Someone explain pet insurance to me.
Just want something which covers the dog. All this "lifetime" cover versus "time limited" seems needlessly convoluted
From what I was reading the other day they aren't allowed to sell as "lifetime" cover, now? Due to several companies offering "lifetime" cover, and then pulling out of the market altogether.
AFAIK, most cover is now 12-month recurring. And once your pet has something that is likely to recurr (liver problem, for example), either your next renewal skyrockets or they flat-out refuse to re-cover, as a "pre-existing" condition.
According to the body that represents insurers, vet's bills have risen some 10-20% in the last few years (hence why some pullled out of the market).
It's becoming like US people healthcare. The vets know that most have insurance, or at least we've reached critical mass of those that do. They now feel free to push up prices as much as they like, knowing that insurers must pay out.
On the consumer end, premiums are going up every year. Many now choose to go without insurance. This also means that many, many pets are not getting the treatment they need, or are being put down.
Vets, on the other hand, are saying that "consumer demand" has led to things like MRI scans for pets, which cost >£1000 for a single scan (this is what vets will tell you is the cost to push the button... makes my 1950s washing machine look super energy efficient...)
P.S. My vet charges >£60 for a consutlation. No treatment, just a basic check-up.
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