feb 5th, 2001)
very helpful by (94%):
helpful by (6%):
