Petcare vs' petplan

[Harley1]

Hey everyone
I am trying to decide between the two types of insurance. Can you lend me some advice on the pros and cons of both insurance??? I been reading a lot of posts in the last couple of days and trying to learn more on how to best care for Harley. Does one or both of them cover flea treatments like frontline, I thought I read that somewhere. I haven't came across a post that just talke about these two insurances so I thought I would give it a shot.....thanks........

[Moviedust]

There are numerous posts about these two insurance companies and the pros and cons. The key thing will be for you to read all the fine print on the policies and to ask questions of the company representatives before signing up.

Neither of these companies provide coverage for routine preventative care. They cover illnesses and accidents only. That means that you are still responsible for paying for flea and tick preventatives, all shots, neutering, and yearly exams. These expenses should be figured into your budget so that you can personally afford them on the long term.

What these companies DO cover are accidents and genetic diseases/disorders. Few dog insurance companies cover genetic problems, and with your pup's background that's the coverage that you will really need. You've been learning about the different genetic problems prevalent in the breed; with insurance, if your pup needs surgery on its knees, you'll be less concerned/stressed about finances.

It's important to be aware how these companies work. You will have to pay a deductible, and the amount of the deductible is dependent on the plan you choose. If your pup is sick for something that is covered by your insurance, you will have to pay the vet, and then you send in your claim to the insurance company. The company then sends you a reimbursement.

Good luck!

[*Pauline*]

All I know is Petplan is very expensive. Many insurance companies only insure a condition for the 1st year. After that you are on your own. You should look for a company who insures the lifetime of the condition. This means they will give you a certain amount (£7,000 in AXA's case) every year for as long as that condition lasts, be it a year or a lifetime. many companies say they will insure the pet for life but this doesn't mean anything.

If you are in the UK I recommend AXA. I told my friend about this as she insured her cat with Petplan for £30 a month she changed to AXA and it cost £12 a month The cat had never been ill before until a week after changing, AXA paid up in a few days even though you usually have to wait until the animal has been insured for 2 to 4 weeks before you are covered.

A quote from AXA

The AXA vet's fees policy cover is not time limited, and therefore we will continue to cover your pet even if it develops a long term condition, as long as you continue to pay the premiums.

I should get commission from them I have told so many people!!!!

[Jasperxxgabby]

hi
Jasper has petplan insurance he is coming up to 2 and a half now, I have not had to use it yet, I've always paid for his flea treatment and worm treatment, also he has had treatment twice for upset stomachs which I've paid because the cost didnt reach the excess of £65, if he had an illness or injury the maximum cost is £4,000 per illness/injury per year. He also has to have a dental per year and his jabs up to date. We are looking into having Gabby insured and have not decided to go with pet plan or axa.
Good luck.

[Brian M]

Hi
Just by coincidence looked at mine and had no claims this year, i picked Pet Pals same lifetime cover as Petplan but what decided me was in time of emergency and stress Pet Pals call centre was UK based whilst Petplan was over seas .
Paid as follows all with £80.00 excess
Poppy dob 04/07/06 £253.00
Daisy dob 09/01/07 £235.61
Rosie dob 19/07/08 £235.61

So about £72 per month (£723.00 per year ) for all three but is is lifetime cover

[Nancy]

check out this one too, it's from Canada and new to US. They only insure puppies and therefore , no such thing as preexisting condition, also covers hereditary problems. http://trupanion.com/
Sara's dog had patella surgery and they even covered the playpen she got to confine him and I think even the stroller to walk with him.

[*Pauline*]

So about £72 per month (£723.00 per year ) for all three but is is lifetime cover

Ah but is it lifetime of condition or lifetime of dog? Lifetime of dog just means as long as you pay, they will cover you but they may only cover the illness for one year.

By the way, AXA only have a £50 excess.

[cosmic81]

i thought petplan has competitive price.
i switched from VPI to Petplan.
the price difference is minimal.

[Brian M]

Hi
Petpals super cover allows £5000 per year per condition and it is for the life time of the pet ,therefore as Poppy is 2 and she if develops a problem then she would be covered every year for her lifetime ,so i think its identical to Petplan apart from my issue with call centres.

[Harley1]

Hi everbody
First off, I want to thank all of you for your responses. I am from the US though and it seems that most of these is from the UK. LOL Anyone from the US would be helpful. I read on one of them about paying $12 a month. Is there anything in the US that is that cheap? That would be great as money is tight right now. I would appreciate hearing from all of you. Thanks