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View Andy's Profile · 25-01-2010, 02:25 PM

The answer is.
Well its down to the individual owner whether they think they need it or not.
I personally would highly recommend it, as we as dog owners have been on both sides of the fence.

We had a black lab a while ago who we had insured.
One day he wasn't very well at all so, off to the vets and they said it was just a stomach bug so we go home.
A few days later he is still ill so, back to the vets. They had a good feel round and, said there was a blockage in his bowels. so poor dog had to be taken in, after surgery and a days rest he was a lot better, while in surgery he had biopsies done.
It turns out he had irritable bowel syndrome and a pancreatic insufficiency, the surgery alone was nearly £2000 so with out insurance we wouldn't of been able to afford his surgery.
On the other side of the fence at new years our current lab was sick, and had to be rushed to the vets.
Her insurance had run out the day before, she was on the six weeks free. that was another bill for over £200.
Needless to say she is now insured withSainsburys pet insurance.
There are many pet insurance companies out there and most offer 2 types of policy.

The first type is the 12 month plan, where they will cover a condition up to a set amount over a period of 12 months.

The second type, which i went for is a lifetime cover. This will cover you up to a set amount no longer how long it takes you to get there.

If you are considering pet insurance here are a few links:
direct line.
more than.
pet plan.

Of course there are many more out there but we can't possibly list them all.

So what are your views, tell us any stories of pets you've had with or without insurance and whether you have your current pets insured and with who.

View sammie's Profile · 03-03-2010, 10:29 PM

In short it depends on how you will be able to deal with any circumstances that warrant a trip to the vets that can prove costly...If you are sure you have the money and you do not feel insurance is necessary, that is your choice...but for the majority of owners this isn't always viable, and i feel that it is my responsibility and my duty as a dog owner to protect my pet from the heartbreaking reality of any decisions that may terminate their care prematurely due to financial difficulties...I have therefore chosen to insure Trixie just incase anything untoward happens to her. Most insurance policies cover a decent amount but please take time to look through all of the policy and check what it doesn't cover, and how much the excess is. We have chosen to insure her for any condition for her entire lifetime not just for the first 12mths.

Shop around because most companies will want your custom and sometimes phoning them and telling them you have had cheaper quotes can make them try and bring back a better price!

kingkingston · 09-03-2010, 03:04 PM

Depends how much you love your pet lol

annehobson · (This post was last modified: 20-10-2010 03:38 PM by Andy.)

Hi. Just like to say my lab sadly had to be PTS last year.My pet Insurance was from Pet Plan and I can honestly say I don't know what I would have done without it.Pet Plan were really good and dispite my girl needing operations,stays in pet hospital numerous tests over the years,they never once queried anything and all my claims were met.She had severe HD and elbow problems so the bill each time for this was very big.I have to say, when I get my new puppy it will be Pet Plan for me.Some would consider they are too expensive but my thoughts are you get what you pay for .Had it not been for them I would not have been able to keep her for the 11 years

View Andy's Profile · 16-03-2010, 10:15 PM

Hi annehobson firstly welcome to the forum hope you enjoy your stay here.
Secondly sorry to hear about your girl having to be pts. sure she was a bundle of fun if you feel up to it maybe you, can post a tribute in rainbow bridge.

abarker · (This post was last modified: 20-10-2010 07:39 AM by Andy.)

Hi, Yes I insured Millie via Tesco for life up to £4800. Because of her allergy (which cannot be put to anything specific) we have so far spent via insurance £2000 . which we would not have been able to afford had it not been for insurance. Lets face it, they cannot tell you what is ailing them so a visit to the vet is a necessary trip and an expensive one.

View Andy's Profile · 18-05-2010, 08:55 AM

I can see Millie would be in terrible pain, without her insurance.
We have Trixie insured for £7500 with sainsburys as i said in my first post.

malida · 26-07-2010, 06:40 AM

Basically, If you dont have pet insurance, and your pet gets ill/knocked over/runs away, you wil have to pay the vet bill.

If you pay £5 a month, and your pet needs a £5000 operation- you dont have to pay, the insurance company does.

Its excellent. Do it

View Andy's Profile · 26-07-2010, 08:39 AM

In todays economy i think a lot of dogs would be pts with owners don't have insurance as it is the cheapest option.

LabradorLabby · (This post was last modified: 14-10-2010 06:10 PM by LabradorLabby.)

I think it depends on the budget you have. Some breeders/dog owners can afford this type of luxury, others cannot (like me). But I think as long as you take good care of your dog, feed him/her right, do basic exercise, then pet insurance is not necessary anymore.

Forgot to tell you this story. I had a neighbor who had two english bulldogs and was quoted some insane amount for insurance. He instead created a trust for the dogs and paid into that. If there was an emergency or a major surgery he had the money in the trust to pay it. When one of the bullies passed last year because of old age, he took the money and paid for an american bulldog companion for the other. and started another trust. This is an odd way of doing things but when your pet insurance is more then your car insurance it can be a little hard to swallow.